EN 
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DE Colour codes on walking trails - how to recognise them?
AttractionWhen we decide to go hiking on mountain paths or forest tracks, we often come across colourful trail markings. These colourful symbols do not happen by chance - they are a well-thought-out system designed to guide hikers through the most scenic and sometimes challenging routes. In this article, we take a closer look at the significance of the colours of the hiking trails and how we can interpret them to make our hikes safe and even more rewarding.
Understanding the colours - history and signposting of hiking trails
Hiking trail marking is a system that has accompanied hikers for many years, enabling them to navigate their natural surroundings and reach their destination safely. Its history can be traced back to the early 20th century, when Europe began to look for ways to standardise route marking. The colour system was adopted as the most accessible because of its versatility and intuitiveness.
In Poland, the first marked trails appeared in 1813 in the Karkonosze Mountains. However, it was between the wars that uniform signposting rules began to be introduced, from which emerged the currently used colour system: red, green, yellow, blue and black. Each of the colours is responsible for different types of route - from the easiest, through medium, to expert routes - which is very important for the safety of hikers.
This system, although simple, is the result of years of experience and evolution. In order to make travel easier for tourists, many European countries have adapted similar colour schemes, the result of a drive for standardisation and mutual recognition of signage at international level. Such standardisation is crucial on long trekking routes, crossing different regions and countries.
Colours in the field - why these colours?
The psychology of colours is of great importance not only in marketing or art, but also in tourism and landmarking. Colours are highly visible and each colour carries specific connotations and information. This is why it is so important that signage for hiking trails is unambiguous and easy to identify even for less experienced hikers.
For example, green is associated with safety, nature and relaxation, and is therefore often used to mark easy trails through forests or national parks. Red, which is an intense and eye-catching colour, often marks trails of a higher degree of difficulty, which may lead through mountainous terrain or require an uphill approach.
Blue, the colour of tranquillity and harmony, indicates routes of medium difficulty. It is a cool colour, so it contrasts well with its surroundings, especially in bright weather conditions, making it easier to orient yourself in the terrain. Yellow trails are often local, shorter routes, used as connectors between longer routes or to viewpoints.
It is worth noting that the choice of colours is not random and that each colour is intended to convey important information to hikers, not only about the difficulty of the trail, but also about the type of terrain covered. The well-thought-out colour system is a common language for hikers, allowing them to quickly get their bearings and decide on their next hiking route.
What do the colours on the trails mean? Variety and meaning
Travelling along hiking trails is not only about adventure and discovering the beauty of nature, but also about having to unravel the 'colour cipher' with which trails are marked. These colours provide an easy-to-read navigational system for safely navigating the terrain. Each trail colour has its own specific symbolism and predicts the type of terrain you will find yourself on.
The most common trail colour in Poland is blue, which in most cases denotes paths of medium difficulty. Hikers can expect a variety on the blue trails - from quiet hikes through valleys to moderate climbs in the mountains. Red trails, on the other hand, are mostly set in mountainous areas and are considered the most demanding, thus attracting experienced hikers looking for a challenge.
The green and yellow trails, on the other hand, are for those who prefer quieter walks, as well as for families with children. These trails are usually shorter, less steep and lead through picturesque and less demanding landscapes. Black, on the other hand, symbolises trails of particular difficulty, indicating paths for very advanced hikers, often leading through rocky and difficult terrain.
This is just a general outline of what the colours of the trails symbolise - local conditions may introduce modifications to this rule. It is always advisable to thoroughly familiarise yourself with the characteristics of the chosen routes before you set off. It is also important to note that the colour system is not arbitrary, but based on specific PTTK guidelines and international standards, which provides certainty and safety along the route.
Through forests and mountains - examples of marked routes in various regions of Poland
Poland is a country of great scenic diversity, which translates into a wealth of hiking trails, marked with different colours. Blue paths often lead through low-lying areas, such as the coastal path along the Tricity Coast, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the Baltic Sea while strolling amidst the roar of the waves.
Red trails are usually reserved for long-distance hiking trails known as the Main Beskid Trails. One of the most well-known is the Trail of the Eagles' Nests (Szlak Orlich Gniazd), which leads through the picturesque areas of the Kraków-Częstochowa Jurassic Upland, delighting visitors with a panorama of rock fortresses and ruins of medieval castles.
Green and yellow trails, on the other hand, are for lovers of the peace and quiet of forests. For example, the yellow trail in the Kampinos Forest will allow you to discover mysterious corridors between beech and oak trees, while the green trail in the heart of the Bieszczady Mountains, leading through Połonina Wetlińska, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
The black colour of the trail usually indicates trails with a higher degree of difficulty and is a colour dedicated to experienced hikers, such as the black trail in the Tatra Mountains leading to Rysy - the highest peak of the Polish Tatra Mountains.
European walking routes - standards and unification of signposting
The signposting system for footpaths in Europe is as diverse as the countries that comprise it. Each region of Europe has introduced its own guidelines for colours and symbols, making international tourism require adaptation to local standards. However, the European Hiking Association (ERA) has attempted to unify signposting, resulting in long-distance trails, numbered E1, E2, E3, etc., which are designed to form a coherent and recognisable network of hiking routes throughout Europe.
Despite these attempts at standardisation, individual countries still maintain their own colour codes. For example, trails in France are marked according to four base colours, the meaning of which is different from that in Poland or Spain. What in one country may signify an easy and accessible route for everyone, elsewhere may indicate a route for more experienced hikers.
Interestingly, despite local differences, some patterns are similar. For example, warm colours, such as red, are often used to mark the main, most frequented routes, while cold colours may indicate secondary routes. This approach seems to stem from the universal way people perceive colours - red as a strong and dominant colour, blue as the colour of calm and safety.
Understanding the signposting system is crucial to trail safety, especially when a hiker decides to cross borders and explore trails in different European countries. Educating oneself on local signage systems and using guidebooks and maps that include up-to-date trail information becomes the foundation of international hiking.
Knowing the colour coding of hiking trails is an essential skill for any mountain hiker. Just by consciously observing the colour-coded markings, you can gain a better understanding of the terrain you are exploring and create the opportunity to plan your routes effectively, taking into account their difficulty and attractions. At the same time, it is an essential element of safety for any hiker. We hope that this article will make it easier for you to read nature's colour "secret codes", and that the knowledge gained will make your next expeditions even more enjoyable and full of unforgettable experiences.