A Different Take on Hiking

If you've spent any time in Germany, you may have learned that, aside from passion for beer, Germans also have a passion for the outdoors and hiking in particular. In fact, they're so passionate about it that they even have a different type of hiking called a Volksmarch. Spend enough time there and you'll be surprised at how many amazing scenic places you will see in the course of a year of attending weekend volksmarches.

A volksmarch is basically an organized hike. Associations sponsor them and they range from 10-20K marches. The routes are preset by the organizers and you pay an entry fee at the start of the march. Routes often travel through beautiful countryside, amazing forests, mountains, quaint towns and villages and beautiful farm trails running by orchards. It's an amazing way to get outdoors and experience the wilderness while enjoying the company of others.

Unlike hiking here in the US where getting away from it all and seeking an escape from others is often the motivator, Volksmarches are social events in which friends and families cater both to their wanderlust but do so socially. The midpoints of the longer hikes often have a hiking rest facility where a temporary station might serve up beer, soda, brats and fries. The end of the event is often the beginning of further festivities including more beers and brats. If there's no facility to provide it, fellow volksmarchers are likely to plan a reconvene at a nearby bar or restaurant to continue getting to know eachother better.

There aren't many organizations popularizing this form of hiking in the US, but there's no reason why you and your family can't plan your own volksmarch. The most enjoyable element of hiking like this is that it doesn't require you traveling to the nearest national park. In fact, it's a great way to get to know your own neighborhood and surroundings. Just pack a light pack with some snacks and drinks and start wandering. The outdoors await and if you don't have time for a camping trip, this is just the thing to appeal to your need to be outside despite a shoestring budget and little time to spare.