Germany’s longest suspension bridge isn’t just a thrill ride, it’s the gateway to a hiker’s paradise. If you’re looking for breathtaking views and trails to explore, Willingen’s Skywalk is your starting point.
Skywalk Spectacle:
Length: 665 meters of pure suspension bridge bliss
Height: Up to 100 meters above the ground – not for the faint of heart!
Views: Panoramic vistas of the Upland region, forests, and (on clear days) even distant mountain ranges.
Thrill Factor: The bridge sways gently, adding to the adventure.
Getting There and Ticket Tips:
Location: Willingen, Sauerland region (central Germany, easily accessible by train or car)
Tickets: Purchase online in advance to avoid queues, especially on weekends.
Entrance Points: Two options exist, each with its own advantages:
Valley Entrance: Requires a scenic uphill hike to reach the bridge.
Mountain Entrance: Accessible by car or a shuttle bus, minimal walking.
Hiking Beyond the Bridge:
Don’t just walk the Skywalk, hike it! Here are some trails to consider:
The Uplandsteig: This long-distance trail (155 km total) passes right by the Skywalk. Tack on a section before or after your bridge walk for a true hiking challenge.
Kyrillpfad: Named after a devastating storm, this trail loops around the bridge area, offering diverse forest scenery and viewpoints.
Ettelsberg Trails: Take a cable car up to the Ettelsberg peak (near the Skywalk) and choose from various trails leading down. These offer stunning views back towards the bridge.
Diemelsteig: For a multi-day adventure, this 110 km trail connects with the Uplandsteig, creating a huge network of hiking possibilities.
Practical Tips for Hikers:
Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots are a must, especially if you’re tackling longer trails.
Weather: Conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Pack layers and check forecasts.
Supplies: Bring plenty of water, snacks, and a map (or GPS app) if you’re venturing off the main paths.
Fitness: Be honest about your abilities. Choose trails that match your fitness level.
Respect Nature: Stick to designated paths, avoid disturbing wildlife, and pack out all trash.
Why Willingen is a Hiker’s Dream:
Varied Terrain: From gentle slopes to challenging climbs, Willingen caters to all levels.
Trail Network: Well-maintained paths are clearly marked, making navigation a breeze.
Charming Towns: Willingen itself is a lovely base, with accommodations and eateries to suit every budget.
Beyond the Hike:
After your adventure, Willingen offers plenty to do:
Mountain Biking: World-class trails for cyclists
Water Sports: Nearby lakes for swimming, boating, etc.
Winter Fun: Skiing and snowboarding in the colder months
Local Cuisine: Enjoy hearty German food and regional specialties.
Conclusion:
Willingen’s Skywalk isn’t just an attraction, it’s an invitation to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, the Upland region is waiting to be discovered. So pack your boots, charge your camera, and get ready to soar above the trees!
Delden, a picturesque town in the Netherlands, offers a fairytale setting for a refreshing escape. Stroll through its charming streets or embark on a scenic hike or bike ride surrounding the majestic Twickel Castle. Here’s how to make the most of your active adventure:
Castle Views and Countryside Charm:
Twickel Estate: Delve into the heart of Delden by exploring the sprawling Twickel Estate. This 400-hectare expanse boasts enchanting woodlands, meadows, and enchanting waterways.
Umfassungsweg: Opt for the scenic Umfassungsweg, a gentle hike encircling the Twickel Castle grounds. This easy trail offers breathtaking views of the castle and the surrounding countryside.
Cycling Paradise: For an invigorating adventure, rent a bike and explore the extensive network of cycling paths weaving through the Twickel Estate. Choose from various routes, catering to different levels and distances.
Nature’s Embrace:
Deldeneresch: Venture beyond the castle grounds and discover the natural beauty of Deldeneresch. This scenic heathland reserve is a haven for wildlife and a peaceful escape for nature enthusiasts.
Vossenhol: Explore the enchanting Vossenhol woods, a haven of towering trees and tranquil trails. Keep your eyes peeled for local birdlife and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere.
