GR5

Description

    5
  1. Name GR5 (GR5)
  2. Length of trail 2,600 km, 1,616 miles
  3. Length in days 130 days
  4. Start of trail Bergen op Zoom (Nl)
  5. End of trail Nice (F)
  6. Traildino grading MW, Moderate walk, backpacking trail
  7. Hut tour grading T1, Walk

GR5, Réfuge la Balme, Mont Blanc

Northsea - Riviera, three months

The GR5 is one of the most popular long distance hikes in Europe. And with reasons: the trail connects the North Sea with the Mediterranean and crosses some of the best and most varied mountain ranges of the continent. If you want, you can continue the GR5 north into Great Brittain: the E2.

Along this trail, friendships were coined and hiking clubs were born... Not surprisingly, a lot of information can be found on the world wide web.

The trail starts in the Netherlands, Bergen op Zoom. Soon the path enters Flanders and its sandy grounds and typical villages. The GR5 again enters the Netherlands, the old and interesting city of Maastricht. Next is the Ardennes region of Belgium, the romantic and forested hills with its grey houses and farms. Third country is Luxembourg. The path follows the border with Germany, along the meandering river Moselle and its castles.

In France the GR5 explores the Vosges, then the Jura, sometimes crossing the border with Switzerland, and finally, after crossing the lake of Geneva by ferry, it follows the length of the Alps. Highlight here is the Mont Blanc. But also the Vanoise, Écrins, Queyras and Mercantour. The trail ends in Nice, good place for a refreshing bath and good meal before returning home.

Many hikers made a life experience of this hike, often returning year after year to tag another section on the record. Nowadays the pilgrimage to Saint James of Compostela is probably more popular, highlighting the spiritual needs people probably have.

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Select some tracks
☐▽GR 5, 1.5km
☐▽GR 5 Nederland
☐.GR 5 NL - 1 - Hoek van Holland-Maassluis Oranjeplassen, 15km
☐.GR 5 NL - 2 - Maassluis Oranjeplassen-Brielle, 19km
☐.GR 5 NL - 3 - Brielle-Rockanje, 21km
☐.GR 5 NL - 4 - Rockanje-Goedereede, 14km
☐.GR 5 NL - 5 - Goedereede-Herkingen, 18km
☐.GR 5 NL - 6 - Herkingen-Nieuw Vossemeer, 24km
☐.GR 5 NL - 7 - Nieuw Vossemeer-Bergen op Zoom, 24km
☐.GR 5 NL - 8 - Bergen op Zoom-België, 8.8km
☐.GR 5 Belgie, Vlaanderen, 236km
☐.GR 5 Belgique, Wallonie, 147km
☐.GR 5 Luxembourg, 178km
☐.GR 5 Lorraine, 291km
☐.GR 5 Vosges, 289km
☐.GR 5 Jura, 301km
☐.GR 5 Alpes Côte d'Azur, 627km
☐rond omheining Kalmthoutse Heide, 3km
☐Liaison GR5 Thionville-Bellevue, 8.1km
☐GR5 variant door Hasselt, 14km
☐GR5 Variant Demerbroeken, 5.1km
☐GR 5 liaison Fraipont-Mery, 5.7km
☐GR Liaison GR 5-573-576, 3.8km
☐▽GR 5 Variante Genk-Centrum, 8km
☐Former GR5, 4.2km
☐GR 5 - Variante Kastelberg, 8.3km
☐GR5 Variante Belfort, 9.9km
☐GR5 Variante, 19km
☐GR5 oud, 111km
☐GR 5 Variante Morteau, 41km
☐GR5-Var, 2.8km
☐GR 57 - Liaison Parc de la Boverie - GR 5 à Barchon - Ed 8 - Août 2017, 14km
☐GR 5 Variante La Plantaz, 2.2km
☐Floris V-pad-GR5 - Verbinding, 0.7km
☐Grubria Anello GR5 Varedo Paderno Nova Desio, 18km
☐GR 5 Alpes Côte d'Azur Variant Canal des Chapelles, 2.3km
☐GR 5 - Variante Belfort, 29km
☐Streek-GR Kempen - Verbinding GR5-SGR Kempen, 3.4km
☐Floris V-pad-GR 5 - Verbinding, 0.7km

