Modern hiking poles in all honour, but a real hiking companion needs a proper hiking pole. Ideally carved from a piece of wood by the side of the trail. But because not everyone has a carving knife or the right hiking poles with them, a special service has been created in Saalfelden Leogang: pole sharing.
Take, hike, return - the motto at the Stecken stations
Exercise in nature doesn't need any fuss. Lace up some sturdy shoes, grab a walking stick and off you go. Hiking can be that easy. As a special service for guests, so-called "stick-sharing stations" have been set up at the starting points of the hiking trails in Saalfelden Leogang. "Take, hike, return" is the motto at these stations. Around 40 natural wooden sticks, sawn to different sizes, finely sanded so that you don't tear your hands open and with a neatly branded Saalfelden Leogang logo, are available at each station. "The idea is that every hiker, no matter how big or old, can grab a stick and go hiking with it," says Marco Pointner, Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik. At the end of the tour, the poles are simply put back in the holders at one of the stations. "However, our hiking poles are quite popular, there are always a few less at the end of the summer." But Marco Pointner takes it as a compliment for the idea and the region. And so the stick production, a collaboration between a joinery and Lebenshilfe, continues unabated.
"Simply hike" and enjoy the different views
Trail sharing is part of the "simply hiking" concept. The idea behind it: Hiking alone is absolutely enough. Nothing should distract from the essentials; guests should be encouraged to simply walk, enjoy nature and socialise. This concept also includes 360-degree wooden benches, for example, on which you can not only relax but also choose any angle you like. A self-determined panoramic view, so to speak. The wrought-iron forest swings offer a similar experience. Anyone who swings comfortably here will realise that a change of perspective, i.e. simply looking up at the sky through the treetops instead of down to the ground and straight ahead, can also be very beautiful. The concept also includes special photo points, where the perfect opportunity to take a beautiful panoramic picture is pointed out. Hikers can simply leave their mobile phone in their rucksack or trouser pocket and look at nature in its purest form, i.e. not through the smartphone display. You still won't miss the opportunity to take the perfect holiday picture.
Download:
pm_sl_sommer_2018_steckensharing.pdf