Thematic Routes: If you’re looking for a guided exploration, consider themed routes like the “Kunst op Landgoed Twickel” (Art on Twickel Estate) tour, combining art installations with natural beauty.
Post-Adventure Treats:
Delden Town Center: After your hike or bike ride, rejuvenate in Delden’s charming town center. Relax at a cozy cafe with a refreshing beverage and Dutch pastry, or indulge in a delicious meal at a local restaurant.
Twickel Castle Shop: End your adventure with a unique souvenir from the Twickel Castle Shop. Find locally crafted gifts, regional delicacies, and mementos that will remind you of your Delden escapade.
Delden offers a captivating blend of historical charm and natural splendor. Lace up your hiking boots, grab your bike, or simply wander the scenic trails, and create lasting memories in this Dutch paradise!
Breathe Deep, Unwind Deep: The Transformative Power of Forest Bathing
In today’s fast-paced world, feeling constantly plugged in and on edge is becoming the norm. But what if there was a simple yet powerful antidote to stress, anxiety, and even physical ailments? Enter forest bathing, a practice with roots in Japan known as shinrin-yoku.
Forest bathing isn’t just a walk in the woods. It’s a mindful immersion in nature, using all your senses to connect with the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest. It’s about slowing down, leaving your worries behind, and simply being present in the moment.
But why is this so beneficial? The science is clear: forest bathing offers a wealth of advantages for both your physical and mental well-being.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Studies show that spending time in nature lowers stress hormones like cortisol, leading to feelings of calm and relaxation. The gentle sounds of rustling leaves and birdsong have a naturally calming effect, while the fresh forest air is invigorating and cleansing.
Boosted Immunity: Trees release compounds called phytoncides, which have been shown to increase the number of natural killer cells in your body, strengthening your immune system’s ability to fight off illness.
Improved Mood and Well-being: Forest bathing has been linked to increased levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with happiness and well-being. Immersing yourself in nature can reduce feelings of depression and improve your overall mood.
Enhanced Creativity and Focus: Stepping away from the constant stimulation of technology allows your mind to wander and defragment. This can lead to increased creativity, improved problem-solving skills, and better focus when you return to your daily tasks.
Deeper Connection with Nature: Spending time in the forest fosters a sense of connection to the natural world, which can be incredibly grounding and restorative. This connection can lead to a greater appreciation for the environment and a desire to protect it.
Getting Started with Forest Bathing:
Forest bathing is accessible to everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. Here are some simple tips to get started:
Find a quiet forest or natural area near you.
Leave your phone and other distractions behind.
Engage your senses: listen to the sounds, smell the air, feel the sun on your skin.
Move slowly and deliberately,focusing on your breath and surroundings.
Sit or lie down beneath a tree and simply be present.
Start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration as you feel comfortable.
Remember, forest bathing is not about achieving anything; it’s about simply being in the moment and allowing nature to work its magic. So, take a deep breath, step into the forest, and discover the transformative power of this simple yet profound practice.
I went on a little road trip to the Netherlands. It was a short 90-minute drive to the national park Veluwezoom and I arrived right before sunrise.
I took my bike on a nice 2-hour ride and loved it so much. Though you will find more hiking trails at Veluwezoom, I totally digged the MTB trail: tree roots, mud, forest trails, uphill passages and a nice flow.
Collect moments, not things. ☀️ I know, sometimes we all get caught up in a busy life, stress about work and responsibilities. Don’t forget to hit the pause button when things get stressful. Remember to enjoy the little things, make memories and take good care of yourself.
I for myself take my sweet ride on happy bike dates, exploring new places.
Holy cannoli, this was my most intense hike so far: hiking over 200km along the coast, mainly on paved roads.
The Route
I wanted to do the Stoertebeker trail along the North Sea coast. My crazy idea: to make it more challenging, I wanted to finish the whole trail within four days, without knowing the location, the conditions or anything in this region.
