Garmisch-Partenkirchen/Grainau. The new alpine themed trail "Natursteig Osterfelder" was officially opened today by Bavaria's Environmental Minister Thorsten Glauber together with Felix Neureuther.

The interactive themed trail combines the topics nature and exercise at more than 30 different information and hands-on stations. It is designed to raise awareness and to keep hikers on the main trails in the Garmisch-Classic area.

Nature protection content – guiding measure for the hiking area

The content of the information stations was closely coordinated with the environmental authorities and provides interesting facts about local biotopes, endangered species, changes due to global warming, the characteristics of the surrounding rocks, species' adaptations to the Alpine habitat and much more.
The content has been prepared in such a way that everyone, from schoolchildren to adults, can learn interesting facts about the local natural environment. The theme trail is aimed at families. 

Motivation to exercise with Felix Neureuther's "Beweg dich schlau!" initiative

The exercises from the "Beweg dich schlau!" initiative complement the Natursteig Osterfelder with a variety of exercise instructions that are not only fun, but also physically and cognitively challenging, inspiring and raise awareness of nature. The instructions are suitable for all age groups, regardless of the guests' abilities. The movements relate to the nature theme of the information boards, are simple and can often be done with a backpack.
Felix Neureuther is personally delighted about the opening of the themed trail in his home region: "My big wish is to get as many children and families as possible out into our beautiful mountain world. They should get some exercise, but also learn something about how to treat this unique natural environment with care. We are achieving all of this with this alpine themed trail, and I am very happy about that."
In addition to classic information boards, which provide information and raise awareness with pictures, texts and puzzles, there are also some interactive elements - so that important nature protection content can be communicated in a fun way.

Delays due to the long-lasting rainfall

The weather conditions at the beginning of June with heavy, persistent rain and flooding led to delays in delivery and problems with logistics. The themed trail has therefore not yet been finally installed at the opening; some stations will follow in the coming weeks. The Natursteig Osterfelder will be completed by the start of the Bavarian summer vacations at the end of July.
The themed trail runs between the mountain stations of the Alpspitzbahn and Kreuzeckbahn cable cars, passes the Hochalmbahn cable car and is located on Bavarian State Forestry land.