Germany

Europe | Germany | Hiking | International | Self-Guided Treks

Malerweg Best Stages: Day-by-Day Trail Report
May 24, 2024January 29, 2025

A day-by-day Malerweg Painters’ Way thru-hiking trail report, including my opinions on the best and “worst” (or most difficult) parts of Germany’s most beautiful hiking trail.

Read More Malerweg Best Stages: Day-by-Day Trail Report
Europe | Germany | Hiking | International | Self-Guided Treks

Guide to Camping the Malerweg Painters’ Way in Germany
May 22, 2024November 27, 2025

The Malerweg “Painters’ Way” is often touted as “Germany’s most beautiful hiking trail.” Read for advice on how to tent camp during your self-guided trek of this 72-mile 8-day thru-hike in Saxon Switzerland National Park and the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.

Read More Guide to Camping the Malerweg Painters’ Way in Germany

What and Who is The Detour Effect?

The Detour Effect is what happens when you let yourself get off-course, whether in a travel itinerary or in life. The best experiences often occur on detours from "The Plan". I believe in traveling on a whim (with healthy risk management).

I work remotely and nomadically for a guided hiking tour operator. I once sat in a cubicle in the music industry. Then I said "nah" and ran off into the woods, where I still spend most of my time today. I like seedy motels, truck stops, hiking around the world, and being left alone.

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