General

Nordic Walking in its current form is a relatively young endurance sport.

Nordic Walking began in the 1930s under the name of “stick walking” and was popular at that time with cross-country skiers as a summer training method.
Then in 1992 pole walking was introduced, which was very similar to present day Nordic Walking and was practiced with modified ski poles.

The term Nordic Walking was coined in 1997, and since then Nordic Walking has mostly been practiced with sticks made of a carbon and glass fibre mixture.
The use of Nordic Walking poles adds upper body training to normal walking and thus cultivates endurance.

The technique

Nordic Walking uses a cyclical series of movements. For instance the right pole is always in contact with the ground when the left foot hits the ground. The poles are held close to the body.  

With the Nordic Walking technique as with many other sports, there are a few special features which need to be learned so that walkers do not acquire a poor style from the beginning which would have a negative influence on the training effect of the Nordic Walking.

Nordic Walking in Oberhof

Oberhof is a Nordic Active centre recognised by the DSV (German Skiing Association). We would be pleased to arrange for you to take part in a Nordic Waking course in the town after you have arrived here. 90-minute taster courses only cost around € 12 including poles.

There are 5 developed and signposted Nordic Walking trails around Oberhof, which vary in terms of their level of difficulty and thus offer a challenge to experienced Nordic Walkers as well.