With its 13th edition, the MUT-TOUR is once again sending out a strong signal against the stigmatisation of depression. Since May, teams of people with and without experience of depression have been travelling through Germany on tandems and on foot to promote greater openness in dealing with mental illness. The tour, which is organised by the association Mut fördern e.V., started in Bochum and will end in Rostock on 6 September after 3.5 months and a total of 4,100 kilometres. During the entire route, the participants will hold numerous conversations with interested parties and give interviews to break down prejudices and raise awareness of the topic of depression.
Self-help through exercise and community
With the motto "Self-help in motion", the MUT-TOUR 2025 focuses on the positive effects of activity, exchange and self-efficacy. The combination of physical activity and communal experience is a central approach. The tour is not just about pedalling, but also about laughing, sweating and talking. The participants encourage each other and strengthen each other through open dialogue. This form of self-help often has an effect far beyond the actual tour time and at the same time shows the outside world how valuable open conversations about mental health can be for everyone involved. With almost 10 million people in Germany affected by depression, the MUT-TOUR makes an important contribution to social awareness and destigmatisation.
Diverse teams and modes of transport
The MUT-TOUR 2025 is focussing on different modes of transport in order to reach as many people as possible. A total of 15 stage teams will be on the road, including 13 tandem teams, a hiking team accompanied by horses and the Great MUT Hike with daily hiking opportunities. The approximately 75 participants will be supported by around 400 fellow travellers and walkers who will join them for shorter distances. This variety of means of transport and participation options makes the tour particularly open to everyone and enables people with different physical abilities to take part. Moving together in nature creates an ideal setting for open dialogue and reducing fear of contact with the topic of depression.
Hands-on offers and action days
In addition to the actual tour stages, the MUT-TOUR 2025 offers numerous opportunities for participation. Action days are planned throughout Germany in collaboration with partner organisations, where information stands, readings, musical performances and other activities relating to the topic of depression will take place. For example, the tandem team will be coming to 28.07.2025 to Munich.
In addition to the MUT-TOUR, local associations and organisations that offer support services in the field of mental health also present themselves at these events. This creates a network of support services that is made directly accessible to those affected and interested. For all those who cannot be there, there will be the opportunity to make so-called movement donations. Insights into everyday life on the tour will also be shared on social media, in the "Tandem Tales" video and on the MUT FASS blog.
MUT-ATLAS as a digital orientation aid
As an important addition to the MUT-TOUR, the sponsoring organisation Mut fördern e.V. has developed the MUT-ATLAS. This digital platform offers orientation in the care landscape for those affected, relatives and professional helpers. The MUT-ATLAS provides a map of mental health support services across Germany - from therapy options and counselling centres to self-help, employment and housing offers.
This closes an important gap in the information landscape and makes it easier for those affected and their relatives to find suitable support services in their area. Available at the Internet address mut-atlas.de. The MUT-ATLAS is therefore a useful addition to the MUT-TOUR, as it links the discussions and insights gained during the tour with specific offers of help.
Broad support from partners and sponsors
The MUT-TOUR is supported by a broad network of sponsors. Sponsors include the health insurance companies DAK and BARMER, the German Pension Insurance, the Rhineland Regional Association (LVR), Aktion Mensch and various foundations such as the Anni Gruber Foundation, the Kämpgen Foundation and the Werder Foundation.
Cooperation partners include the Stiftung Deutsche Depressionshilfe, the Deutsche DepressionsLiga e.V., the Allgemeine Deutsche Fahrrad-Club (ADFC e.V.) and the Bundesverband der Angehörigen psychisch erkrankter Menschen e.V. This broad support emphasises the social relevance of the project and makes it possible to carry out the tour on such an impressive scale. By collaborating with established organisations from the health sector and the cycling scene, the MUT-TOUR also reaches different target groups and can thus spread its message even further.
Marc Strucken
Editor