Opinions

Rate 7.8 | 8 votes | No 29. in France
  • dirkpieter July 1997
  • Rate 8
  • Positive 98 days pure walking with my best friend gerard was of my best experiences!! This 8 is because of a 9 in the french alps, an 8 in the vosges and ardennen in belgium abd a 7 in luxembourg, pays lorraine and parts if the netherlands It is special because you walk to the sea and walk through beautiful national parks!!
  • Kukko June 2013
  • Rate 9
  • Positive Highly recommended! GR5 is most excellent Alpine crossing, from Lake Geneve to Nice and great especially for campers. All the pros and cons, detailed daily information, free camping guide and the eBook: Alone Through the Alps, can be found from my blog at: https://longdistancetrail.wordpress.com/trails/2013-gr5-the-grand-traverse-of-the-alps/
  • Negative Only minor things bothered me, like the language barrier (French). Time to times I would have liked to meet more like-minded long-distance hikers.
  • Ronny April 2015
  • Rate 7
  • Positive Mooie bosrijke wandeling met als orgelpunt de Kalmthoutse heide.
  • pc22
  • Rate 8
  • Positive Very enjoyable mixture of landscapes.... also a very long walk ...which i tackled in two goes / sections
More opinions…

Map

Hiking map Belgium GR5 N

Hiking map Belgium GR5 S

Map of GR5 North

Map of GR5 South

Hike Reports

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Books

The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2018
  • Also available from:
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2018
  • Wandelgids The GR5 Trail Benelux and Lorraine | Cicerone
  • Guidebook to walking the northern section of the GR5 - 1000km starting in Hoek van Holland and passing through the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Lorraine to Schirmeck in France. A long-distance route covering a variety of cultures and landscapes. The full GR5 from the North Sea to the Mediterranean is one of the world's greatest trails. Read more
» Click to close
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2017
Stanfords
United Kingdom
2019
  • La Traversée des Alpes de la Maurienne a l`Ubaye GR5/GR56
  • 9 days from Modane to Larche by the GR5, as much for the tour of Ubaye.Grande Traversée des Alpes: de la Maurienne a l`Ubaye, FFRP topoguide Ref. No. 531, covering the third stage of the GR5 in the French Alps from Modane to Larche, plus the Tour de l`Ubaye at its southern end, in all 272km for hiking routes. Current edition of this title was... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2019
» Click to close
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2021
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2016
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Netherlands
  • Bol.com, Belgium
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
Bol.com
Netherlands
2016
  • The GR5 trail
  • The GR5 is one of the world's most spectacular long-distance trails. This guide describes the route from the shores of Lac L man (lake Geneva) over the Alps and down to the trail's finish at Nice. Interesting variant routes include the stunning GR55 through the Vanoise National Park and the GR52, which crosses the Mercantour National Park to... Read more
Bol.com
Belgium
2016
  • The GR5 trail
  • The GR5 is one of the world's most spectacular long-distance trails. This guide describes the route from the shores of Lac L man (lake Geneva) over the Alps and down to the trail's finish at Nice. Interesting variant routes include the stunning GR55 through the Vanoise National Park and the GR52, which crosses the Mercantour National Park to... Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2016
  • Wandelgids The GR5 Trail - The Alps | Cicerone
  • An essential guidebook for walking the GR5 trail, 660km from Lac Leman (Lake Geneva) to Nice or Menton, through the French Alps. Includes all the main variant routes as it passes Mont Blanc, then through the Vanoise, the Queyras and the Mercantour National Parks. Includes accommodation, profiles and maps. Suitable for fairly experienced hikers. Read more
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Stanfords
United Kingdom
2019
  • La Grande Traversee du Jura GR5/GR9/GTJ
  • La Grande Travesée du Jura, FFRP topoguide Ref. no. 512, covering the GTJ along the Jura Mountains in France from Nommay to Culoz, plus several variants off the main route including parts of the GR5 and GR9 – in all 509kms of hiking trails. Current edition of this title was published in March 2017.The GR509 offers hikers a path punctuated by... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2019
» Click to close
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2021
Stanfords
United Kingdom
2014
