{"id":13627,"date":"2024-12-04T16:09:30","date_gmt":"2024-12-04T15:09:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/2024\/12\/04\/2024-a-remarkable-year\/"},"modified":"2025-01-21T17:30:54","modified_gmt":"2025-01-21T16:30:54","slug":"2024-a-remarkable-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/en\/2024\/12\/04\/2024-a-remarkable-year\/","title":{"rendered":"2024 \u2013 A Remarkable Year"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”13146″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image” css=”.vc_custom_1732952664132{padding-top: 20px !important;}”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text css=””]It\u2019s hard to believe, but our beloved NST will celebrate its fifth anniversary next year, and it knows only one direction: onward and upward.
\r\nThe same can be said for the 2024 class! When mid-December rolled around with no registrations for a thru-hike, we feared the worst. Was this it? Had the Nord S\u00fcd Trail been just a flash in the pan?<\/p>\r\n

Absolutely not. By mid-January, registrations started pouring in, making 2024 the strongest year yet in terms of numbers. What a joy for all of us! Even familiar faces like Penny, a member of the NST Initiative and “Gatekeeper of the NST,” took on a thru-hike. At times, the surge was almost overwhelming, and keeping up with it all was a challenge. But that\u2019s exactly why we created this trail\u2014to bring people together\u2014and we were thrilled by the growing community.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=””]A record number of dogs accompanied hikers this year, though sadly, not a single one managed to complete the trail. So, the quest continues for the first four-legged finisher of the NST. This year also saw plenty of records broken, including the earliest start date (mid-January) and the longest single day\u2019s hike with full gear: an astounding 161 kilometers. However, 2024 also set an unfortunate record for dropout rates. In the end, only four thru-hikers managed to complete the Nord S\u00fcd Trail. Here\u2019s to the remarkable highs and challenges of 2024\u2014a year that proved the NST is still growing and thriving![\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”13158″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” css=””][vc_empty_space]

\n\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n Why So Many Hikers Quit the Trail in 2024 \t\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text css=””]The weather in 2024 was far from ideal\u2014a relentlessly wet year that tested everyone\u2019s mental fortitude. When it rains constantly, staying motivated becomes a real challenge. Of course, we don\u2019t get to choose the weather, and the risk of a thru-hike being literally rained out exists on any long-distance trail in the world. It\u2019s something hikers should always keep in mind before setting out.<\/p>\r\n

Another common reason for cutting a thru-hike short is injury, often caused by overexertion.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”13168″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” css=””][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=””]While the long stretches of asphalt at the beginning of the trail are frequently blamed, the real causes usually lie elsewhere: improper footwear or simple overenthusiasm. Jumping straight into 30 to 40 kilometers a day is a massive demand on the body, and this level of strain needs time to adjust to.<\/p>\r\n

Despite well-meaning advice to take it slow at first and gradually increase daily mileage, many hikers ignore these recommendations, leading to trouble early on. It\u2019s worth noting that asphalt itself isn\u2019t the real issue. The human body has adapted to walking on hard surfaces, and even marathons are run on asphalt. The problem isn\u2019t the surface\u2014it\u2019s the overly ambitious starts that often lead to injuries and early exits from the trail.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space]

\n\t
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\n Hike Your Own Hike \t\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1733341383197{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: #EDEDED !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: #687768 !important;}”]That said, whether someone completes the Nord S\u00fcd Trail or stops partway through, every hiker adds value to the trail, the community, and ideally to themselves. Without you, the NST wouldn\u2019t exist today\u2014it\u2019s as simple as that. How you approach the challenge of a thru-hike is entirely up to you.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Note: This text reflects my personal opinions and not those of the Nord S\u00fcd Trail Initiative.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=””]I\u2019ve thought a lot about why so many hikers abandoned their journey this year. Compared to international wilderness trails, the NST is relatively straightforward in terms of logistics and accommodations. However, this advantage\u2014the excellent infrastructure in Germany\u2014might also be its biggest challenge. It\u2019s easy to organize a quick trip home for a few days during a thru-hike on the NST. This ever-present temptation to take a break could be a key reason why so many hikes ended prematurely.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space]

\n\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n Zero Days and the Right Approach to Taking Breaks \t\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_column_text css=””]Breaks, or so-called zero days, should be taken when they\u2019re genuinely necessary\u2014due to illness, injury, or important professional or family matters. They shouldn\u2019t be used for attending a music festival or taking a mini-vacation. If you need a vacation from your vacation, something is fundamentally wrong. This hike should be an adventure, not a job you need a break from. A long-distance hike always means reconnecting with nature\u2014even in Germany. In my opinion, there\u2019s little point in planning such an extended journey if you\u2019re just hopping from hotel to hotel.
\r\nOf course, everyone is free to choose how and where they spend their nights. But does it make sense to spend a fortune on accommodations and expect the same comforts as home?
\r\nIt\u2019s no coincidence that the four hikers who completed the entire trail in 2024\u2014out of over 50 starters\u2014were those who primarily camped in nature. They persevered despite the challenges and embraced the adventure.
\r\nIs it bad that so many people gave up? No, absolutely not. As I mentioned earlier, everyone who sets foot on this trail enriches the community\u2014and I\u2019m personally very proud of every single one of you![\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”13190″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image” css=””][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”13192″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image” css=””][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”13194″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image” css=””][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”13196″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image” css=””][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\r\n

The Glorious Four Finishers of NST 2024 From left to right: Prof White, Second Half, Magic, and Hiking Dancer.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\r\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space]

\n\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n The Right Mindset Is Key to a Successful Thruhike \t\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_column_text css=””]Hiking from safe space to safe space\u2014staying primarily in hotels, hostels, with trail angels, or other accommodations\u2014not only costs a lot of money but also, statistically, often leads to an unfinished journey. There is indeed a connection: you need to embrace the trail and everything it brings.
\r\nDoes this mean people who, due to age or health reasons, cannot or do not want to sleep outdoors should avoid the NST or other long-distance trails? Of course not! That\u2019s not at all how my thoughts should be understood. Everyone should walk the trail in a way that suits them. At the end of the day, hiking remains the same\u2014a beautiful experience that unites us all.<\/p>\r\n

A long-distance trail, however, will not heal mental illnesses. It would be wonderful if it were that simple. But a thruhike can still do you a world of good. Similarly, you won\u2019t find God on the Camino de Santiago\u2014at least not if you\u2019re a committed atheist like me. A long-distance trail can offer a lot, but it can\u2019t fix everything in life.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\r\n

Why am I doing this? What\u2019s the purpose behind it?<\/p><\/blockquote>\r\n

These are the right questions to ask yourself before embarking on such a journey:
\r\nTo become one with nature, to feel and experience freedom, to escape the everyday hamster wheel, to forget about time.
\r\nAbove all, to travel minimally\u2014and to realize how little you truly need to be happy. That was my mindset, my motivation on the Nord S\u00fcd Trail.<\/p>\r\n

In closing, I\u2019d like to share a piece of wisdom for your journey:<\/p>\r\n

“\u201cThose who constantly leave the trail have never truly arrived on it.\u201d”<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n

just my2 cents
\r\nSoulboy
\r\n<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\r\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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