Trails in Germany: The crucial question: Are trails always for sharing? 4 types, 4 opinions

Overtourism is no longer a term that only applies to classic tourist hotspots such as the Zugspitze or Lake Tegernsee. The phenomenon is also noticeable at trail spots - especially in southern Germany.

Our magazine story in BIKE 5/26 ("The best 20 trails in Germany") received a lot of feedback. We deliberately did not mention some trails, especially when those responsible had asked us to do so in advance. However, we were not able to contact everyone. As a result, some trails ended up in the story where other trail builders and those responsible were not enthusiastic.

Their argument: We build the trails - others come, ride, brake and disappear again. The work remains with us. That's just one of several arguments, but it's a valid one. Other regions in Upper Bavaria have agreed to the legalisation of trails on the condition that the trails are not advertised by the association for tourism purposes. Nevertheless, they are public: no fence, no fee. This means that it is not forbidden for out-of-town bikers to use them.

A dilemma: what is official is also public - or is it not?

Four types, four opinions.

The question: Are trails always for sharing, or are there exceptions?

Stefan Herrmann, driving technique veteran

Yes and no - this does not apply to sensitive trails without restrictions. Sure, legalised trails are generally open to the public. But some trails simply can't cope with so many riders: too steep, too prone to erosion, too many residents or bike opponents who are provoked by them. Unfortunately, the fact is that the more bikers there are, the more problems there are. That's why I can well understand why many trail crews don't want to publicise their trails.

When I find new trails, I don't share them on social media. I think these delicacies should be reserved for those who really care - the enthusiasts who know how to use them, who are seriously interested in preserving them and don't want to cause trouble. Less experienced bikers, on the other hand, are often pure consumers: they come, ride and go - and often behave accordingly - unfortunately.

Jasper Jauch, Bike-Youtuber

Yes, trails are always there to be shared. If a trail is public and signposted, then it is public. It's as simple as that. Sure, it's always daft when only a handful of bikers take care of the trails and the others just ride them and wear them out - keyword: riding in wet conditions, braking bumps. It's absolutely fine to point this out. In other words: get people involved, enable donations, let them help out, let them become part of the scene. Because at the end of the day, more bikers are not the problem - they are part of the solution.

Eric Haufe, Mountainbike Allgäu e.V. and guide

Actually yes - but not always. Many people don't know what goes on behind the scenes. The Allgäu is a hotspot with great utilisation pressure - and many parties who keep a close eye on us as a young association: Municipality, landowners, hunting.
We were annoyed about the mention in BIKE 5/26 - especially because the editors knew that we don't want any additional publicity at the moment. This is the express wish of those responsible, which was not honoured here.
Because even if the trail is legal, it is constantly under scrutiny. Our appeal: Why don't you also report on other trails in the Allgäu - for example in Sonthofen or Immenstadt? This will ensure better distribution and therefore less stress.

Laurin Lehner, Editor

I understand both sides. I really do. Stefan Herrmann is right: "With the amount of bikers come the problems." This is especially true for trails that are under pressure due to overtourism or are threatened by bans. And I also understand the club members who work their butts off to legalise, build and maintain trails. And then the bikers come from the next big city, ride in the rain and only take instead of giving. I get it. But that's often the way life is. Only Jasper Jauch's advice can help: get involved or get them to donate.

For me as the editor of BIKE, however, the issue of official trails is clear: our job is to report - about new things, about innovations and also about trails. That's exactly why people buy the magazine. That's why we publish legalised trails on our platforms. I was not contacted by the Allgäu association or others before the article was published, asking not to be mentioned - but I was aware of it.