{"id":5005,"date":"2020-10-26T13:00:18","date_gmt":"2020-10-26T12:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/thru-hike\/"},"modified":"2025-02-07T17:53:23","modified_gmt":"2025-02-07T16:53:23","slug":"thru-hike","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/en\/thru-hike\/","title":{"rendered":"Thru Hike"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\">[vc_row content_placement=&#8221;bottom&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1738916785016{padding-top: 350px !important;padding-bottom: 330px !important;background-image: url(https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Geschichte-des-Thruhikings-gross.jpg?id=13862) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;custom-title&#8221;][vc_column][vc_row_inner row_content_width=&#8221;grid&#8221;][vc_column_inner css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1604952692116{padding-top: 1.2em !important;}&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;History and origins&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h6|text_align:center|color:%23FFFFFF&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;]<div class=\"mkdf-section-title-holder   mkdf-st-highlight mkdf-center-align\" style=\"text-align: center\">\n\t<div class=\"mkdf-st-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"mkdf-st-title\" style=\"color: #ffffff\">\n                            Thru-Hike            \t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1669715549509{padding-top: 50px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column el_class=&#8221;bg-image-over&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1669715051144{margin-top: -7% !important;}&#8221;]<div class=\"mkdf-single-image-holder   \">\n    <div class=\"mkdf-si-inner\" >\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1919\" height=\"145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/h1-rev-bottom.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/h1-rev-bottom.png 1919w, https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/h1-rev-bottom-300x23.png 300w, https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/h1-rev-bottom-1024x77.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/h1-rev-bottom-768x58.png 768w, https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/h1-rev-bottom-1536x116.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1919px) 100vw, 1919px\" \/>                        <\/div>\n<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner row_content_width=&#8221;grid&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/4&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1738917531539{padding-top: 15px !important;}&#8221;]<div class=\"mkdf-section-title-holder   mkdf-center-align\" style=\"text-align: center\">\n\t<div class=\"mkdf-st-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"mkdf-st-title\" >\n                            What\u2019s Thruhiking?            \t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;3\/4&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]Thru-Hiking or Thru-Hike (also spelled Thru-hiking or Thru-hike; German: Durchwanderung) refers to hiking a long-distance or trail from start to finish in one continuous journey. Similarly, a hiker who is on such a journey or has successfully completed it is called a thru-hiker. In contrast to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nords\u00fcdtrail.de\/en\/register-section-hike\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Section Hiking<\/strong><\/a>, where a trail is completed in segments, thru-hiking involves covering the entire trail in one go. This type of hiking requires extensive preparation, endurance, and often several weeks or months of time.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner row_content_width=&#8221;grid&#8221;][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]Thru-hiking is considered the ultimate discipline of hiking. The classic definition includes completing a long-distance trail from start to finish within one calendar year.\r\n\r\nYou can find the rules for a thru-hike on the <strong>Nord S\u00fcd Trail<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nords\u00fcdtrail.de\/en\/thru-hike\/rules-for-a-nst-thru-hike\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&lt;&lt;here&gt;&gt;<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space]<div class=\"mkdf-section-title-holder  \" style=\"text-align: left\">\n\t<div class=\"mkdf-st-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"mkdf-st-title\" >\n                            History and origin            \t\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]Thru-hiking has its roots in the USA, where the first long-distance trails were established in the 1920s and 1930s. The idea of completing a trail in one continuous journey developed alongside the creation of these trails.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner row_content_width=&#8221;grid&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/4&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;13865&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; add_caption=&#8221;yes&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;3\/4&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/appalachiantrail.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Appalachian Trail (AT)<\/strong><\/a>: The oldest and most famous long-distance trail in the USA was completed in 1937. The first documented thru-hike of the AT was completed in 1948 by <strong>Earl Shaffer<\/strong>, who proved that it was possible to hike the entire trail in one season.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcta.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)<\/strong><\/a>: This trail was conceived in the 1930s and officially completed in 1993. The first thru-hike of the PCT was completed in 1952 by <strong>Martin Papendick<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThru-hiking is deeply connected to American hiking culture and has been popularized by books like <em>&#8220;A Walk in the Woods&#8221;<\/em> by <strong>Bill Bryson<\/strong> or movies like <em>&#8220;Wild&#8221;<\/em> (based on <strong>Cheryl Strayed<\/strong>&#8216;s memoir). It symbolizes adventure, self-discovery, and a connection to nature. Until 2020, there were no classic thru-hiking trails in Germany with the length of the <strong>Appalachian Trail (AT)<\/strong> or the <strong>Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)<\/strong>. Local hiking trails are generally designed for shorter distances. Even the European long-distance trails follow a different concept, are not suited for a classic thru-hike, and were not originally developed for this purpose.