The HIKE project, funded by the EU under the Erasmus+ program, is designed to encourage healthier lifestyles through hiking along European cultural and historical trails. Launched on 1 April 2024 and spanning 18 months, this initiative merges physical activity with cultural discovery, aiming to enrich understanding of shared heritage and cultivate a community of hiking enthusiasts.

The three partners —Cultural Routes Society (CRS), European Association of the Via Francigena Ways (EAVF), and Paths of Greece (POG)— organised a series of 3-days long distance hikes, workshops and capacity building events, following stretches of the Via Francigena in Italy, Via Egnatia in Greece and the Tolerance way in Türkiye. From September to November 2024, participants had the opportunity to enjoy activities, such as yoga-classes, kayaking and thermal bath visits. These animations were developed in collaboration with 16 local stakeholders, including municipalities, universities, and sports clubs with the participation of bloggers and influencers.

Health and well-being data of participants was monitored before and after walking events to show the physical and psychological benefits observed across different target groups. With a total of 500 people participating in the HIKE events, the project brought new publics to the Cultural Routes, celebrating healthy habits and active lifestyles through hiking. Focusing on inclusivity, the project engaged diverse groups, such as children, seniors, tourists, sports enthusiasts and local communities, with all levels of walking experience.

Activities were in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG n.3 by raising awareness of healthy habits and well-being and engaging the public of all ages in outdoor events. In the long run, HIKE aims to spread its impact across Europe by applying successful strategies to other Cultural Routes, fostering public-private partnerships and promoting cultural tourism.