The world is full of stunning natural landscapes, with some truly strange and unforgettable hikes and walks. While many of us are familiar with iconic treks like the Inca Trail or the Appalachian Trail, plenty of lesser-known routes offer something a little more… unusual.
Whether it’s the landscape, the history, or the quirky rules attached to the walks, these hikes and walks will surely surprise and inspire even the most seasoned adventurers.
Weirdest Hikes and Walks You’ve Never Heard Of
1. The Crooked Forest Walk – Poland
Deep in the forests of West Pomerania, a grove of pine trees grows in an eerie, unnatural curve. Known as the Crooked Forest (Krzywy Las), these bizarrely bent trees have puzzled scientists for years. Walking through this area is more like stepping into a surreal art installation than exploring a typical woodland trail. The hike is short and easy, but the visuals are unlike anything else on Earth.
2. The Beer Bottle Path – Czech Republic
In the small town of Velké Popovice, the “Beer Bottle Path” is a charming and peculiar trail that mixes nature with the Czech Republic’s favourite pastime: beer. This walk connects local breweries and beer gardens, with quirky bottle-themed signs pointing the way. It’s more of a tipsy ramble than a challenging hike, but it’s perfect for those who prefer their trails with a side of lager.
3. The Goat’s Trail – Norway
This steep, almost vertical path in Norway’s Romsdalen Valley is so challenging and narrow that it was initially only used by goats. Aptly named the Goat’s Trail (Geitfjellet), it now attracts daring hikers with its jaw-dropping views and adrenaline-pumping drops. Not for the faint of heart or unsteady foot, this hike rewards the brave with one of Norway’s most incredible panoramas.
4. The Moonwalk in Ladakh – India
Ladakh’s stark and dusty landscapes already resemble a lunar surface, but the locals have gone a step further. The so-called Moonwalk is a short trail through the Lamayuru region that has earned its nickname for its uncanny resemblance to the moon’s surface. The terrain is powdery, cratered, and strangely peaceful — perfect for a hike that feels genuinely out of this world.
5. The Coffin Path – England
The Coffin Path is steeped in eerie history in the scenic Lake District. For centuries, this stone-lined trail was used to carry the dead from remote villages to the nearest consecrated ground for burial. Today, it’s a peaceful hike that winds through beautiful countryside, but knowing its backstory adds an atmospheric chill. Ghost stories abound, so it’s best hiked with company… just in case.
6. The Ice Age Trail – USA
While it sounds like something out of a prehistoric movie, the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin is a National Scenic Trail that follows the edge of the last continental glacier in North America. What makes it weird? The path winds through unique glacial features like kettles, moraines, and eskers — words that sound like they belong in a fantasy novel. It’s a geological journey that will leave you with a new appreciation for ice.
7. Walking for a Cause: Charity Walks with a Twist
Not all unusual walks are about geography — some are about purpose. Charity walks can take you on unique routes for an even greater cause. One particularly uplifting and scenic series of walks can be found through charity walks organised by Macmillan Cancer Support. Known as “Mighty Hikes,” these events take participants through some of the UK’s most beautiful and unexpected landscapes — from the Jurassic Coast’s undulating coastline to the River Thames’ peaceful banks. They’re more than a hike; they’re a powerful way to support those affected by cancer, and every step counts toward a greater good.
8. The Underwater Trail – France
Yes, you read that right. An underwater trail designed for snorkelers and swimmers is off the coast of the Îles d’Hyères in southern France. Marked with floating signs and underwater info boards, this aquatic “hike” takes you past marine flora and fauna in a unique twist on traditional walking. While you’ll need fins instead of hiking boots, it’s a walk you’ll never forget.
9. The Lava Walk – Iceland
Iceland is full of natural oddities, but walking across freshly cooled lava fields near the site of recent eruptions in the Reykjanes Peninsula is something else entirely. These fields crackle underfoot, steam still escapes in places, and you can feel the Earth’s raw power beneath you. It’s a stark, otherworldly landscape constantly changing, so every walk is slightly different.
If you love to combine adventure with stories to tell, these wonderful but at the same time weird hikes and walks might just be your next travel inspiration. Whether it’s ghostly routes in the UK, beer-filled rambles in Eastern Europe, or undersea explorations in France, there’s a trail that breaks all the rules — and makes the journey unforgettable.
Which of these weirdest hikes and walks would you be most curious to try?
*Disclosure: Collaborative Post
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