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1613910684239{background-image: url(http:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/h2-bckg-img-02-scaled.jpg?id=223) !important;}&#8221;]<div class=\"mkdf-section-title-holder   mkdf-center-align\" style=\"text-align: center\">\n\t<div class=\"mkdf-st-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"mkdf-st-title\" >\n                            What are the most popular trails?            \t\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1613910684239{background-image: url(http:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/h2-bckg-img-02-scaled.jpg?id=223) !important;}&#8221;][vc_row_inner row_content_width=&#8221;grid&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1738920611632{padding-top: 15px !important;}&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;1065&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221;][vc_column_text]\r\n<span style=\"font-size: 8pt;\"><span class=\"--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600\">Thru<\/span><span class=\"--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600\">&#8211;<\/span><span class=\"--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600\">hiker<\/span> <span class=\"--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600\">on<\/span> <span class=\"--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600\">the<\/span> <span class=\"--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600\">Appalachian<\/span> <span class=\"--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600\">Trail<\/span><span class=\"--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600\">. Picture<\/span>: flickr_effrey Stylos. <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/deed.de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Zur Lizenz<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">.<\/a><\/span>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=&#8221;13867&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; add_caption=&#8221;yes&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_empty_space]<div class=\"mkdf-section-title-holder  \" style=\"text-align: left\">\n\t<div class=\"mkdf-st-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"mkdf-st-title\" >\n                            And the North South Trail ?            \t\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]The most well-known thru-hiking trails are the three major American trails mentioned earlier, often referred to as the <strong>\u201cHoly Trinity of Hiking\u201d<\/strong> or the <strong>\u201cTriple Crown of Hiking.\u201d<\/strong>\r\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: disc;\">\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/appalachiantrail.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Appalachian Trail (AT)<\/strong><\/a>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Length: 3,500 km (from Georgia to Maine, USA).<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Highlights: Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah National Park, White Mountains.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Duration: 5\u20137 months.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcta.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)<\/strong><\/a>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Length: 4,265 km (from the Mexican to the Canadian border, USA).<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Highlights: Sierra Nevada, Mojave Desert, Cascade Range.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Duration: 4\u20136 months.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/cdtcoalition.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Continental Divide Trail (CDT)<\/strong><\/a>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Length: 5,000 km (from Mexico to Canada, USA).<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Highlights: Rocky Mountains, Gila Wilderness, Glacier National Park.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Duration: 5\u20137 months<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jakobsweg.de\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Camino de Santiago<\/a> (Spain)<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Length: Varies depending on the route (e.g., Camino Franc\u00e9s: 800 km).<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Highlights: Pilgrim culture, historic towns, Spanish landscapes.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Duration: 4\u20136 weeks<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hexatrek.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hexatrek<\/a> (France)<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Length: 3,034 km (from Wissembourg to Hendaye).<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Highlights: Vosges, Northern and Southern Alps, Pyrenees.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Duration: 5\u20136 months.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teararoa.org.nz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; color: #204136;\">Te Araroa<\/span><\/a> (New Zealand)<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Length: 3,000 km (from Cape Reinga to Bluff).<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Highlights: New Zealand\u2019s North and South Islands, volcanic landscapes, fjords.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Duration: 4\u20136 months.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner row_content_width=&#8221;grid&#8221;][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]We are not so presumptuous as to count the <strong>Nord S\u00fcd Trail (NST)<\/strong> among the \u201cgreat\u201d thru-hiking trails of the world \u2013 this trail is too unique for that. But what do we mean by that?\r\n\r\nThe NST, much like the <strong>Camino de Santiago<\/strong>, is not a wilderness trail where you move exclusively through uninhabited areas. It was primarily developed for local hikers and has not yet been actively promoted to international long-distance hikers. Why not? Most international thru-hikers associate thru-hiking trails with wilderness and untouched nature. To avoid misunderstandings or disappointments, we have not yet made the trail internationally known.\r\nAdditionally, the legal restrictions on wild camping in Germany may deter some hikers.