Dear Harald, you are a hiking trail warden in the Schlaubetal. What drives you, what is your job?
Since I was a child, I loved going to the forest with my parents, and it has remained a need and a place of longing for me to this day. During my years working in the steelworks and hot rolling mill at EKO, now ArcelorMittal, a walk in the forest was the best way to relax for me. And so it wasn't difficult for me to apply for the vacant position of volunteer path warden for the Schlaubetal hiking trail after my working life.
Since the Schlaubetal hiking trail is a certified quality hiking trail, the trail warden has a wide range of tasks to ensure that this hiking trail is maintained and that the criteria specified for these trails are met. This includes checking the trail markings and signposts, assessing the condition of the trail and the equipment, such as furniture, information and display boards. Anything that I, as the trail warden, cannot repair or install on my own is reported to the Schlaubetal office and the municipal building yard. Suggestions for improvement are also part of this, because the quality and attractiveness of the hiking trail are crucial to whether hikers come back and recommend our hiking trail to others.
You deliberately chose the Schlaubetal. What makes it so special for you?
The Schlaubetal always seemed to me to be something "enchanted" and that has stayed with me to this day. The diversity of flora and fauna here is unique for our region, which is usually mostly pine-forested. Although I have to pay more attention to the path markings and signposts when I go out to inspect the area, I am fascinated by the fact that the Schlaubetal has something interesting to offer in every season. For example, in February the Schlaubetal did not turn "white" but a rich "green". I have never seen such strong and bright green moss, even in the most beautiful spring. The many tree trunks along the path that had been gnawed cleanly by young beavers were also impressive and I spontaneously dubbed them "beaver schools".
What do you wish for from the people who are out and about?
Contact and exchange with hikers is very important to me, because that's how I get to know opinions about the hiking trail, and I hear mostly positive things ("The trail is very well signposted!" "You can't get lost, but you can enjoy nature all the more!") I hardly hear any criticism, more suggestions like: "There are beautiful viewpoints at the many lakes and the Schlaube, but unfortunately no bench or rest area in this beautiful place!" Actually, I would like the hikers here to do something completely normal: stay on the hiking trail if possible, take your rubbish home with you, put your dog on a leash, don't make any noise, listen to the forest instead, and leave the marker signs on the trees!
Are there any tours in autumn and winter that are particularly fascinating?
There is no bad season in the Schlaubetal! In autumn, the relatively short circular route from Siehdichum to the bridge between Hammersee and Grosser Treppelsee or from Siehdichum north to Kupferhammer is particularly worthwhile. Here, as well as on other sections of the route, you can admire the most beautiful foliage colours. In winter, if it has snowed, there are white trees and paths and also frozen lakes with lots of animal tracks on them. Not an insider tip, but also beautiful in winter: the meander view on a small hill around which the Schlaube flows, between the Ragower Mühle and the Kupferhammer! Here you can not only hear the Schlaube water rushing, splashing or gurgling, in winter you can also see the Schlaube winding its way through here. A seating area invites you to linger here even in winter. A picnic and warm drinks are a must!