The training plan
Together with a fitness coach, we created a four-week-training plan focusing on endurance and strength training, working out six days a week – on Wednesdays, I trained three times a day. Though endurance is key, you definitely need to integrate strength training, since this kind of hiking is a lot of stress for your body. Generally, long-distance hiking is an intense activity that requires some training. Don’t start such a trip without the proper preparation. Also, if you are new to long-distance hiking, you should go for a light, easy first tour.
These steps might help you to prep for your next ultra hike or thru hike:
I. Aerobic exercises: these kind of exercises are perfect for hiking, since they allow you to keep going for a substantial amount of time. Training your endurance will keep you going physically strong through your whole hike. I went for running, hiking and biking.
II. Walk: You need to walk on a daily basis. Walk to work, to the supermarket, your doctor’s appointment. Walk as much as possible.
III. Resistance Training: You need to build your muscular strength along with boosting your muscular endurance growing skeletal muscles. Skeletal muscles connect to bones that move the mechanics of your body. Building these muscles are important for long-distance hiking due to the intensity of hiking on the body – especially on paved roads. I myself focused on my legs, hips and core and admit that I neglected my arms, chest and shoulders a little. I definitely should have included more strength training for my upper body. That is one big learning for me.
IV: Use your gear: Pack as light as possible and only take along what’s really necessary. This one is crucial. A loaded backpack should not weigh more than about 20 percent of your body weight. For me, this is still too much, but when you have to take along your camping gear (tent, sleeping bag etc.), it is tough. Practice hiking and running with your gear, wear weights on your treadmill runs and train on similar terrain to figure out what works best for you. I tried all my different pairs of shoes and then had one pair customised for my feet so that I could manage it on paved roads. The same applies for the backpack: take the smaller and lighter version. You will regret everything else. Since every body is different, I can only share what worked for me: adidas terrex shoes and Ortovox Traverse 38 S (particularly suited for women).
V: Mental training: Believe me when I tell you that it is going to be tough and painful. But you need to prepare yourself and develop a plan to tackle possible obstacles, tiredness. I integrated meditation sessions and already knew how painful it can get. I just remembered my alpine crossing and knew how much it is gonna hurt at some point. You need to find your own way how to deal with it. In the end, for me, it was music. When things got rough, I listened to hard rock and metal, I even sang or rather screamed along. But, hey, it worked. So, you do you. But practice it, put yourself in uncomfortable situations and find out what works best to pull through. This is crucial because, honestly, about 30-40 % is your physical strength, the rest is your mental strength.
The check list
You can find my pack list on Instagram. Make sure to check 2 days prior your starting date because weather conditions and circumstances can change. This is what happened with me. I had pretty bad luck regarding the weather conditions so that I had to take along my heavier camping gear. Since I was mainly camping and temperatures dropped to 5-6 degrees Celsius, including some rain and heavy wind gusts, I knew I needed to stay warm. Also, when you hike alone like I do, take along some legal self-defence weapon, first-aid kit, share your route with friends and family and enable GPS-tracking just to be on the safe side. Have regular check-ins, let your folks know how you are doing.
The stages
Stage I: Leer – Emden – Pilsum – Greetsiel: 51.73 km – Tuesday, 10 a.m. till 8:30 p.m.
