That was the result of a re-certification of the Climb by the German Hiking Institute. So, the Saar-Hunsrueck Climb has not just successfully defended the title it achieved in 2009, but has further extended its leading position. With 64 points, the Saar-Hunsrueck Climb has obtained a score never before achieved anywhere in Germany in the assessment by the German Hiking Institute.<\/p>\n
The Minister for Trade and Industry, Heiko Maas, also appeared delighted at the renewed distinction for the Saarland Tourist Region: \u201cNot only are we the German hiking trail champions, but with the Saar-Hunsrueck Climb we are also playing across borders, in the Champions League.\u201d<\/p>\n
In order that this remains the case, an increasing amount of work is being done on the care and maintenance of the paths, as well as on a better accommodation and catering concept, with a view towards the future. Just recently, the extension from the Saar Loop to Perl, sponsored by the Ministry for Trade and Industry, was opened.
\nHence, the Saar-Hunsrueck Climb now runs a total distance of approximately 137 miles (220 km), from Perl as far as the gemstone centre, Idar-Oberstein, with a connection to the Roman city of Trier.<\/p>\n
Every hiker who completes the Climb spends one to two extra nights in Saarland. As a result, the Saar-Hunsrueck Climb has for a long time been an economic factor in the region. Meanwhile, there are 64 certified hikers\u2019 establishments along the Climb and another 100 additional facilities in the surrounding area.<\/p>\n
Established in 2007, the Saar-Hunsrueck Climb is very important for tourism in the Saar region. It is the only premium long-distance walking trail in the region and is considered to be the backbone of Saarland, the hikers\u2019 Mecca. Even today, the previous route from Nonnweiler to Mettlach-Orscholz alone can already produce up to 100,000 hiking visitors annually and the trend continues to climb.<\/p>\n