  • GR59/GR9/GRP: Tours et Traversées de l`Ain FFRP Topo-guide No. 901
  • Tours et Traversées de l`Ain, FFRP topoguide, Ref. No. 901, covering in all 949km of hiking trails in the French Jura between Lons-le-Saunier and the confluence of the Ain and the Rhône, including sections of GR 5, 9 and 9A. Current edition of this title was published in June 2014.ABOUT THE FFRP (Fédération française de la randonnée pédestre)... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
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De Zwerver
Netherlands
2014
  • Wandelgids 901 Tours et traversées dans l'Ain GR9, GR9A, GR59 | FFRP
  • Guide FFRandonnée Tours et Traversée dans l'ain. GR 59, 9, 9A. Etangs de la Dombes, monts et cluses du Revermont ou bocages de la Bresse. Plus de 50 jours de randonnée.Depuis les Monts du Jura, du Revermont ou du Bugey, ces itinéraires en boucle ou en ligne offrent aux randonneurs des vues imprenables. voici à l'est le Mont Blanc et les... Read more
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Stanfords
United Kingdom
2020
  • Le Mercantour - Vallee des Merveilles GR5/GR52/52A
  • Le Mercantour: Larche – Nice/Menton, Vallée des Merveilles, FFRP topoguide Ref. No. 507, covering 450km of long-distance routes: the last section of the GR5 in the French Alps from Larche to Nice, an alternative variant off GR5 along the GR52 leading via the Vallée des Merveilles to Menton, plus GR52A – Panoramique du Mecantour from Col du... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2020
» Click to close
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2021
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2021
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2017
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Netherlands
  • Bol.com, Belgium
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
Bol.com
Netherlands
2017
  • The GR5 trail - Vosges and Jura
  • The tranquil Vosges and Jura enjoy rolling hills with far-reaching views, ruined castles, enchanting wine-making villages, forests and spectacular gorges. The GR5/GR53 provides an interesting waymarked route, starting on the GR53 from the quiet hills of the Northern Vosges, and continuing through Alsace, then the Doubs Gorge, up onto the Jura... Read more
Bol.com
Belgium
2017
  • The GR5 trail - Vosges and Jura
  • The tranquil Vosges and Jura enjoy rolling hills with far-reaching views, ruined castles, enchanting wine-making villages, forests and spectacular gorges. The GR5/GR53 provides an interesting waymarked route, starting on the GR53 from the quiet hills of the Northern Vosges, and continuing through Alsace, then the Doubs Gorge, up onto the Jura... Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2017
  • Wandelgids The GR5 Trail Vosges and Jura | Cicerone
  • Guidebook to a 687km (427 mile) trek through eastern France, traversing the Vosges and the Haut-Jura plateau. The route follows the GR53 from Wissembourg to Schirmeck, before picking up the central section of the GR5 from Schirmeck to Nyon on Lake Geneva, taking in wooded and grassy hills, river gorges and fascinating castle ruins. Read more
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Stanfords
United Kingdom
2020
  • La Traversee der Alpes La Vanoise - PN de la Vanoise GR5/GR55
  • 15 days in altitude from the Tarentaise to Modane, heart of the Maurienne. Description also of Via Alpina.La Vanoise (including Parc National de la Vanoise), FFRP topoguide Ref. no. 530, covering the second section of the GR5 in the French Alps between Landry and Modane, its lower variant on the GR5E along the river Arc, plus the traverse of... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2020
» Click to close
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2021
Bol.com
Netherlands
  • Vuoristovaellus Chamonix'sta Nizzaan
  • Kirjassa kuvataan kesalla 2014 tehtya vaellusta Chamonix'sta Nizzaan. Kyseessa on Ranskan Alppien yli kulkeva kuuluisa GR5-reitti, jolla on pituutta useita satoja kilometreja. Talla reissulla siihen kaytettiin kolmisen viikkoa. Kirjassa kuvataan matkan varrella eteen tulevia tilanteita seka reitilla tavattujen ympari maailmaa tulleiden... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
» Click to open
Bol.com
Belgium
  • Vuoristovaellus Chamonix'sta Nizzaan
  • Kirjassa kuvataan kesalla 2014 tehtya vaellusta Chamonix'sta Nizzaan. Kyseessa on Ranskan Alppien yli kulkeva kuuluisa GR5-reitti, jolla on pituutta useita satoja kilometreja. Talla reissulla siihen kaytettiin kolmisen viikkoa. Kirjassa kuvataan matkan varrella eteen tulevia tilanteita seka reitilla tavattujen ympari maailmaa tulleiden... Read more
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More books…

