Volkmarching is a blast, and you want to do it more than just on the weekend, right?! Lucky for you, there’s another option.
Permanent volksmarches are paths that are open all year long, they just work slightly differently than an event volksmarch.
What is a Permanent Volksmarch?
A permanent volksmarch is a year-long route maintained by a local club.
Permanent walk titles start with PW#.
If you are traveling, this is a great way to find a walk to fit into your itinerary. There are permanent walks in many of the IVV member countries.
Nearby you can do them in Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, the Netherlands, Denmark, Poland, Switzerland, and Austria.
Permanent walks are a little more difficult to navigate, just because when you go, you are probably the only one on the path that day. There’s no one to follow.
Don’t let that stop you, though. It’s not a problem; most are well-marked, and we’ve got some tips to make it easier for you.
Where can you find permanent volksmarches?
- One of your best resources is the IVV website under the “Wanderwege” tab.
- Currently, there are over 650 permanent walks available, so you have plenty to choose from.
- If you know which country you want to find a permanent walk in, you can pull down the country tab first, then go to Wanderwege and find one that works for you.
The Basics – How a Permanent Walk Works
- Find your walk and make sure to put the whole address in your GPS.
- If it’s available, download the gpx file map on your Google Maps.
- Permanent walks usually have a business or tourist office as your start/ziel.
- Buy your start card and make sure to ask for the map or instructions (Beschreibung in German).
- Start out. It’s common that permanent walks will have a unique sign or sticker to follow.
- Along the way, you will find signs that are the self-controls (Selbst Kontrolle). They will contain a word, number, or combination of both. You must write this on your start card for proof. (These change often, so you can walk the path more than once.)
- At the end, turn in your start cards with the codes on them and receive your IVV stamps.
Tips for a Great Permanent Walk Experience
- Make sure to have your map and instruction sheet before you go
- As soon as you leave the start, figure out which sticker, sign, indicator system you are following.
- If you are looking for a walk in a certain country, it’s best to go to their home site. You can find country volksmarching sites here.
- Many times there is a phone number attached to the instructions online. Depending on where the walk is, you might want to call them and find out if it’s still available.
- Keep your eyes open. You will not want to miss a self-control sign.
- Bring your own snacks and water for the trail. Often you can buy them from the business where you are starting.
