Hiking boots on, get set, go! To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Via Alpina, the long-distance hiking trail across the Alps, we are awarding eight hiking scholarships of €1,500 each to selected individuals with the support of the VAUDE Sport Albrecht von Dewitz Foundation.
The Via Alpina – an implementation project of the Alpine Convention – has for two decades run like a common thread through all eight Alpine countries, from Trieste/I to Monaco, connecting people, living and natural spaces – not only physically but also symbolically. A hike along the Via Alpina exposes Alpine-wide challenges such as climate change, pressure of use and rural exodus. But it also reveals solutions, such as sustainable building cultures, slow tourism and innovative projects by local populations. And it is always accompanied by the incredible beauty and diversity of the nature, culture and languages of the Alps.
For the 20th anniversary we are therefore looking for eight people who would like to join us on a journey of discovery along the Via Alpina. Do you have a Via Alpina Explorer 2022 in you? Then apply by the end of January 2022 and discover the Alps!
Are you ready
- …to hike a section (200 – 255 km) of the new red route of the Via Alpina between May and October 2022?
- ...to raise awareness of the Via Alpina and accompanying topics (mainly in English) during your hike?
- ...to report your impressions, experiences and focus topic along the journey via social media, your blog, with a film or in other ways?
- ...to document special accommodation types and regional specialties, as well as sections that are difficult to walk and faults in the signage along the way for us?
- ...to treat nature and the environment with respect, to minimise your CO2 footprint by travelling on public transport, and to use local and regional products?
In addition, you must be at least 18 years old, live in one of the eight Alpine countries, be open to international exchanges and be interested in the sustainable development of the Alpine region.
Does this sound like you? Then tell us why you feel that you deserve one of the travel scholarships and apply using the form.
©Igor Gruber
