The North Sea to Schirmeck in the Vosges mountains
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.

Walk the northern section of the GR5 Trail, a classic long-distance route linking the North Sea to the Alps. This guidebook covers the 1000km (621-mile) stretch of the GR5 from Hoek van Holland to Schirmeck, taking you through the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and northeastern France. Passing through dunes, river valleys, forests, rolling hills, and historic towns, this low-level trek is ideal for long-distance walkers who want a sustained journey without steep mountain terrain.

The route is described north to south in 49 stages, each between 8 and 30km (5–19 miles), allowing walkers to plan daily distances to suit their pace and schedule. For added flexibility, the route is divided into five logical sections, with public transport options highlighted throughout, making it easy to walk the entire route or complete shorter sections as time allows.

• 49 stage-by-stage route descriptions of the GR5 from Hoek van Holland to Schirmeck, described north to south, allowing walkers to follow the trail through the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and northeastern France.
• Clear route guidance for every stage, supported by 1:100,000 mapping, to help you navigate confidently along waymarked paths, quiet countryside, forest tracks, and through towns and villages.
• Downloadable GPX files enable easy digital navigation on GPS devices or smartphone apps.
• Detailed information on accommodation, food, and facilities along the GR5, including towns, villages, and services, to support daily planning and resupply throughout this long-distance walk
• Practical advice on planning, preparation, and managing a long-distance trek, covering pacing, logistics, and considerations for walking across multiple countries
• Public transport options along the GR5, making it easy to break the route into shorter, more manageable sections or access the trail at multiple points along the way

Whether you’re tackling a single section of the GR5 or embarking on the full end-to-end trek, plan with confidence and enjoy one of Europe’s great long-distance walks, from the North Sea deep into the heart of continental Europe.