A Rother Hiking Guide to Réunion

The Rother Réunion guide is the ideal companion for exploring this spectacular Indian Ocean island on foot. With its towering volcanoes, tropical climate, exotic flora, and dramatic landscapes, Réunion is a must-visit destination for hiking enthusiasts.

This French island captivates visitors with its intensity. Within just a few kilometers, the scenery shifts dramatically: tropical forests, mountain cirques, cliffs, ravines, wild beaches, lava flows, waterfalls, and dizzying peaks. Hiking is the best way to truly experience this diversity.

This guide features 55 hikes spread across the island. It caters to everyone from curious walkers to experienced hikers, offering varied routes to discover Réunion’s major natural sites at your own pace.

Cirques, volcanoes, waterfalls, and UNESCO natural heritage

Réunion’s interior—a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site—offers exceptional hiking terrain. The routes in this guide reveal landscapes of rare beauty: impressive calderas, deep canyons, lush forests, hidden waterfalls, and clear-water pools.

Hikers can explore coastal paths, traverse tropical rainforests, reach spectacular viewpoints, or tackle more demanding ascents. Among the island’s major highlights, Piton des Neiges—rising to over 3,000 meters—offers an unforgettable experience for fit hikers.

The guide also devotes significant space to the volcanic region of Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Its stark, rocky landscapes, lava flows, and lunar-like terrain offer a striking contrast to the tropical vegetation found elsewhere on the island.

55 detailed hikes for all skill levels

In this Rother guide, Walter Iwersen brings together a wide variety of hikes. Some are accessible and offer panoramic views, making them ideal for a gentle introduction to the island. Others are longer, more strenuous, or more adventurous—particularly those winding through tropical forests, *cirques* (natural amphitheaters), or volcanic areas.

Several routes can also be combined to create multi-day traverses. This is an excellent option for hikers wishing to experience a true long-distance trekking adventure on Réunion.

Each hike is presented with a clear overview, essential details, a precise route description, a map showing the path, and an elevation profile. Free downloadable GPS coordinates complement the guide, making both trip planning and on-the-ground navigation easier.

Guide highlights:

• Rother guide dedicated to Réunion
• 55 hikes across the entire island
• Routes for all skill levels
• Panoramic walks, strenuous hikes, and adventurous treks
• Exploration of *cirques*, volcanoes, canyons, waterfalls, and tropical forests
• Hikes to Piton des Neiges and Piton de la Fournaise
• Routes along the coast, through forests, and in the mountains
• Some routes can be combined into multi-day traverses
• Precise descriptions and practical information for every hike
• Maps with route paths
• Informative elevation profiles
• Free downloadable GPS coordinates
• Ideal for planning a hiking trip to Réunion

FAQ

How many hikes does the Rother Réunion guide feature?

This guide presents 58 hikes across the entire island of Réunion.

Is this guide suitable for beginners?

Yes. It offers a variety of routes, ranging from accessible, scenic walks to more strenuous hikes for experienced walkers.

What kind of landscapes are featured in this guide?

The hikes allow you to discover Réunion’s iconic landscapes: *cirques*, volcanoes, tropical forests, waterfalls, canyons, natural pools, rugged coastlines, and high peaks.

Does the guide cover hiking at Piton de la Fournaise?

Yes. Several routes allow you to explore the incredible volcanic region of Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

Can you hike to Piton des Neiges using this guide?

Yes. The guide features routes to the island’s highest peaks, including Piton des Neiges, which rises to over 3,000 meters.

Are GPS tracks available?

Yes. GPS coordinates can be downloaded for free, making it easier to plan and follow the routes.

Is this guide suitable for planning a multi-day trek?

Yes. Certain hikes can be combined to create multi-day traverses, ideal for walkers wishing to explore Réunion on a long-distance trek.