I know “hate” is a strong word, but I hated it so much. Wind gusts of over 30 km/h, some rain showers, walking on the so called dike was not possible due to the heavy wind gusts. At one section I tried to climb over a fence but then got struck by the wind and almost fell. For me, that meant that I had to go road hiking with 15 kg on my back. Yep, the most painful of it all. 50k on paved roads, through strong winds and rain showers. I hated every single second. It really, really sucked. That was the moment when I made some adjustments to my first stage. I initially wanted to hike 90k through the night, but no chance in hell. So I stopped after 51.73 km and needed some rest and a hot shower. I think I slept for 3-4 hours. Boy, it hurt soooooo much and I was freezing like crazy. There were moments when I thought to simply screw the whole thing, forget about it. – I definitely needed some motivational messages from my friends. Talking, yelling and sharing a bit of self-pity helped. Actually, it helped a lot. I won’t name the people here on the blog, since they know that I am talking about them and how grateful I am for their support. 💗
Stage II: Exploring Greetsiel – Norden – Norddeich – 31.43 km – Wednesday 5 a.m. till noon
I got up before sunrise and needed some coffee, explored the beautiful city of Greetsiel before I continued for the next 25k. This wind was killing me. AGAIN, strong winds, some rain, it was so freaking cold, my feet hurt. I told myself over and over again that I will pull through. It was mental. I needed my strong willpower, simply forget about the pain, just walk – just keep walking till you reach the beach in Norddeich. I reached it at around noon and wasn’t able to walk one single step further. I was just resting in my beach chair, couldn’t move, was just laying there in the sun, hoping to recover, afraid to look at my feet. But I knew at some point I had to take my socks off and take care of them. They hurt, blisters all over, man I felt like crying. So, I took out my first aid kit, used all the special foot care I took along and taped my feet. From this second onwards I knew that I will keep them taped till the end of my hike.
I was sleeping in a beach chair and it got really, really cold at night with some rain. Yeah, the images look romantic, it sure can be romantic, but not alone at night, when it’s raining, windy and about 5 degrees celsius. I woke up at around 2 a.m. and needed to put on additional layers cause it was so freaking cold – counting the hours till sunrise.
Mentally, this was my lowest point. I did not get enough sleep, my whole body hurt, my feet hurt even worse and I just had to cry. I was a real pussy, couldn’t stop crying in the morning because of the pain and tiredness. After having walked for about 5k, I just sat on a bench and cried, I knew I needed to let it all out. I mean, I was alone anyways. For the whole trip, there were no hikers, no other backpackers, only sheep on the dike and some annoying e-bike tourists. And since it was still pretty windy, nobody would hear me cry. Once again the messages from some of my friends helped. And it helped that I could just send them voice messages. I needed some time till I could pull through. But then I did.
Generally, this stage was the most annoying route. Man, I cannot stand these special kind of e-bike tourists: a special tribe of people that looks a little unfit, they completely block the trail and are yelling at you when you are passing by foot. They were everywhere during this stage. So, I just put on my music and walked, just walked. At some point adrenaline and other stress hormones kick in, you forget about your pain and your body just functions. You become a robot. But it helps. It really is amazing what your body can do.
In the afternoon I finally reached a great camping spot, took a hot shower and fell asleep pretty early.
Sometimes I tend to make my life unnecessarily more difficult than it needs to be. On Google Maps I found this cute camping spot in the middle of some forest, right at a lake. So, I thought to integrate a little detour going to Schortens, checking out this pretty place instead of going directly to Wilhelmshaven. Yeah, the joke was on me.
In the beginning of my tour, I had the best time. I slept amazing, had some great coffee in Carolinensiel and walked on sandy beaches in Schillig, one of my most favorite places on this route. And guess what, I finally had wind gusts coming from behind and the sun was coming out. Man, I loved it and put on my Greenday and Guns ‘N Roses playlist, sang along and just walked, smiled, had fun. The fun part has been pretty rare in the first two days. I even had so much fun, that I missed a turn and accidentally did another detour, went back and stopped at the beach in Hooksiel. Afterwards, I went to Schortens, to this supposedly beautiful camping spot. Well, the images look nice, but the lake is right next to a German Bundesstraße (federal road): pretty noisy, the service was awful and when you had to use the facilities, you had to gag cause it was smelling like a sewer or cesspool.
This was another cold night and I just wanted to finish my tour.
Once again I got up before sunrise and just wanted to finish this trip. I hiked as fast as I could – like there was no tomorrow. Sometimes I was even jogging with my 15kg backpack. I so didn’t care and just wanted to arrive, which I did. I think it was by far my fastest route. Completely out of breath and extremely happy, I crossed my finish line – and then arrived at the hotel in Wilhelmshaven. Hallelujah!
