Urban Hiking | Garmont®

A type of slow tourism that is suited for everybody and that explores the hidden gems of our cities. What are we talking about? Urban hiking, a fast growing trend that has become so popular over the past few years that a National Urban Hiking Day was established, which falls on October 31.

Urban Hiking

What is Urban Hiking?

Urban hiking is a mix of sports, art, style and a desire to discover a city’s secret and hidden spots. Hiking becomes an exclusive and unique way to admire breathtaking views, palaces and outdoor artwork that would have gone unnoticed otherwise, while staying away from crowded places and popular tourist attractions.

Urban Hiking in Italy

What are the benefits of urban hiking?

Urban hiking offers everybody, from the little ones to adults, the opportunity to enjoy art and nature while getting some exercise. There are many benefits to urban hiking: on the one hand, aerobic exercise improves the cardiovascular system, reducing the risk of hypertension and osteoporosis, on the other hand, outdoor activities reduce stress and anxiety attacks. Hike duration varies from 1 to 4 hours and you can burn up to 1800 calories! Moreover, urban hiking is an all-year round activity, as long as you wear the right clothes and shoes in wet weather.

What are the italian cities with the best trails?

Here are a few urban hikes that you can go on to discover Italy’s cities of art.

Urban Hiking in Bologna - A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY OF VILLAS AND GARDENS 

A journey of discovery of the villas and gardens of Bologna. An urban hike that combines the beauty of the city’s tree-lined avenues with the fascination of a nearby hill that you walk to from downtown. Can’t miss attractions include: the scenic view from the 300 steps, Villa Spada, with its Italian-style garden, Villa delle Rose, with its lush greenery, and other amazing places nestled in the valleys of the River Ravone and Meloncello Creek. 

Duration: 2.5 hours  

Distance: 4 km

Urban Hiking in Bologna

Urban Hiking in Rome - APPIA ANTICA

There are many hikes that are worth doing in Rome, but certainly one of the most scenic is Appia Antica. Walking down this Ancient Roman road means setting out on a journey through time, going back 2000 years and immersing yourself in a unique setting from a historical, archeological and naturalistic standpoint.

Duration: 7 hours 

Distance: 15.8 km

Urban Hiking Appia Antica

Urban Hiking in Perugia - ART, HISTORY AND SCENERY 

This route unfolds through the city of Perugia, touching on art, history and scenery. Key attractions of this urban hike include the Belvedere di Porta Sole, the Temple of San Michele Arcangelo and the Church of San Francesco al Prato. Not to be forgotten are the Rocca Paolina fortress and the San Pietro monument complex, a treasure trove of artistic and cultural gems. 

Duration: 3 hours  

Distance: 4.5 km

Urban Hiking in Perugia

 

What shoes towear when urban hiking?

When you decide to go on an urban hike, especially if it is many kilometers long, make sure you’re wearing the right shoes. If you’re thinking that any city shoes will do, think again. The right urban hiking shoes should be comfortable, breathable and - on rainy days - waterproof, while providing support and cushioning and preventing painful injuries and sprains.

Here are some of our urban hiking styles:

 
Garmont 9.81 N AIR G 2.0 GTX

9.81 N AIR G 2.0 GTX®

Agile sport shoes. The ideal choice to explore the city at your own pace.

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Garrmont Dragontail

DRAGONTAIL

A companion for your daily adventures: agile, lightweight and versatile. Perfect for exploring the city, step by step.

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Garmont Tikal

TIKAL

Simple and minimalist. Ideal for exploring the city on the warmest days. 

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