GR 5 - Mer du Nord - Méditerranée

The GR® 5 is one of those almost mythical long-distance trails that cross Europe, spanning 2,600 km from Rotterdam to Nice. It passes through the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland and France, crossing renowned mountain ranges: the Ardennes, the Mullerthal, the Vosges, the Jura and the Alps. 

The route described in this topo guide takes hikers through a wealth of diverse landscapes and sites, covering 336 km.

From the Hesbaye plateau and the Pays de Herve to the Moselle hillsides, the GR® 5 explores the Fagnes, the Ardennes and the Mullerthal, through fascinating valleys — sometimes wild, sometimes tamed — carved by the Canal Albert and the Meuse, the Geer, the Vesdre, the Amblève, the Salm, the Our, the Sûre and the Moselle.

It passes through major European heritage sites, such as: the medieval castles of Burg Reuland, Vianden and Beaufort; the monasteries of Stavelot and Echternach; the spa town of Spa, renowned since the 17th century; Grevenmacher and Remich, set among the vineyards... But also charming villages such as Olne, one of the Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia, or Girsterklaus with its exceptional atmosphere lent by Luxembourg's oldest pilgrimage. And Schengen, where European history was made.

The route takes walking enthusiasts through an environment with extraordinary geological potential within a territory carved by three rivers of undeniable appeal:

In French-speaking Belgium, it was in 1959 that the first trail markers were painted starting from Liège to create the Walloon section of the GR® 5. 

The GR 5 through Wallonia and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is suitable for all hikers and requires no extraordinary means. In many places, however, the elevation gain can be demanding and a few sections, though rare, are challenging.

• Cities along the route: Kanne – Visé – Spa – Stavelot – Vielsalm – Ouren – Vianden – Gilsdorf – Echternach – Wasserbillig – Grevenmacher – Remich – Schengen
• As with all guidebooks published by the non-profit organisation "Sentiers de Grande Randonnée", the route description is accompanied by numerous cultural notes and tourist information. Several QR codes allow readers to explore the topics covered in greater depth.
• The GR® 5 crosses or shares sections with other GR® routes: E2 ; GRP 563 ; GTPBVW ; GR 57 ; GR 412 ; GRP 573 ; GRP 574 ; GRP 575 ; GR 15 ; SMA ; SAT, GR 14 ; GR 56 ; E3.