Active Recovery: From Saturday till Tuesday, I stayed in a hotel and worked on my active recovery – daily swims and sauna, some relaxing walks, lots of sleep and some private time. Sauna, swimming and lots of sleep helped me to fully recover. Sunday was a special spa and personal day somewhere else: sauna, relaxation and private time all day long. ☀️
It was a lot of stress to my body. Sometimes I couldn’t really eat, in fact, today, Tuesday, was the first day where I could eat three regular meals. And it still hurts. I can tell that my digestive system needs a little more time. On other days during my tour, I needed to force myself to eat something, and then it was almost next to nothing. I definitely pushed my body, but am pretty darn proud that I managed it. It might not sound as tough to you, but for me, mentally and physically, it was. Walking on paved roads is insane, it hurts like hell, you really need the right gear and good muscle strength. And when you have strong wind gusts and rain, cold weather coming along, it’s just tough. It just is.
Of course, I lost a few pounds, but mostly water, also some muscle mass and fat, but after my first check-up today, things look good. I will receive my recovery plan tomorrow after my 30k bike ride and will then get my training plan with the Adidas club. After one challenge is before the next challenge. 🤘🏼Will share more details soon. 🙃
Accomodations
I only share the accommodations and inspirations I can really recommend.
Sleeping Beach Chair: This is a very neat idea and I totally digg the whole concept. BUT: I would pick a different time and location next time. It really needs to be warm and you need to make sure that you have enough privacy. That wasn’t the case in Norddeich – I felt like a tourist attraction. Also, in Norddeich you have to bring your own sleeping bag.
This sleeperoo was initially on my bucket list for this summer, preferably in a more romantic setting, but I found out that they filed for insolvency. 😞
So, a romantic beach chair in Schillig or Hooksiel it is – but only during a hot summer night with enough privacy. 😌
Harlesiel Glamping: My host Markus was wonderful – excellent service beforehand, very accommodating, friendly and the lodge I booked was so warm and cozy. They really took care of the little details so that you could feel at home. And the facilities were just around the corner, all very clean and great taken care of, opportunities to cook and hang with others – really a great place. I would definitely come back. 🙃
My favorite places
My four favorite spots were in Pilsum, Greetsiel, Schillig and Hooksiel. I will share all specs and details on these little beauties later this week here on the blog. These locations are definitely worth a visit and I am positive that I will come back.
Recommendation?
Will I do it again? HELL NO! NEVER EVER! This whole trail is not for hiking – seriously! For biking, yes, but even then, I wouldn’t pick this particular route. The stage from Leer to Emden was pretty boring to me. Though Leer itself has its charm, the bike route isn’t sexy. Also, I don’t like mass tourism and there were too many of these “special” e-bike tourists that will just get on your nerves.
Do I regret it? NO! I am proud of myself, that I pulled through – again, thank you so much to the special people that supported me, listened to my WhatsApp messages and helped me pull through. It is amazing what your body is capable of.
Did I have fun? Honestly, most of the time I hated it. I was swearing, wining, yelling – I did have my fun moments, though. 😅
Will I do another thru hike close to my new home? A sure yes. I was already looking for some trails where I can walk on sandy beaches or something more “hike-worthy”. The bucket list is still in the making, but Denmark is surely on it and I will look at other places along the North Sea coast as well.
So, this is it for my recap on my thru hike. If you have any questions or wanna know more, just drop me an email or a DM on my social channels.
This is a German interview I did in May 2018 for my old magazine “V’s World”, which I shut down after my mountain bike accident. I decided to republish it here sharing a very important message with all of you: never give up! Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. Fight for yourself, be kind to yourself live your dreams and make every single moment count. ☀️ So this is for everyone who needs a little motivation when life gets rough. 🫶🏼
“Fight – Smile – Love!”
