Sabotage on the Lake District: Vandalism endangers hiking paradise!

Sabotage on the Lake District: Vandalism endangers hiking paradise!

In the Franconian Lake District, the ongoing sabotage of trail signage is causing outrage among those responsible and hiking enthusiasts. The approximately 146 kilometer long circular hiking trail “Der Seenländer” attracts both holidaymakers and locals, but the markings are repeatedly vandalized. In particular, stage 2, which runs between the “Historical Eisenhammer” in Eckersmühlen and the “Fuchsmühle” near Hilpoltstein, was recently apparently targeted.

The Roth district office is responsible for signage along the route. Since 2020, around 190 signs have been stolen or destroyed, resulting in repair and replacement costs of around 2,000 euros. Hikers are increasingly complaining about the lack of orientation, while the signs are repeatedly damaged by strangers. Where signs once stood, there are only aluminum nails and adhesive residue left.

Planned measures to limit damage

To counter vandalism, the tourism association plans to install chipped signs to make it easier to track damage. The use of micro cameras is also being considered. In June 2022, the tourism association filed a criminal complaint with the police to draw attention to the problem.

For hikers, the GPX data for the Lakeland stages is available free of charge on the tourism association's website. A service booklet for the route can be downloaded or ordered from tourist information centers. Anyone who would like to provide information about vandalism is asked to contact the Roth district office or the tourism association directly.

Franconian Switzerland on the way to hiking enjoyment

While there are massive problems with vandalism in the Franconian Lake District, there is good news in nearby Franconian Switzerland. The LEADER major project “Quality Hiking Region Franconian Switzerland” is equipped with strong EU funding and is leading to the installation of new route signage, which has already been 85% completed. This hiking area stretches over an impressive 4,200 kilometers from Weißenohe to Staffelberg.

The final work will be completed in the coming weeks by local trail managers, who are praised for their tireless efforts, even in sub-zero temperatures. The municipality of Heiligenstadt also has 238 kilometers of hiking trails on 77 square kilometers, with the costs of new, maintenance-friendly steel sign posts amounting to 3,500 euros being borne by the municipality. In addition, the communities will receive a total of 176 new hiking information boards, while old signage will be replaced or reinstalled.

Matthias Helldörfer from the tourism center describes the project as a promotion to the “Champions League” of hiking and emphasizes the importance of modern infrastructure. This also includes setting up a digital signage to manage paths and signs as well as planning flyers, map materials and image brochures.

So while the course is being set for a new hiking paradise in Franconian Switzerland, it remains to be hoped that those responsible in the Franconian Lake District will soon find solutions to stop the vandalism of the trail signs and offer hikers an undisturbed nature experience.