Source "Stiftung Warentest"
Rediscover hiking: a competition that shows the way
Hiking is boring? Not for Matyas Zinner and Jonas Dicks from Maria-Wächtler-Gymnasium in Essen. The two young testers took part in Stiftung Warentest's "Jugend testet" competition and wanted to find out which circular hiking trail in North Rhine-Westphalia is particularly suitable for young people. With scientific precision and meticulous attention to detail, they analyzed seven different hiking trails, testing and evaluating them on the basis of more than 30 criteria from six categories:
- Facilities: Are there enough benches, garbage cans, restaurants and toilets?
- Navigation: How clear are the signs and overview maps? Are the distances correct?
- Accessibility: Are parking spaces available? Are there good public transport connections?
- Natural and cultural experience: What landscapes, land features and bodies of water are there to discover?
- Safety: Are there any obstacles, danger spots or emergency signs?
- Planning: Are there helpful websites, GPX data and precise length and altitude information?
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VIEWS OF BALDENEYSEE
The result: a clear test winner!
After their intensive analysis, it was clear that one circular hiking trail received 123 out of a possible 150 points and scored highly in almost all categories. The testers were particularly impressed by the impressive nature experiences and the beautiful views that rewarded the effort of hiking. However, there was also room for improvement: better signposting, more seating and emergency call boards could significantly increase hiking comfort. There is an even greater need to optimize the route and avoid dangerous spots.
Berlin honors young researchers
Their exceptional commitment and methodical approach earned Matyas and Jonas first place in the "Jugend testet" competition organized by Stiftung Warentest. In front of a top-class jury, they presented their results in Berlin and impressed with their in-depth analysis and innovative test methods. With over 3,700 participants from all over Germany, this year's competition broke all records. Matyas and Jonas not only achieved 1st place - according to their own statements, they also won fellow students for hiking.
Baldeneysee.Ruhr congratulates Jonas and Matyas for their commitment, for their 1st place and for many new and above all young hikers on the BaldeneySteig around Lake Baldeney. Baldeneysee.
