In order to receive this award, the hiking experts at Sauerland Tourism have to work their way through an almost 50-page catalog of criteria from the German Hiking Association every three years and - of course! - fulfill all the requirements. The catalog states that only a region that has dedicated itself entirely to hiking in terms of hiking trail infrastructure, accommodation and service will become a quality region.
Eleven municipalities and their 280 districts and villages have joined together to form the "Sauerland-Wanderdorf": Brilon, Diemelsee, Medebach, Lennestadt, Kirchhundem, Olsberg, Schmallenberg, Eslohe, Willingen, Winterberg and Hallenberg. These places are fully geared towards hikers. Specifically, a uniform and almost "unmissable" network of signposted trails has been created, hiking starting points have been equipped with information boards and quality hiking trails and hosts have been tested and awarded, without which the certificate would not be awarded. In addition, the hiking villages have trained staff in the tourist information offices who are very familiar with the region and local public transport, can give qualified hiking tips and know all the hosts where hikers are welcome.
According to the hiking association's catalog, a total of 44 criteria must be met, including in the areas of trail network, gastronomy and service for hikers. The hiking experts at Sauerland Tourism and, of course, in the individual towns have submitted this evidence in cooperation with the hosts, representatives of the hiking associations, the responsible authorities and nature conservation and forest owners. Above all, optimal and sustainable waymarking is the focus of quality development and assurance. The outstanding work of the numerous volunteer trail markers, who receive continuous training and further education, ensures that the high quality promise is kept.
The quality seal has been a guarantee to vacation guests in the Sauerland-Wanderdorf hiking villages for 10 years now: Hiking here becomes a carefree and easy-to-prepare experience for all the senses. Anyone traveling to the Sauerland can rest assured that they will enjoy a hiking vacation that is both close to nature and full of variety in a fabulously staged landscape - offering a wealth of discoveries and experiences for several days. That they can walk along routes that showcase the most exciting aspects of the region and rely on the advice of the tourist information offices and accommodation providers, who will give them personal tips and tailor-made tour suggestions. That they can stay in establishments where hiking guests will find the comfort and service orientation that will allow them to relax as quickly as possible after their excursion. And that your hosts will sweeten your stay from morning to night with regional delicacies from the kitchen and cellar as well as comfortable beds. This comprehensive offer, which we present to our hiking guests in an extensive region, bears this seal of quality. Experts have thus expertly confirmed what our guests have long appreciated: Hiking in the Sauerland is an all-round pleasure through and through.