Description

Barefoot parks are theme parks for sensual experiences and natural wellness. They are kept clean and maintained on a regular basis, so that barefoot hiking can be done in an appropriate environment. Barefoot parks usually include a lot of adventure stations. Visitors use the experience to feel different soils; to wade through rivers, brooks, or ponds; and to exercise foot gymnastics, balancing and climbing. Playgrounds; bathing lakes; and equipment for smelling, hearing, and seeing different colors; and feeling hidden objects may be included. Some of the barefoot parks call themselves barefoot trails.

Examples

Within the last decade, a few dozen barefoot parks have been founded in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Among the most popular barefoot parks are those at Bad Sobernheim on the Nahe River , at Dornstetten in the Black Forest, at Lienen and Bad Wuennenberg in Westphalia. In addition the theme parks 'Witches' Water in Soell/Tyrol and the "Park with all Senses" at Gutach/Black Forest are designed as barefoot parks.

Touristic significance

The barefoot parks mentioned here are an important contribution to tourism, each attracting at least a hundred thousand visitors per year. Entrance to the family-friendly parks is free or inexpensive. Profit comes from the increased volume at restaurants, hotels, cure facilities, cable cars, and so on.

Weblinks

• Barefoot Parks in Germany
• Witches' Water in Tyrol
• Barfoot Park Lienen in Westphalia