For a long time, hiking wasn't a leisure activity, but a means to an end. Before there were cable cars and automobiles, people had to rely on walking. It wasn't until about 150 years ago, when the railroad was invented, that our view of walking changed as well. Suddenly, it was an active choice in order to connect with nature. As cities grew larger with the dawn of industrialization, people would long for a weekend in the great outdoors. In 1869, the German Alpine Club was founded; in 1907, the first girls' hiking groups followed suit- hiking had become a popular sport.

A summer retreat in the mountains is hot hot hot this year. © Angela Percival

When hiking became hip
Until the 1980s, however, hiking was mostly associated with senior citizens. But as fashion trends show, the late 1990s brought on a shift in perception: our attire became more functional and outdoorsy, and we don't just look fit in our Goretex clothes, we've become fit. Right now, we crave the outdoor experience, we want to feel the wind and the weather, and spend a night in a tent – we're going back to basics, as it were. Eco-consciousness may also play a role in the hiking revival. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it's to appreciate the beauty of the mountains.

The Pragser Wildsee lake is not only a sought-after photo motif among travel bloggers, but also a popular hiking destination. © Getty Images

The fitness and health-promoting aspect of hiking has also long since been rediscovered. As a means of relaxation and wellness, it connects generations. Who hasn't been passed by some spunky 80-year-olds on the trail? Hiking guarantees fitness into old age. The hiking boots of today also weigh a tenth of the clunky monsters of yesteryear. Instagram is full of photos of hip people hiking across alpine pastures. And the internet also makes it easier to learn more about the most impressive hiking tours.

The most impressive hiking tours

Berlin High Trail

Once you reach the top, you can enjoy a fabulous view on the Berliner Höhenweg. © Nestex/Shutterstock

Starting point: Finkenberg im Zillertal (Tyrol/Austria)
Duration: up to 8 days
Route: 85 kilometers
Grade: intermediate
Highlight: hikers can look forward to deep blue lakes, easy climbing passages, impressive glacier worlds, rustic huts and spectacular views.

Seiser Alm

You could write poems about this sight. © WichitS/Shutterstock

Entry: Compatsch (South Tyrol/I)
Duration: 3 days
Route: 33 kilometers
Grade: intermediate
Highlight: Europe's largest high alp counts 300 days of sunshine. On the hut tour via Schlern, Plattkofel and Murmeltierhütte you pass grandiose rock formations.

Dolomites high trail 1

The mountains loom majestically on Alta Via 1. © MoLarjung/Shutterstock

Starting point: Pragser Wildsee (South Tyrol/I)
Duration: 8 to 12 days
Route: 150 kilometers
Difficulty: easy, short via ferrata
Highlight: one of the most beautiful routes in the realm of the pale mountains and the comparatively easiest high-altitude trail in the area. There's a picturesque wild lake right at the start.

Samnaun

Hike up and up with the gondola - it's a great way to keep cool on hot days. © Nicole Vollbrecht/Shutterstock

Entrance: Double-decker railroad, Samnaun (CH)
Duration: 4 hours
Route: 12 kilometers
Grade: intermediate
Highlight: A unique mountain panorama, past impressive gypsum dolines. The destination is in (duty-free) Samnaun, where first-class gastronomy awaits hungry hikers.

Lechquellweg

For refreshment, jump into the lake and then march diligently on. © Anikibi/Shutterstock

Entry: Formarinsee (Vorarlberg/Austria)
Duration: 4.5 hours
Route: 11.3 kilometers
Grade: intermediate
Highlight: on the way to the picturesque Spullersee lake, you're greeted by unspoiled landscapes, beautiful sightings from the plant and animal kingdoms, as well as multifaceted terrains.

Text: Karin Cerny, Katharina Florian and Michaela Hessenberger