Rothaarsteig. The success story of the Rothaarsteig is impressive. Because what began 20 years ago as the first premium hiking trail in Germany is now much more: a 154-kilometre hiking route through 26 municipalities, six districts and three federal states, which is one of the Top Trails of Germany. The annual number of 1.7 million hikers speaks for itself, and even if it is difficult in times of the pandemic - 20 years of hiking success should be honored and celebrated. The Rothaarsteigverein is proud that it has succeeded in modernizing hiking in the long term.
May 6, 2001 was a very special day: not only was Germany's first premium hiking trail opened at the Ginsburg near Hilchenbach, but a brand was also created that led to an innovation on the hiking market. While hiking was previously considered a rather dusty leisure activity, the opening of the Rothaarsteig was a fascinating event. "The Rothaarsteig suddenly made hiking stylish and modern. The bright red signs in the middle of the woods were a real revolution," says Thomas Weber, Chairman and one of the founders of the Rothaarsteig Association, describing the beginnings of the long-distance hiking trail.
At the time, people from all over Europe were looking at the unusual signage. Never before had anyone come up with the idea of marking hiking trails in this way and thus creating this special recognition value. The German Hiking Institute awarded the hiking trail the title of "Germany's first premium hiking trail".
300 forest benches, forest sofas, snack islands, swings and hammocks
The unusual furniture created especially for the Trail of the Senses also underlines its uniqueness right from the start. For example, the Rothaarsteig forest sofa - the curved lounger in the shape of the Rothaarsteig logo - is popular throughout Europe. There are now 300 forest benches, forest sofas, forest loungers, snack islands, forest swings and hammocks along the entire Rothaarsteig route. "The successful Rothaarsteig brand has generated a great deal of interest across the board, with the result that there have quickly been imitators in other regions who have recognized the potential for their own hiking market. For example, the Rheinsteig was opened four years after the Rothaarsteig," explains Harald Knoche, branch manager of the Rothaarsteig Association.
The Rothaarsteig is constantly evolving, people use the hiking trails to immerse themselves deeply in nature and spend the world's most precious moments - their free time - in a way that makes them feel free and yet well protected. 11,300 signposts along the Rothaarsteig, the trails and the access paths, 1,200 posts with 800 signposts, 5 landscape frames, four viewing platforms, 15 footbridges, 10 bridges and a suspension bridge ensure that hikers can enjoy the landscape and nature without a care in the world.
The good infrastructure also attracts guests
An expert report compiled in 2017 states that around 30 percent of guests choose the Rothaarsteig as a hiking destination because of its good infrastructure. "Maintaining the infrastructure is a mammoth task for the Rothaarsteig and at the same time an important investment in the brand," says Monika Dombrowsky, Chairwoman of Rothaarsteig Infrastruktur e.V., emphasizing the great effort that is being made to maintain the Rothaarsteig as the region's flagship.
With the start of the pandemic, the long-distance hiking trail has become even more popular with people who want to experience active recreation in nature or recharge their batteries in the natural tranquillity. "The number of hits on our website, for example, increased by 67 percent last year," explains Katharina Schwake-Drucks, responsible for marketing and public relations at the Rothaarsteigverein. Hiking enthusiasts can also find out about the 13 circular hiking trails, the Rothaarsteig Trails, on the website. These are a good tip for anyone who wants to try out hiking for the first time. "As on the Rothaarsteig, the best signposting is of course also provided on the trails," assures Harald Knoche. The Rothaarsteig and the region, which has dedicated itself to perfecting hiking for two decades, is a "good address" for all hikers, even those who are not yet so experienced.
Capture nature moments on video and become part of the film project
In future, the brand promise "Path of the Senses", which has been in place for 20 years and is still as relevant as ever, will once again become the focus of attention. The aim is to sharpen the focus on the smaller things. The anniversary year is entitled "Nature is the most beautiful gift". In keeping with this, the Rothaarsteig Association has come up with a special campaign. All Rothaarsteig fans can take part in a film project. "Simply record the most beautiful natural moment from the Rothaarsteig in a short video and send it to us," explains Katharina Schwake-Drucks. An overall film will then be created from all the impressions. All information about taking part can be found at www.rothaarsteig.de/videocontest. Three attractive prizes will be raffled off among all participants, including an overnight stay for two people in a Rothaarsteig quality hotel.
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