Sabotage on the lake country: vandalism endangers hiking paradise!

Sabotage on the lake country: vandalism endangers hiking paradise!

Hilpoltstein, Deutschland - In the Franconian Seenland, the continued sabotage of directions of movement ensures outrage among those responsible and hiking friends. The approximately 146 -kilometer circular hiking trail "The Seenländer" attracts both holiday guests and locals, but there are always deliberate damage to the markings. In particular, the stage 2, which runs between the "Historical Eisenhammer" in Eckersmühlen and the "Fuchsmühle" at Hilpoltstein, was apparently recently attacked.

The district office Roth is responsible for signage of the path. Since 2020, around 190 signs have been stolen or destroyed, which caused costs for improvements and replacement of around 2000 euros. Wanderers are increasingly complaining about the lack of orientation, while the signage is repeatedly damaged by unknown people. Where there were once signs, there are only aluminum nails and adhesive residues.

planned measures to limit damage

In order to counter vandalism, the tourism association plans the attachment of chipped signs in order to be able to track damage more easily. In addition, the use of micro cameras is considered. In June 2022, the tourism association already filed a criminal complaint with the police to draw attention to the problem.

Franconian Switzerland on the way to wandering enjoyment

While there are massive problems with vandalism in the Franconian Seenland, there are gratifying news in nearby Franconian Switzerland. The Leader Gross project "Quality Hiking Region Franconian Switzerland" is equipped with strong EU funding and leads to the attachment of new directions, which are already 85 % completed. This hiking area extends over an impressive 4,200 kilometers from Weißenohe to the Staffelberg.

The last work will be completed by local paths in the coming weeks, which are praised for their tireless use, even under minus temperatures. The municipality of Heiligenstadt also has 238 kilometers of hiking trails on 77 square kilometers, whereby the costs for new, maintenance -friendly steel signpings of 3,500 euros are borne by the municipality. In addition, the municipalities receive a total of 176 new hiking overview boards, while old signs are replaced or converted.

Matthias Helldörfer from the tourism center describes the project as an ascent to the "Champions League" of hiking and highlights the importance of modern infrastructure. This also includes the establishment of a digital path to manage the paths and signs as well as the planning of flyers, map materials and image brochures.

While the course for a new hiking paradise is set in Franconian Switzerland, it remains to be hoped that those responsible in the Franconian Seenland will soon find solutions in order to stop vandalism on the directions and to offer the hikers an undisturbed nature experience.