In mid-June, a group of 16 photo enthusiasts met at the hiking parking lot on the Giller in twelve degrees and gray skies. The reason for this was the so-called "InstaHike on the Rothaarsteig" organized by the Rothaarsteig Association and the Siegen-Wittgenstein Tourist Association (TVSW). InstaHike - what does that actually mean? The term is made up of the words "Instagram" and the English word for hike. The aim of this special event was to take pictures of the Rothaarsteig and the region during the approximately 10-kilometre hike, which would be shared later or during the hike on the Instagram platform.
The meeting point and destination of the joint hiking route was the parking lot below the Gillerberg tower near Hilchenbach-Lützel. From there, two minibuses took us to the starting point, the hiking parking lot near the Ederquelle spring. After a brief round of introductions, the tour took the group of bloggers, influencers and photographers first along the yellow-marked Rothaarsteig access path. After a few meters, they continued along what at first glance appeared to be a rather inconspicuous path. But the further we went, the more enchanted and winding the Kyrillpfad became near the Hohneroth forester's lodge. Despite the not-so-great weather, it was a guarantee for beautiful photos! By now it was drizzling and the group reached the source area of the Eder, which is known for its diverse vegetation. One of a total of 11 springs on the Rothaarsteig and a highlight of the tour. Accompanied by the Eder and countless purple-flowering foxgloves, we walked along the Rothaarsteig towards Lützel. Slowly, the sun began to shine again. The only ascent of the tour on the outskirts of Lützel rewarded us with a wonderful view in the sunshine. Only a good kilometer to go and the destination, the Gillerberg tower, was reached. Although the hoped-for sunset did not appear there, the evening light still conjured up a photogenic atmosphere. At the end of the hike, the group lined up in a good mood for a commemorative photo. A hike also requires good equipment, and Rothaarsteig partners Tatonka and PAC made sure of this with rucksacks, bread tote bags and multifunctional cloths for all participants.
The organizers of the InstaHike, Katharina Schwake-Drucks, responsible for marketing at the Rothaarsteig Association, and Stefanie Stoltenberg, responsible for marketing and public relations at the TVSW, were more than satisfied. After last year's successful Rothaarsteig InstaHike in the Sauerland, there was a lot of interest in advance and numerous applications were received. "It was great that the participants had already networked via Instagram in advance. Apart from the organizational effort, the InstaHike was a cost-effective marketing measure for us, with which we were able to achieve great image material and a high reach," says Katharina Schwake-Drucks happily. "Due to the changeable weather, we were able to take particularly authentic photos and videos, which we can also use to promote the region in the long term in consultation with the participants. I am delighted that we were also able to get new people excited about Siegen-Wittgenstein and the Rothaarsteig with this campaign." As the InstaHike has now established itself as a successful event on the Rothaarsteig, there will be a repeat in the Sauerland next year at the latest. If you would like to see photos and take part next time, you should follow the Rothaarsteig (profile: rothaarsteig.de), the Siegen-Wittgenstein Tourist Association (profile: siwierleben) or Sauerland Tourism (profile: deinsauerland) on Instagram.
All information about the Rothaarsteig: www.rothaarsteig.de
Service number of the Rothaarsteig Association: 02974 4994163
E-mail: info@rothaarsteig.de