Via Francigena in Italy
~44 days · 634.4 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Via Francigena in Italy is known for
The official 45-stage Via Francigena itinerary crosses Italy from the Great St Bernard Pass to Rome. The European Association of the Via Francigena ways publishes 1017.492 km for these stages; this OSM-only main-line geometry measures 1021.032 km. Stage-stop camp markers are planning divisions, not campsite assertions; variants and the continuation south of Rome are excluded.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 161 ft to 26,791 ft over 634.4 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 61.1 mi · 10%
- Downhill 88.2 mi · 14%
- Flat 484.9 mi · 76%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Via Francigena in Italy?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Via Francigena in Italy scores 75/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Via Francigena in Italy take?
Most backpackers hike the Via Francigena in Italy in about 44 days (43 nights out) over its 634.4 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Via Francigena in Italy?
The Via Francigena in Italy climbs roughly 64,606 ft total — about 102 ft per mile, topping out near 8,166 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.