On 21 – 23 May 2026, Altopascio, a historic stop along the Via Francigena in Tuscany, hosted the International Conference marking the 25th anniversary of the European Association of the Via Francigena ways (AEVF) and its General Assembly.
The event brought together more than 130 participants, including AEVF members, local administrators, institutional representatives and stakeholders from the Via Francigena network, coming from the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland and Italy.
Within this important European framework, the HIKE4ALL project was presented as one of the initiatives contributing to making cultural routes more accessible, inclusive and open to all. During the General Assembly, Elena Dubinina – AEVF Head of International Projects – presented the main results achieved so far and outlined the next challenges of the project, highlighting the role of HIKE4ALL in promoting accessibility and inclusion along cultural routes, encouraging new opportunities for people with different needs, abilities and backgrounds to experience walking itineraries.
The presentation showcased the first project event held in Ivrea, along the Via Francigena, on 17 – 18 April which marked an important step in the implementation of HIKE4ALL activities.
At the end of the AEVF General Assembly, the participants took part in a walk along the ecological path near Altopascio, replicating the HIKE4ALL model, which offered a practical example of inclusive, accessible and sustainable outdoor experience.
HIKE4ALL aims to strengthen the accessibility of cultural routes by promoting inclusive outdoor experiences and encouraging cooperation among partners, territories and communities. The project confirms how walking routes can become spaces of participation, wellbeing and discovery for everyone.
Further walks, meetings and talks dedicated to inclusion and accessibility will take place in the partner countries, offering opportunities to share experiences, test practices and raise awareness among local communities, stakeholders and route users. For more information about the upcoming activities, please visit the HIKES section.
[Photo credits: AEVF]