Das ist das Lebensmotto von Extremsportlerin, Coach & Model Gela Allmann. Für mich persönlich ist Gela eine sehr große Inspiration. Sie transportiert so ein positives Lebensgefühl und inspiriert mich mit ihrer unglaublich motivierenden Art immer wieder aufs Neue. Wenn ich nach neuen Touren & Challenges stöbere oder auch, wenn ich mal gerade ein Formtief habe, schaue ich mir ihre Instagram Stories an und alles erscheint so viel leichter und positiver. Es gibt einfach so Menschen, die einen begeistern, andere positiv mitreißen – Menschen, zu denen man aufschaut. Für mich persönlich ist Gela genau so eine Person.
Sport-Idol Gela Allmann: eine wahre Heldin
Gela Allmann wuchs in Markt Indersdorf auf und studierte Sportwissenschaft in München. Sie ist Diplom-Sportwissenschaftlerin mit dem Schwerpunkt Sportmanagement und verfügt über einen Master in „Sport, Medien und Kommunikation“. Als Profi-Sportlerin im Team Dynafit Germany war sie vor allem als Bergläuferin sowie Skibergsteigerin aktiv. Zudem arbeitet sie erfolgreich als Model, Moderatorin und Coach.
Bei einem Foto-Shooting für die Zeitschrift Fit for Fun verunglückte Gela im April 2014 auf einem Berg in Island schwer. Kurz darauf scheint ihr Leben als Sportlerin und Model zu Ende zu sein. Nach einem quälend langen Sturz 800 Meter über Felsen und Eis gleicht ihr Körper einem Trümmerhaufen. Doch sie hat überlebt und begibt sich mit überwältigendem Kampfeswillen auf einen zähen, schmerzhaften Weg: von der völligen Bewegungslosigkeit im Krankenbett, kleinen Etappenzielen während der Reha bis zum ersten Berggipfel nach dem Unfall. Alleine beim Lesen und Schreiben dieser Zeilen bekomme ich schon wieder Gänsehaut.
When you click on the video, a connection is established to Youtube.com. For more information, check the Privacy Policy
Doch sie hat es geschafft, nach diesem Schicksalsschlag neu anzufangen und hat sich mit ihrer magischen, positiven Art zurück ins Leben gekämpft.
Interview mit Gela Allmann
Als ich selbst wieder intensiver ins Training eingestiegen bin, habe ich es einfach mal als Gelegenheit genommen, Gelas Story zu erzählen und mir zugegeben auch ein paar Tipps von ihr geholt.
Wie bist Du damals zum Bergsport gekommen?
“Ich gehe schon immer mit meiner Familie in die Berge, habe aber doch 1,5h Fahrt entfernt gewohnt. Mit Anfang/Mitte 20 als ich dann ein eigenes Auto hatte und selbst losfahren konnte, bin ich von München aus oft zusammen mit meinem damaligen Freund los. Irgendwann habe ich mich dann jede freie Minute ins Auto gesetzt und bin zum Berg gefahren, habe immer mehr Freunde mit gleicher Passion kennengelernt und bin selbst immer schneller die Berge hinauf – bald im Laufschritt, weil ich die Kombination aus Laufen und Berg- und Naturerlebnis absolut faszinierend fand.”
Was bedeutet der Bergsport für Dich?
“Berge bedeuten für mich immer Freiheit, Naturerlebnis, Kopf frei bekommen, durchschnaufen, Zeit zu Reflektieren, eigene Grenzen austesten, Sport und Bewegung, Spaß mit Freunden – all das, was ich liebe und mich auch sehr erfüllt.”
Was sind Deine drei Lieblingsorte in den Bergen?
“Ach, am liebsten mag ich es direkt vor der Haustüre. Ich lebe nun in Fischbachau, quasi zwischen Spitzingsee und Schliersee und liebe alle Berge, die ich gleich mal by fair means besteigen kann. Besonders angetan haben es mir auch die Dolomiten und ich liebe das Zillertal.”
Liebst Du eher den Bergsommer oder den Winter?
