Long-distance trail
A long-distance hiking or long distance hiking is a national trail for wide hiking and trekking tours.
Definition
According to Alpine Club to distance trails have a minimum length of at least 300 km and at least three federal states / cantons berühren.Im general they are characterized in that they can only be overcome in several segments. As such, it may also be shorter. They are in any event nationwide and are described in detail in hiking guides. They are characterized by a continuous unitary path marking and signage, often regional routes as part of routes with include.
In addition to national long-distance paths (typically a few hundred kilometers in length) there are now European long-distance paths of several thousand kilometers in length. Main hiking routes are routes that are classified in the hierarchy of marked trails in the territory of hiking and mountain club at the top level and run contrary to local hiking trails throughout the region. Hiking trails are called routes that allow long-distance hiking with return to the starting point. The European Ramblers Association ( ERA ) has made eleven European long-distance hiking trails that are routiert symbolizing Europe is growing together across borders.
Unlike many localized trails that serve the recreational, long-distance trails are marked and maintained regularly. This work is carried out usually voluntary basis by the national hiking and mountaineering associations and regional heritage and tourism organizations, reinforced by initiatives such as pilgrims communities. The direction signs is nationally and regionally very different: from a white St. Andrew's cross in Germany up to red-white- red flag in Austria. Depending upon the area but other characters are used.
History
Distance trails were often decorated with the onset of industrialization in order to obtain contiguous natural areas and make them accessible to the people.
Cachet
Migrant associations and other organizations to evaluate trails due to various criteria, as deemed particularly attractive way will be rewarded with quality labels and usually referred to as predicate paths.
The German Hiking Association (DWV ) awards since 2003, the award ' Qualitätsweg Walking in Germany ', the German Hiking Institute eV gives the Wandersiegel ' Premiumweg '. Both awards try using measurable factors to assess ways and therefore give the hiking areas the chance to improve their offering and make more attractive for their guests. The German Hiking Association distinguishes 23 election and nine core criteria. The latter has a hiking trail fulfill completely, the electoral units have on the total distance all appear, and within four -kilometer sections at least partially.
The counterpart to the German awards of the trails in Austria is the hiking seal of approval, which naturalness, guidance, experience and service weighted.
In Switzerland, the Prix Rando is (French for trophy ) for original, innovative and of high quality developed trails. In January 2010, particularly outstanding hiking trails in Switzerland were awarded the Prix Rando for the second time.