On 26 April 2025, the GeoRoute Tertiär – Industrie – Erlebnis Stöffel-Route was officially celebrated as the first German trail to be awarded the prestigious “Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe, DAY WALK” certification.

The ceremony took place at the Stöffel-Park in the Westerwald region, attended by representatives from the municipalities, hiking and tourism organizations, and the European Hiking Federation (ERA–Hiking Europe).

The Stöffel-Route offers an 11,9 km circular hike through fascinating geological and industrial history, combined with scenic landscapes and excellent trail infrastructure. It now proudly carries both the German “Qualitätsweg Wanderbares Deutschland – Entdeckertour” and the European DAY WALK labels, underlining its outstanding quality and visitor experience.

A highlight of the event was the formal handover of the framed DAY WALK certificate by ERA President Boris Mićić supported by ERA Board Member Steen Kobberø-Hansen.

In his speech, Boris Mićić emphasized the European dimension of the certification:

“This is not just a German success story. This is a European milestone.”

He also praised the local commitment:

“Every good trail leads us somewhere – and the best ones bring us together.”

The celebration marks an important milestone for quality hiking trails in Germany and Europe and sets an inspiring example for future DAY WALK certifications.

ERA warmly congratulates all partners involved and looks forward to seeing many hikers enjoying the new Stöffel-Route.

Discover more about the trail here: Stöffel-Route Official Page

After the ceremony there was a short hike on the new Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe, Day Walk.

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