Günter Kromer

More and more people currently prefer to hike in their home country rather than spend their vacation abroad. Günter Kromer's travel report offers plenty of inspiration for this growing target group. The author has been an enthusiastic long-distance hiker for over three decades. In 2018, he ended his work for a cultural magazine to cover 10,000 kilometers across Germany within two years. In his new book, he shares his experiences on 46 long-distance hiking trails, including popular routes such as the Westweg, Rheinsteig, Malerweg, Eifelsteig, Goldsteig, Moselsteig, Altmühltal Panoramaweg, and Schluchtensteig, as well as lonely, lesser-known paths away from major tourist destinations. He recounts hikes through romantic low mountain ranges, idyllic valleys, nature and national parks, in the Alps, and along the Baltic Sea coast. Kromer not only describes the scenic diversity of Germany but also emphasizes that hiking offers different charms in every season. In spring, he experienced the slow return of fresh greens and flowers day by day. In summer, he combined wonderful tours with swimming breaks in secluded lakes, but also marched through sunny vineyards in temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius. In autumn, he was captivated by the vibrant colors of the forests and the mystical moods in the fog. Sometimes, he forged his way through deep snow in a winter wonderland. For him, there is no such thing as truly bad weather. Two storm surges on the Baltic Sea and a hurricane on the Brocken were among the unforgettable experiences of his journey. Günter Kromer's book entertainingly combines information about the character of each trail with personal impressions. Additionally, he complements the volume on his homepage with detailed route descriptions and about 4,300 photos.