Maps

The Book Depository
United Kingdom
  • Also available from:
  • Stanfords, United Kingdom
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Alsace - Mulhouse - Basel - Altkirch K+F Outdoor Map 2
  • The southern part of Alsace around Mulhouse and Guebwiller on a GPS compatible, double-sided map at 1:50,000 from Kümmerly+Frey printed on sturdy, waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic paper; contoured, with hiking and cycling routes, sites for other recreational activities, various accommodation options, restaurants and ferme-auberge... Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
» Click to close
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
  • Alsace - Colmar - Selestat 2013
  • The central part of Alsace around Colmar and Sélestat on a GPS compatible, double-sided map at 1:50,000 from Kümmerly+Frey printed on sturdy, waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic paper; contoured, with hiking and cycling routes, sites for other recreational activities, various accommodation options, restaurants and ferme-auberge locations,... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Stanfords, United Kingdom
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Alsace - Colmar - Sélestat - Freiburg im Breisgau - Lahr K+F Outdoor Map 5
  • The central part of Alsace around Colmar and Sélestat on a GPS compatible, double-sided map at 1:50,000 from Kümmerly+Frey printed on sturdy, waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic paper; contoured, with hiking and cycling routes, sites for other recreational activities, various accommodation options, restaurants and ferme-auberge locations,... Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
» Click to close
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
  • Also available from:
  • Stanfords, United Kingdom
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Alsace - Strasbourg - Saverne - Barr - Offenburg K+F Outdoor Map 7
  • The central part of Alsace around Strasbourg and Saverne on a GPS compatible, double-sided map at 1:50,000 from Kümmerly+Frey printed on sturdy, waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic paper; contoured, with hiking and cycling routes, sites for other recreational activities, various accommodation options, restaurants and ferme-auberge... Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
» Click to close
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
  • Also available from:
  • Stanfords, United Kingdom
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Nice - Menton - PN du Mercantour IGN TOP100 165
  • Discover the new double-sided laminated edition of TOP100 road maps of France from the Institut Géographique National (IGN); exceptionally detailed, contoured road maps which include the cycle paths and greenways of the AF3V (French Association for the Development of Cycle Paths and Greenways), ideal for exploring the French countryside by car,... Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
» Click to close
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Luxembourg North
  • One of two topographic survey maps of Luxembourg at 1:50,000, with contours at 10-metres intervals and additional relief shading. An overprint highlights long-distance footpaths, including the GR5 (E-2), cycle routes, and various places of interest, including campsites. The map covers an area of approximately 53 x 43 km / 33 x 27 miles. Map... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Luxembourg South
  • One of two topographic survey maps of Luxembourg at 1:50,000, with contours at 10-metres intervals and additional relief shading. An overprint highlights long-distance footpaths, including the GR5 (E-2), cycle routes, and various places of interest, including campsites. The map covers an area of approximately 53 x 43 km / 33 x 27 miles. Map... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Vanoise National Park - Beaufortain Didier Richard 04
  • Vanoise National Park and the Beaufortain Massif in the French Alps at 1:60,000 on a contoured and GPS compatible map from Didier Richard with a base derived from IGN’s topographic survey, highlighting both local hiking routes and the GR network of long-distance paths, gîtes and mountain refuges, interesting natural and cultural sites, etc. The... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
De Zwerver
Netherlands
» Click to close
De Zwerver
Netherlands
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Autour du Thabor: Modane - Bardonecchia - Briançon
  • Mont Thabor area at 1:50,000 on a contoured and GPS compatible map from Editions Didier Richard in their series of walking maps of French Alps and other popular hiking regions of south-eastern France. Coverage extends from Modane in the north to Briançon in the south-east, and west to Valloire.The base map with cartography from the IGN has... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
De Zwerver
Netherlands
  • Wandelkaart 16 Autour du Thabor | Libris
  • Mont Thabor area at 1:50,000 on a contoured and GPS compatible map from Editions Didier Richard in their series of walking maps of French Alps and other popular hiking regions of south-eastern France. Coverage extends from Modane in the north to Brian Read more
» Click to close
De Zwerver
Netherlands
De Zwerver
Netherlands
De Zwerver
Netherlands
De Zwerver
Netherlands
De Zwerver
Netherlands
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Mercantour & Alpi-Marittime Didier Richard 07
  • Mercantour National Park and the Maritime Alps on a large, double-sided, contoured and GPS compatible map from Editions Didier Richard highlighting local walking trails and long-distance hiking routes including the GR5. Coverage extends from well north of Col de Larch to Sospel, Levens and Roquestéron in the mountains north of the French... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
De Zwerver
Netherlands
  • Wandelkaart 07 Mercantour & Alpi-Maritieme | Libris
  • Mercantour National Park and the Maritime Alps on a large, double-sided, contoured and GPS compatible map from Editions Didier Richard highlighting local walking trails and long-distance hiking routes including the GR5. Coverage extends from well north of Col de Larch to Sospel, Levens and Roquestéron in the mountains north of the French... Read more
» Click to close
More maps…

