That is why we enjoy trekking so much

The path should not be too difficult for leisure hikers, such as the Germans. The rise should be gradual, and the hike should not last more than a day. This puts a lot of strain on the environment. These are frequently satisfied in the German low mountain ranges: the routes travel along small, varied pathways through attractive little villages and forest clearings, meadows and along streams, to a ridge with a panoramic view. Constant variation and exposure to nature are essential. The infrastructure on our approved premium hiking paths is also excellent; numerous signposts ensure ample safety.

That is why we enjoy trekking so much

Approximately half of Germany’s population is drawn to the mountains on a regular basis. Why is it that so many people enjoy hiking?

We are strongly rooted in our enjoyment of a beautiful landscape, which we can only enjoy when we can safely navigate across it. The environment in which we grew up is extremely nice to us. When our forefathers, the hunters and gatherers, were in familiar territory, they were protected from unwelcome surprises. This is why we like panoramas so much: the mountain protects us while also providing a fantastic view of prospective food and foes. Our fascination with beautiful bodies of water dates back to prehistoric times, when rivers and streams provided drinking water.

It’s one thing to have a good infrastructure. However, today’s hikers are more likely to be in cultural environments than in virgin wilderness. Is that still appealing to you?

We have an esoteric relationship with nature after 30 years of ecological arguments. I believe it is a mistake to believe that nature exists solely when man is absent. Nature’s experience is, after all, a subjective impression. You’ve been chronicling the link of young people to nature in the “Jugendreport Natur” [Young People’s Report on Nature] since 1977. According to your newest study, young people prefer to spend less time in nature and more time on social media. Nature appears to be too uninteresting when compared to the media’s attractions. This emotion leads to a loss of basic knowledge: only one out of every three young people we interviewed for our study knew where the sun rises on the compass. Hiking clubs have responded to this trend by launching programs aimed at children and teenagers. If you fall in love with nature as a youngster, you will never lose it as an adult.