Case Study
„weiterweg“ (long way) – The good way into the wide world
Contact name
Matthias Rebel and Bernhard Drixler
Institution name
Nature Park Schwäbisch-Fränkischer Wald (Funding body) and Graf von Pückler and Limpurg’sche Charitable Foundation (responsible for the measures)
Region & country
Germany – Baden-Württemberg
Summary
The “weiterweg” (long way) is a special kind of forest experience path, it is a mixture of art path and contemplation path. At 10 stations, visitors are inspired to reflect on central questions of life, with a work of art and two text panels installed at each station.
Wide Way NL 1
VDN / Bernhard Drixler
Wide Way NL 2
VDN / Bernhard Drixler
Wide Way NL 3
VDN / Bernhard Drixler
Background of the project
In the Nature Park there were only a few offers in the area of health and meditative nature experience to find inner peace.
There was a need for an offer that combines the experience of nature with a meditative approach. This should be a contribution to help the people in the Nature Park to find peace and quietness and to experience nature at the same time – either after work or on weekends.
Solution and actions taken
With the “weiterweg” (long way) a meditative way to experience nature was developed, which at the same time takes into account important barrier-free concerns. The conception and implementation of “weiterweg” as a Christian-philosophical impulse path was supported by the Nature Park.
We’ve had many intensive discussions with the Graf von Pückler and Limpurg’sche Wohltätigkeitsstiftung / Graf von Pückler and Limpurg’sche Charitable Foundation as responsible for the measures, with all the players involved and additional sponsors, both in terms of content and implementation.
Other institutions or parties involved
Graf von Pückler und Limpurg’sche Wohltätigkeitsstiftung/ Graf von Pückler and Limpurg’sche Charitable Foundation
Results
The “weiterweg” (long way) as a forest experience path of a special kind is used as an art path and path of contemplation. It is very successful and visited by many people. Bookable “weiterweg”/(long way)-guides were trained and a visitor reservation system was installed online.
Challenges
It was particularly difficult and a new challenge to implement the elements of the path as a sustainable installation that could be completely removed again at some point – without leaving any residues or damaging the environment.
Lessons learned
If all project participants act with heart and soul and mutual respect, more can be achieved in the implementation than one could imagine at the beginning.
Contact name
Matthias Rebel and Bernhard Drixler
Institution name
Nature Park Schwäbisch-Fränkischer Wald (Funding body) and Graf von Pückler and Limpurg’sche Charitable Foundation (responsible for the measures)
Website(s)