Walking holidays

Snp Wandelreizen
Netherlands
  • Frankrijk - Savoie
  • De GR5 is de roemruchte, meer dan 2000 km lange wandelroute van Hoek-van-Holland naar Nice. SNP gaat de komende jaren het spectaculairste stuk GR5 van het Meer van Genève door de ruige Franse Alpen naar Nice aanbieden in 4 etappes. Etappe 2 loopt van de Mont-Blanc door de Beaufortain en de Vanoise naar Modane. Je overnacht enkele malen in een... Read more
Snp Wandelreizen
Netherlands
  • Frankrijk - Haute Savoie
  • Volg de Tour du Mont Blanc door Frankrijk, Italië en Zwitserland en pik van elke cultuur wat mee. Het uitzicht is steeds indrukwekkend en tijdens deze trektocht op grote hoogte loop je over goede paden door ruig terrein, vaak dicht onderlangs de vele gletsjers van het massief. Aan de Italiaanse kant kom je door het sfeervolle centrum van... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Snp Wandelreizen, Netherlands
» Click to open
Snp Wandelreizen
Netherlands
  • Frankrijk - Haute Savoie
  • De GR5 is de roemruchte, meer dan 2000 km lange wandelroute van Hoek-van-Holland naar Nice. SNP gaat de komende jaren het spectaculairste stuk GR5 van het Meer van Genève door de ruige Franse Alpen naar Nice aanbieden in 4 etappes. Etappe 1 loopt van Evian-les-Bains naar de Mont-Blanc. Je overnacht om en om in een sfeervol berghotelletje en een... Read more
» Click to close
Snp Wandelreizen
Netherlands
  • Frankrijk - Vogezen
  • Niet al te ver van huis kan je een korte, pittige trektocht maken door de hoogste regionen van de Vogezen. Tussen de klingelende koeien en almboerderijen waan je je soms in de Alpen. Dit gebied is bekend om de Ballons, de kale, ronde bergtoppen, en de Chaumes, de hoge bergweides. Eerst wandel je vanuit de Elzas over beboste hellingen en langs... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Snp Wandelreizen, Netherlands
» Click to open
Snp Wandelreizen
Netherlands
  • Frankrijk - Vogezen
  • Verblijf bij een familiepension met Nederlandse eigenaren. Er is zo veel te doen op het grote terrein dat de kinderen niet meer weg willen. Er zijn altijd speelkameraadjes en daarnaast ook nog het zwembad, de ezels, de pony's...... Heerlijk verzorgd met ontbijt en avondeten. Er zijn tal van wandelingen te maken door de bossen en langs de vele... Read more
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More walking holidays…

Forum

  3. Cancel
  • bbmoro 2016-04-17 18:52:41
  • description GR5
  • hello! Where can I find the descriptive of the netherlands GR5 section ,please ?
    Thanks
    • Traildino 2016-04-17 21:28:26
    • It's called Deltapad, or Nederlands Kustpad. http://www.traildino.com/trace/continents-Europe/countries-Netherlands/trails-Deltapad. The GR5 uses the northern and eastern parts of this path.
Cancel
  • Thomas B 2013-05-31 11:00:32
  • RUNNING the GR5
  • Hello everyone,

    My name is Thomas and i'm planning to run from Brussels to Nice.

    I'm new to traildino and was wondering if these trails were " runable".

    What do you say ?
    • Henk Nouws 2013-06-03 12:37:17
    • Well, it depends on you. The path is not hard covered most of the time. And in some places it will be too steep for running. Best is to compare the GR5 with any other hiking trail you know of that is used for running challenges. Some people manage to run everywhere in every terrain!!
Cancel
  • patacon 2012-11-29 01:15:39
  • the other way around
  • I want to hike the GR5 but I want to start in feburary. So I think it is smarter to walk the trail the other way around because of the temperatures. Does anybody knows if the trail is marked in both direction?
    Thanks for answers :)
    • Henk Nouws 2012-11-30 15:37:07
    • Yes, the path is marked in both directions.
      But if you start in Nice in February, you will soon run into problems because of the snow. Even when you start in May, you should be prepared for snow in the higher parts of the Alps.
      On the other side, starting south and walking north is generally a good idea if you like to make pictures, because you will have the sun in your back.
    • bbmoro 2016-04-17 18:54:00
    • Hello! Do you have the GR5 netherlands section?
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More questions…