“Beides ist gleich gut und es ist wunderbar, dass es beide Jahreszeiten gibt und Sommer wie Winter so geniale Sportarten bereithalten. Wenn es Neuschnee hat und der Schnee glitzert in der Morgensonne, du stampfst durch den frischen Powder, das ist großartig. Aber genauso schön ist es in luftiger Kleidung und leichtem Equipment im Sommer mit Stöcken einen Gipfel im Stechschritt zu erklimmen und die langen Sommerabende am Berg zu genießen.”
Wie sehr hat der schlimme Unfall damals Dich verändert und woher hast Du die Kraft genommen, wieder hochzukommen?
“Der Unfall hat mich in erster Linie körperlich extrem beeinträchtigt. Mein rechtes Bein ist bis heute recht stark betroffen. Ich hatte einen Abriss des Fußhebernervs und habe hier keine volle Funktion mehr. Zudem fehlen mir im rechten Knie alle vier Bänder, der Meniskus und ich habe einen stark geschädigten Knorpel, was mir eine Laufbelastung derzeit nicht wirklich möglich macht. Ich gehe also mit Stöcken bergauf und fahre mit der Bergbahn wieder hinunter oder mache eine Kombination aus Bike & Hike – steige wenige Höhenmeter wieder ab. Der Weg, überhaupt wieder dorthin zu kommen hat mich ein halbes Jahr stationären Klinikaufenthalt und eine Reha und Physiobehandlung bedeutet, die bis heute andauert.
Psychisch und mental hat mich der Unfall in zweiter Instanz sehr geprägt. Ich bin sehr viel dankbarer für jeden Tag, jeden Moment – ich habe die Endlichkeit des Lebens gespürt, da wird man sehr demütig vor dem Geschenk des Lebens. Zudem bin ich kompromissloser und ehrlicher mir selbst gegenüber geworden. Ich weiß, dass niemand anderes die volle Verantwortung für mein Leben trägt als ich selbst. Damit liegt es auch an mir selbst, ob ich im Leben glücklich bin oder nicht. Ich kann mich jeden Tag mit meinen Gedanken und Handlungen aufs neue dazu entscheiden, genau das zu tun, um ein glückliches Leben zu führen. Erst wenn ich wirklich glücklich und im Reinen mit mir bin, kann ich auch andere glücklich machen und Verantwortung für sie übernehmen – das habe ich lange nicht verstanden.”
Woher nimmst Du Deine unglaublich positive Energie?
“Also ich muss sagen, ich habe eine ganz tolle und starke Familie hinter mir, die mir tolle Werte mitgegeben hat. Hier liegt definitiv der Ursprung meiner positiven Energie. Ich weiß, dass ich nicht alleine bin – auch in der Zeit nach dem Unfall waren meine Familie, mein damaliger Partner und viele Freunde für mich bedingungslos da. Das gibt unglaublich viel Kraft. Ich ziehe auch einfach sehr viel positive Kraft aus der täglichen Dankbarkeit fürs Leben. Wenn es mal nicht so rund läuft sage ich mir: “Schlimmer geht immer!” Und dieser Spruch trifft eigentlich auch wirklich immer zu. Ob wir Situationen positiv oder negativ einstufen, das liegt in unserem eigenen Ermessen. Ich hatte so unglaublich viel Glück bei meinem Unfall. Ich denke, ich bin ein Glückskind: Ich kann gar nicht anders, als Dinge positiv zu sehen. Ich bin am Leben und habe doch sehr viele der Fäden selbst in der Hand. Scheitern, Hindernisse und Krisen gehören dazu – ich sehe sie als Lehrmeister, um an ihnen zu wachsen.”
Du bist nicht nur Skitouren-Profi, sondern auch eine Expertin in Sachen Trailrunning. Was muss man alles als Hobbyläufer beachten, um in den Sport einzusteigen?
