The following explanations are taken from the Vorarlberg hiking trail concept, which was adopted by the provincial government in 1995 and has since been implemented by the Office of the Vorarlberg Provincial Government – Department of Spatial Planning and Building Law. It has been continuously further developed ever since.
Walking and hiking trail: easy
Easy to walk/hike; comfortable; high level of safety; generally well-maintained footpaths; suitable for all age groups.
Mountain hiking trail: moderately difficult
Shoes with grippy soles recommended; usually easy to walk/hike; alpine natural hazards; mostly natural footpaths; some sections are narrow, stony and exposed.
Alpine trail: difficult
Mountain experience, surefootedness and a good head for heights required; high level of personal responsibility required; climbs with increased alpine risks; only for experienced mountaineers.
The Office of the Vorarlberg Provincial Government, Department of Spatial Planning and Building Law, is responsible for preparing and publishing the Vorarlberg hiking trail concept. The technical content is based on the hiking trail concept itself as well as on the complementary Manual for the Design and Maintenance of Vorarlberg Hiking Trails, which provides detailed descriptions of the fundamental quality standards, marking and signage guidelines, requirements for trail planning, and the practical demands related to the management and maintenance of the trail network.
