Hiking Amber Trail
Our Amber Trail tours take you through three countries of Central Europe, no matter if you begin in Vienna or Budapest. Follow the steps of the historic amber trade routes meeting in the former capital of Poland, the royal city of Cracow. This rewarding route will show you the beauty of UNESCO protected World Heritage sites as well as calm, yet rewarding trails in deep forests, up and down the scenic hills and cool valleys. As not all the Amber Trail sections are easy or nice to walk, you will get some car transfers along the way.
We offer the Amber Trail tours in the following two versions:
Hungary - Slovakia - Poland
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Distance: 112 km / 70 miles
Daily avg.: 14 km / 9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
This is our most challenging hiking tour in terms of elevation change, however the climbs are really worth the breathtaking views. This Amber Trail option includes some warm up and chill out walks, yet the Low Tatras hikes count for a real flagship of hiking in Slovakia with permanent panoramatic views of spectacular landscape. Reach the highest peak of the Low Tatras, Mt. Dumbier (2043 m). Read more...
Austria - Czech Republic - Poland
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Distance: 98 km / 61 miles
Daily avg.: 14 km / 9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
An easier way how to transfer amber (and yourself) along the ancient amber route follows the Greenway Vienna - Moravia - Krakow. From easy walks in the Europe's largest designed landscape, or cool gorges of Moravian Karst to rewarding hikes up the peaceful forests of Beskydy Mountains, you will see how the natural beauties are perfectly matched with outstanding historical and architectural gems. Read more...
The ancient Amber Trail led from the beaches of the Baltic Sea south to the Adriatic. Through history the exquisite brown fossil resin has been traded along this route. People still buy and sell amber; you might find a piece you like at one of the shops or markets on your journey. You will also meet some of the people who live along the ancient route and learn about their lives, their cultural heritage and their effort to preserve it.
The trail takes you both through the historic towns and the unspoiled countryside with typical highland villages. When it comes for the effort expended in conquering the more difficult route sections, it is more than compensated for by the panoramic views. The little villages might be lost in time; the hospitality of the local people, herds of sheep and cattle and traditional crafts, all this is part of the unforgettable experience of this trail, so far relatively undiscovered by outsiders. You can see little wooden churches built without a single nail, as well as majestic stone castles. You will truly appreciate the system of marked trails. The high point of the Polish side is Cracow itself, a wonderful historic, lively, pulsing city known among other things for the amber market at the Sukienice (Cloth Hall), reaffirming the meaning and existence of the Amber Trail as a link between North and South, a trade route that offers such riches as to become a destination in itself.
"In August and September, 2001, my wife and I took the Amber Trail from Budapest to Cracow through the low Tatra mountains of Slovakia. We experienced beautiful scenery while going up narrow forest valleys to mountain plateaus with splendid vistas, some challenging long ascents followed by exciting downhill rolls, pleasant overnight stays at small inns in historic mining towns, and interesting encounters with the local people. At each end, there were the fascinating cities of Budapest and Cracow. It was one of our greatest trips."
(Oliver and Meredith S., USA)
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