Turning Treks into Thrills: Breaking Away from Boring Hikes
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Hit the trails and discover an exhilarating twist to your outdoor adventures! That's the spirit of the Day of Hiking, happening May 14th. But, let's admit it, sometimes, the kids act grumpy, or that dream forest remains elusive. Fortunately, there are ingenious ways to breathe life into your hikes.
City Hiking in Essen
Let's ditch the untouched wilderness for a moment. More and more big cities are embracing the urban jungle with urban hiking, attracting hikers to the heart of the concrete jungle. Essen's Zollverein Trail takes you on a journey through industrial relics like slag heaps, coking plants, and manufacturing halls, finally leading you to the World Heritage Site Zollverein.
Skip the hiking boots; sneakers are good-to-go in the city. Plus, the routes are designed for Instagram-worthy moments, offering numerous chances to capture those shots of the urban industrial culture.
The Ruhr region envisions a future where 15 more urban hiking trails will be created by 2027. Project leader Christoph Lottritz of Ruhr Tourism GmbH shares, "The Ruhr region, with its hidden gems, can be a unique destination for hikers."
Take Family Adventures to New Heights
Hiking doesn't always have to be a slog. Bring some pizzazz to it, and the kids won't see it as a struggle. Experience educator Benjamin Stapf from the Naturfreundehaus Hardt in Bergisch Gladbach suggests making it an experience to remember.
Start your planning with an inclusive approach that involves the children - let them suggest destinations, like a ruin or a river mouth. During the trek, carve out time for discovery moments along the path, giving space for the kids to explore nature's trinkets and unleash their imagination.
If you chance upon a feather, spin a tale about the bird that lost it. Or, for a while, stroll along the edge of the path through the undergrowth. The thrill of an unexpected ice cream or forest café treats or a summertime picnic will keep the little ones motivated.
Hiking with Furry Friends
Add a furry twist to your hikes. A walk with donkeys, llamas, or sheep can be a captivating experience for children and adults alike, offering a chance to escape the daily grind.
"Many seek relaxation and deceleration," shares Andrea Eikelmann of Prachtlamas in Gelsenkirchen. "Llamas radiate warmth of the heart, which does good." Each llama tour begins with a one-hour introduction, followed by hikes of various lengths, accompanied by the gentle animals. "Being so close to an animal and experiencing an adventure together, that's something magical," says Eikelmann.
Immerse in Nature: Forest Bathing
Forest bathing isn't about mileage - it's about taking in the calming influence of nature with all your senses. In Japanese folk medicine, Shinrin Yoku, or literally 'taking in the forest atmosphere,' has been a popular practice.
You'll find forest bathing trails across North Rhine-Westphalia, and Germany's first one can be found in Kalletal (Circle Lippe) in the Teutoburg Forest. At ten stations, visitors can use an audio app to engage in conscious forest-smelling, tree-leaning, and forest-floor-feeling activities.
Venturing Beyond the Ordinary
From the urban jungle of Essen to the tranquil forests, North Rhine-Westphalia has something extraordinary for every kind of adventurer. So, lace up your shoes and get ready for a roller coaster of experiences that leave you wanting more!
[1] Hermann Monument and Externsteine
[3] Brückensteig Trail in Solingen
[4] Judenbruch natural monument in Wassenberg
[5] Schleiden hiking trails
- Incorporating the city's industrial heritage into one's lifestyle, the Zollverein Trail in Essen provides urban hiking opportunities that blend food-and-drink experiences at Instagram-worthy spots during the journey.
- To spice up family hikes, Benjamin Stapf from Naturfreundehaus Hardt suggests creating relationships with nature by making hikes educational and fun, with discovery moments, petite treats, and surprises along the way.
- For a unique pet-friendly hiking experience, pedestrian-accompanied tours with llamas offered by Prachtlamas in Gelsenkircken provides a home-and-garden connection with these gentle animals in the outdoors.
- To venture beyond the ordinary and nourish one's own growth, forest bathing practices, like those at the ten stations of the forest bathing trail in Kalletal's Teutoburg Forest, invite exploration and mindfulness in our relationships with nature.
