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.
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