WHY TRAILS ?

• Trails connect people, places and cultures.
• Trails are the foundation for people who want to spend time in nature. 
• Trails are the essential part of the product of outdoor destinations. 
• Trails are sustainable and outlast generations.

ABOUT EUROPEAN TRAILS

Founded in February 2025 European Trails is the umbrella body for all organizations that manage trails in Europe, regardless the outdoor activity. It is a non-profit, non-governmental association based in Germany that functions as the European Chapter of the World Trails Network (WTN).

The organization does not pursue any commercial interests. The German version of the statutes shall be deemed the legally binding text. The English translation is for informational purposes only.

History

2012: Founding World Trails Network (WTN) at the 3^rd World Trails Conference (WTC) in Korea

2014: Asian Hub and Hub for the Americas were established 

2023: The establishment of a European Hub was initiated by Hartmut Wimmer at an event organized by the Königswinterer Kreis at the CMT (January 2023)

 2025: Formal foundation of the association European Trails e.V. in February 2025.

VISION

All people in Europe are using great trails.

MISSION

The European Trails Association unites all relevant stakeholders in the trail sector to speak with one voice. We create and share knowledge, establish standards, and unlock financing opportunities. We empower trail organizations to build sustainable structures, collaborate effectively, and promote their trails across Europe and beyond.

GOALS

✔ We make the trails in Europe speak with ONE strong voice

✔ we support trail organizations

✔ We improve financing structures and funding possibilities

✔ We collect and create knowledge and share it

✔ We improve trail management and quality  

✔ We create a trail classification standard that makes it easy to compare systems and gives users the clarity to choose the right trail

✔ We establish global trail certification standards

✔ We foster trail use