In a unique blend of fitness and education, the Geo-Wandering initiative in Bavaria is gaining popularity. Launched by Reinhold Lehmann and Kathrin Schön in 2012, the Pfaffenwinkel hiking guide has now reached its fourth edition, published by the esteemed Rother-Bergverlag.
The concept of Geo-Wandering emphasizes not just physical activity but also the exploration of geological, geographical, and scientific phenomena along hiking trails. This approach allows hikers to deepen their understanding of landscapes and their histories.
On these varied routes, participants uncover the secrets of geology and geomorphology, learning about the impressive landforms shaped over millennia, from glacial traces to moors and lakes. Each hike tells a story rooted in nature.
Moreover, Geo-Wandering intertwines natural beauty with cultural highlights, featuring monasteries, churches, and historical buildings that enrich the experience. Cozy rest stops along the way invite hikers to relax and enjoy.
The tours also foster a deeper understanding of biodiversity and the ecological significance of nature. They illustrate the close relationship between geology and cultural history while highlighting how human intervention alters and sometimes endangers landscapes. This initiative promotes mindful interaction with nature and raises awareness about sustainability and conservation.
“Our goal is to inspire hikers to see and understand the landscape from a new perspective, enriched with interesting information and background knowledge,” explains Lehmann. “We have kept the explanations simple and accessible.”
“The tours are largely accessible by public transport,” adds Claudia Hanke, “and the provision of background knowledge about the carefully selected tours is an unbeatable advantage of Geo-Wandering.”
Reinhold Lehmann, who studied surveying, geography, geology, and geophysics, previously worked at the University of the Bundeswehr and the Bavarian State Institute for Water Research before founding his consulting firm. Claudia Hanke, with degrees in geography, English, and German studies, has a background in education, while Kathrin Schön specializes in geography and conservation.
The team combines expertise, dedication, and creativity to plan diverse and engaging tours that offer both entertainment and fascinating insights. “Indeed, there are many steps involved in creating a hiking guide,” emphasize Hanke and Lehmann, noting that they invested 265 days over four and a half years into the latest guide.
The steps involved in creating a hiking guide include selecting varied routes, capturing the right weather for photos, documenting each hike in detail, and compiling relevant data and graphics, followed by editing and printing after thorough proofreading.