From Bernau to Bernau: An ambitious hiking dream becomes a reality

From Bernau to Bernau: An ambitious hiking dream becomes a reality

In the picturesque backdrop of Lake Chiemsee, the couple Ingeborg and Dr. Gert Kolitsch warmly welcomed by the tourist information in Bernau am Chiemsee on September 5. These lively hikers from Schönow have a remarkable adventure behind them, in which they completed the last section of their trip from Bernau near Berlin to Bernau am Chiemsee. The path led them through various cities and landscapes, and they covered around 1,000 kilometers before they tackled the remaining 250 kilometers this year.

The Kolitschs, who describe themselves as "pleasure hikers", had the idea of taking these_linkes adventure, in the early 2000s. "Surely we could have been going there directly by train," admits Ingeborg Kolitsch, "but as a pensioner we have a lot of time and are full of curiosity and adventure." This decision to deal with the route on foot has enabled them to make numerous contacts and experience nature up close.

an adventure across borders

The trip led the two through picturesque places: from Fürstenwalde via the spa town of Rathen to Altenberg in the Ore Mountains and further to Klingenthal in the Vogtland. Even a stage in Nyrsko in the Czech Republic was on the program. "The hiking agency is more direct and more intensive," explains Dr. Gert Kolitsch, while reflecting on the experiences they gained on the way. For example, they had not expected the unexpected tropical temperatures in September that accompanied them on the last stage.

To prepare for such hikes, the Kolitschs have perfected their technology, and so it happens that everyone wears around ten kilograms on their backs at the start. "We even weigh every sock and every towel!" Laughs Dr. Gert Kolitsch. Sometimes it also becomes up to 12 kilograms with provisions. You have previously cultivated this attention to detail in countries such as Spain, Portugal and France as well as in the Alps and around Bernau on very varied routes.

Another remarkable aspect of your trip is also the connection to your hometown Bernau near Berlin. Mayor André Stahl had given the Kolitsch's sticker to call the Hussitenstadt on its hike. "Easy to wear and yet very effective," as Ingeborg Kolitsch describes it. Such small gestures not only confirm their pride in their origin, but also the strong connection that they feel to their homeland.

An equally likeable detail is the Bernau in Berlin sticker, which always adorns the luggage of the Kolitsch. These little memorabilia help not to forget their roots during their long hiking trip. The big and small challenges on their way not only welded together as a hiker, but also as a couple. "It just makes us happy to share these experiences together," summarizes Ingeborg Kolitsch.