“Hahaha, ich war – das muss ich gleich dazu sagen. Man muss Spaß daran haben und auf das eigene Gefühl hören, sich nicht selbst überfordern. Dann kommt alles andere von ganz alleine. Unter Druck und Zwang verkrampft man sich meist nur. Es geht ja beim Trailrunning auch darum, die Berge zu genießen und während des Laufens eins mit der Natur und der Bewegung zu werden, in den völligen Flow zu kommen, die Gedanken loszulassen. Das ist genial.”
Welche Ausrüstung sollte man sich zulegen und wie trainiert man für seinen ersten Lauf am besten?
“Ich empfehle leichtes Equipment – jedes Gramm mehr geht am Ende auf die Gelenke. Wichtig sind gute grippfeste Traillaufschuhe, leichte Trail-Stöcke, ein Headband oder Mütze, ein leichter Rucksack für den Transport von den wichtigsten Utensilien: Trinken, ein/zwei Riegel, eine Sonnenbrille, Sonnencreme, evtl. ein Wechselshirt und immer eine leichte Windjacke oder ähnliches, falls am Berg doch einmal ein Wetter aufzieht. Das darf man nie unterschätzen. Ich habe auch immer ein Handy für den Fall der Fälle dabei – sollte tatsächlich einmal Hilfe nötig sein.”
Ich weiß nicht, wie es Euch geht, aber ich habe schon jetzt wieder Sehnsucht nach neuen Outdoor-Abenteuern. Egal wo, auch ich liebe diese Ruhe, Gelassenheit und Freiheit in der freien Natur.
An dieser Stelle ein ganz großes Dankeschön an Gela für dieses tolle Interview. Für mich ist und bleibt sie eine wahre Inspiration, jemand zu dem ich aufschaue und der mich immer wieder daran erinnert, wie viele Sachen eigentlich total nebensächlich im Leben sind.
Das Leben ist nicht immer nur toll und positiv, vieles können wir nicht selbst beeinflussen. Aber wir haben es selbst in der Hand, wie wir damit umgehen. ☀️
English Summary: Gela Allmann – German Athlete, Coach & Model
Gela Allmann is a German athlete, coach and model who was a successful professional Skimountaineering & Alpine Running athlete at the Team Dynafit Germany. For me personally, she is a great inspiration, always motivating others with her positive energy.
Her contact with skis was at the age of four. Gela has always been fascinated by mountains and by endurance sports like running. But it took her more than 26 years to discover her passion for the competitive sports Mountainrunning and Skimountaineering. In fact, she first started skitouring at the age of 26 when some friends took her to a skitour in the Alpbachtal – she was totally hooked, right from the start.
In April 2014 she had a terrible accident, falling down a descent over 800 altitude meters of pure ice and snow during a fotoshooting in Iceland. Gela broke several bones in her whole body, cut the main artery of her right leg as well as the nerve, which is responsible to lift her right foot. She was literally between life and death and had to undergo many surgeries, fighting for her life.
She truly had some guardian angels and came back even stronger, inspiring with her positive attitutude towards life. For me, she is a true heroine.
Jostberg is a peak in Bielefeld, Teutoburg Forest. Though it is not among my favorite areas, it can be nice for a short Sunday mountain bike ride or hike. 🌳🥾🚴🏼♀️
This one is a very nice route near my new hood – roughly 18.5 k.🥾🌳
The area is a nature preserve called Geisterholz in Oelde. A magical forest 🌳 with an extremely pretty waterfall and an old avenue of chestnuts. A very calm and peaceful place. ☺️
The Teutoborg Forest is a range of low, forested hills in the German states of Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia.
Outdoor and sports enthusiasts will love this area. Here are some impressions from my 6-hour hike: 25.7 km, accumulated elevation 579 m and a heavy backpack.
We started at the Externsteine, then hiked to the Falkenburg Castle – including some detours – and ended up at the Hermann monument. The latter was actually pretty disappointing, especially since you had to hike on paved roads, but the area between Horn Bad Meinberg and Berlebeck was beautiful. 😌
So, if you are in this area, pick any of the endless MTB or hiking trails and enjoy yourself.
