Home › Trails › Europäischer Fernwanderweg E8, Nordrhein-Westfalen vs Via Alpina Purple A56

Europäischer Fernwanderweg E8, Nordrhein-Westfalen vs Via Alpina Purple A56

A side-by-side look at distance, elevation, difficulty and the best time to hike each — so you can pick the right route.

Europäischer Fernwanderweg E8, Nordrhein-Westfalen Via Alpina Purple A56
Distance 4,390 km 13 km
Elevation gain — 1,255 m
Typical duration — —
Difficulty — —
Route type Point-to-point Point-to-point
Network International International
Country Germany Germany
Best time to hike Best from March to April —
map Route & GPX map Route & GPX

Europäischer Fernwanderweg E8, Nordrhein-Westfalen vs Via Alpina Purple A56: which should you hike?

At 4,390 km, Europäischer Fernwanderweg E8, Nordrhein-Westfalen is the longer route — roughly 4,377 km more than Via Alpina Purple A56 (13 km). If you want the bigger challenge or a longer trip, that's the one; for a shorter or first multi-day hike, Via Alpina Purple A56 is the gentler pick. Check the elevation and best-season rows above, then open each route for the full guide and a free GPX download.