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner row_content_width=&#8221;grid&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;]<div class=\"mkdf-section-title-holder  \" style=\"text-align: left\">\n\t<div class=\"mkdf-st-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"mkdf-st-title\" >\n                            So why a thru-hiking trail in Germany?            \t\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]\r\n<ol start=\"1\">\r\n \t<li><span style=\"color: #204136;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Germany\u2019s Beauty:<\/span><\/strong><\/span>\r\nGermany is a country with breathtaking landscapes that are often underestimated. The NST showcases how diverse and varied the country is \u2013 from the coast to the Alps.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; color: #204136;\"><strong>Cultural Discovery:<\/strong><\/span>\r\nThe NST is not just a hiking trail but a journey through European history and culture. Hikers experience traces of the past and the vibrant present.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; color: #204136;\"><strong>Future Potential<\/strong>:<\/span>\r\nMany people around the world have German ancestors or are interested in German culture. The NST offers the opportunity to explore the homeland of one\u2019s ancestors while building a deep connection to its history and landscapes.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; color: #204136;\"><strong>Entry into Thru-Hiking<\/strong>:<\/span>For hikers without experience on extreme wilderness trails, the NST is a perfect introduction. Its good infrastructure and mix of nature and culture make it accessible yet still challenging.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nWith the right communication and preparation, the NST could attract international thru-hikers in the future who are interested in European identity and Germany\u2019s unique atmosphere. Until then, it remains a hidden gem for those seeking something special \u2013 off the beaten path.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;13870&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; add_caption=&#8221;yes&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; onclick=&#8221;link_image&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=&#8221;bg-image-over&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1738486524410{margin-bottom: -4% !important;}&#8221;]<div class=\"mkdf-single-image-holder   \">\n    <div class=\"mkdf-si-inner\" >\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1919\" height=\"145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/weiss-transp.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/weiss-transp.png 1919w, https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/weiss-transp-300x23.png 300w, https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/weiss-transp-1024x77.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/weiss-transp-768x58.png 768w, https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/weiss-transp-1536x116.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1919px) 100vw, 1919px\" \/>                        <\/div>\n<\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1738485660097{margin-bottom: 80px !important;background-image: url(https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Geschichte-des-Thruhikings02a.jpg?id=1115) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_inner el_class=&#8221;bg-image-over&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1738485803726{padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;256px&#8221;]<div class=\"mkdf-section-title-holder   mkdf-center-align\" style=\"text-align: center\">\n\t<div class=\"mkdf-st-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"mkdf-st-title\" style=\"color: #f4f4f4\">\n                            \u00bbIf you\u2019ve ever hiked a long trail yourself,<br \/> you can spot a thru-hiker at first glance.\u00ab            \t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space height=&#8221;256px&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column el_class=&#8221;bg-image-over&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1613910569222{margin-top: -7% !important;}&#8221;]<div class=\"mkdf-single-image-holder   \">\n    <div class=\"mkdf-si-inner\" >\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1919\" height=\"145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/h1-rev-bottom.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/h1-rev-bottom.png 1919w, https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/h1-rev-bottom-300x23.png 300w, https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/h1-rev-bottom-1024x77.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/h1-rev-bottom-768x58.png 768w, https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/h1-rev-bottom-1536x116.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1919px) 100vw, 1919px\" \/>                        <\/div>\n<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_content_width=&#8221;grid&#8221;][vc_column]<div class=\"mkdf-section-title-holder   mkdf-center-align\" style=\"text-align: center\">\n\t<div class=\"mkdf-st-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"mkdf-st-title\" >\n                            What are the biggest challenges?            \t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1613912150568{background-image: url(http:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/h2-bckg-img-02-scaled.jpg?id=223) !important;}&#8221;][vc_row_inner row_content_width=&#8221;grid&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]A thru-hike is a very long and challenging journey. For example, on the NST, it typically takes five months and covers 3,700 kilometers \/ 2299 mi.\r\n\r\nThousands of hikers walk the AT, PCT, and other long-distance trails each year, but estimates suggest that fewer than 20% complete the entire trail. This, of course, has its reasons. A thru-hike requires intensive planning to prepare gear and organize supplies. Due to Germany\u2019s dense population, hikers on the NST don\u2019t need to worry as much about water and food as they would on North American wilderness trails. This website is intended to help you a little with your preparations.\r\nAnyone embarking on such an adventure must research the route (or possible alternative routes), plan for weather-related breaks, check shopping options and transportation, and assemble and test their gear. Therefore, planning a thru-hike can take more time than the hike itself.