Uninterrupted Hiking: Experts Advocate for Interventions - Non-stop travel: Experts advocate for prompt interventions
Addressing Gaps in Hiking Stops Boosts Thuringia's Trails
A call for action to enhance the hiking experience in Thuringia, Germany, is gaining momentum. The need arises from the gaps in stopping points along some of its challenging hiking trails, such as the Rennsteig long-distance trail.
According to Thuringian Tourism GmbH, there are 350 gastronomic establishments along the Rennsteig. However, the trail's stages can span 20 to 23 kilometers with challenging ascents, like the climb to Großer Inselsberg at 916 meters, requiring hikers to be fit and sure-footed. While there are some shelters and benches, these are not uniformly distributed, making it essential to improve or add stopping points.
Improvements would better support hikers, offering necessary opportunities for rest, hydration, and protection from weather. Such action is crucial to ensure hikers can safely manage physically demanding segments, enhance the hiking experience for less experienced or older walkers, and improve preparedness for changing weather conditions and potential emergencies.
New concepts like farm cafes are emerging instead of classic restaurants, and self-supply machines for hikers are becoming more common. Knut Korschewsky from the Thuringian Mountain and Hiking Association (TGW) agrees with this assessment. However, there are more and more gaps elsewhere in Thuringia, and the midday meal for hikers and cyclists in Thuringia's outing spots is becoming a matter of luck.
Antonia Sturm, managing director of the Thuringian Forest Regional Association, stated that the offer of outing spots has decreased while guest demands have increased. All actors must work together to make Thuringia more prominent, from the Thuringian Forest to East Thuringia.
The Hotel and Restaurant Association Dehoga also confirms this trend. Social media offers and apps with places to stop and overnight stays, sights, and shelters are regionally limited. There is a lack of a quality app that provides easy access to all offers, according to the TGW.
In summary, addressing gaps in stopping points along Thuringia’s hiking trails like Rennsteig would increase trail safety, comfort, and overall appeal for a wider range of hikers. It is a collective effort that requires cooperation among various stakeholders to ensure Thuringia remains a top destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
[1] Source: Thuringian Mountain and Hiking Association (TGW) and Thuringian Tourism GmbH.
- boosting the availability of community aid, such as vocational training programs for local food-and-drink businesses along the trails, could enhance the dining experience for hikers and travelers in Thuringia.
- With an increased focus on providing vocational training for those interested in establishing farm cafes and self-supply machines, Thuringia's hikers and cyclists may enjoy a more consistent and convenient lifestyle during their outings.