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;1140&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221;][vc_column_text]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 8pt;\">Appalachian Trail. <span class=\"--l --r hover:bg-blue-100 hover:dark:bg-blue-600\">Picture<\/span>: flickr_John Hayes. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-size: 8pt;\">Zur Lizenz<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-size: 8pt;\">.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1613912150568{background-image: url(http:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/h2-bckg-img-02-scaled.jpg?id=223) !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1738927556046{border-top-width: 5px !important;border-right-width: 5px !important;border-bottom-width: 5px !important;border-left-width: 5px !important;padding-top: 15px !important;padding-right: 15px !important;padding-bottom: 15px !important;padding-left: 15px !important;background-color: #BFD3DA !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-radius: 5px !important;border-color: #698C8E !important;}&#8221;]<span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #204136;\">Checklist<\/span><\/strong><\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Duration<\/strong>: Thru-hikes often last several months (e.g., 5\u20137 months for the Appalachian Trail).\r\n<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Self-sufficiency<\/strong>: Hikers carry everything they need (tent, sleeping bag, food) and resupply in towns or at designated points along the way.\r\n<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Community<\/strong>: Thru-hikers form a close-knit community and support each other. There are special terms like <strong>\u201cTrail Magic\u201d<\/strong> (unexpected help or gifts from locals) or <strong>\u201cTrail Names\u201d<\/strong> (nicknames hikers receive along the way).\r\n<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Challenges:<\/strong>\u00a0Weather, physical strain, loneliness, and logistical planning are typical challenges.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;64px&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_content_width=&#8221;grid&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;1147&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221;][vc_column_text]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-size: 8pt;\">Soulboy on the way SoBo 2020.<\/span><\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<div class=\"mkdf-section-title-holder   mkdf-right-align\" style=\"text-align: right\">\n\t<div class=\"mkdf-st-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"mkdf-st-title\" >\n                            Long-distance hiking? - A long way for Germany            \t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]Wanderlust is the German expression for the desire to go out for a hike, or the love of travel per say. We Germans often call ourselves a wandering nation. Germany has plenty of local and regional hiking trails all over the map to offer. However, true and honest long distance thru-hiking the country has never come out of its fledgling stages until now.\r\nGermany has yet to develop a supporting culture catering towards thru-hikers. We need a network of trail managers, trail angels, a platform to share the experience and legal camping spots.\r\nWith the establishment of the NST something new has begun. A new generation of enthusiastic hikers, interested followers and trail supporters are willing to reach out to thru-hikers, and offer them a ride, trail magic, a place to sleep or to shower and to clean their clothes.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_content_width=&#8221;grid&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]There is still room for improvement, but just like a journey begins with a single step, every little accomplishment leads to the next and one day we will hopefully have accomplished our goal for a true German long distance trail with plenty of trekking spots or private camp spots and the acceptance of camping in and around shelters.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]\r\n<h6><strong>Thru-hiking is more than just hiking \u2013 it\u2019s a life experience that pushes physical and mental boundaries.<\/strong><\/h6>\r\nHike On ![\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1738927794930{padding-top: 65px !important;background-image: url(https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/h1-img-26.png?id=174) !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_single_image image=&#8221;9932&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row content_placement=&#8221;bottom&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1738916785016{padding-top: 350px !important;padding-bottom: 330px !important;background-image: url(https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Geschichte-des-Thruhikings-gross.jpg?id=13862) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;custom-title&#8221;][vc_column][vc_row_inner row_content_width=&#8221;grid&#8221;][vc_column_inner css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1604952692116{padding-top: 1.2em !important;}&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;History and origins&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h6|text_align:center|color:%23FFFFFF&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1669715549509{padding-top: 50px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column el_class=&#8221;bg-image-over&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1669715051144{margin-top: -7% !important;}&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner row_content_width=&#8221;grid&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/4&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1738917531539{padding-top: 15px !important;}&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;3\/4&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]Thru-Hiking [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13875,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"full-width.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5005","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5005","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5005"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5005\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13875"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5005"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}