When the route of the NST was designed in 2020, a separate signposting of the trail was not actually planned. At that time, the North South Trail existed only as an idea in the form of a GPX track. But already at the first Thru-Hike of the trail, a large number of long-distance hikers, hiking bloggers, YouTubers and outdoor enthusiasts gathered around this idea of a National Long-Distance Trail.
The call for a “proper” signposting of the North South Trail became louder and louder over time. This was no easy task, as the NST is a purely private initiative and not an association or a non-profit organisation.
In the meantime, however, a small private initiative has grown into a large association of volunteers, experienced long-distance hikers and hiking guides. Even experienced trail sponsors who already flag out other trails volunteer with us. The birth of the “North South Trail Initiative”.

Of course, the North-South Trail is not intended to compete with the existing trails, but rather to connect the existing hiking trails and, in the best case scenario, make them even more attractive for long-distance hikers from Germany and all over the world. Especially international “thru-hikers” can be introduced to our varied natural landscape, but also to the cultural-historical side (castles, palaces, nature parks, etc.).
So what to do? “Pave over” another hiking trail in Germany with signs? No way!
So we at the North-South Trail Initiative decided on “careful signposting”.

The aim is to always keep the local character of an established long-distance hiking trail in the foreground. The NST Thru-Hiker therefore continues to follow the local signposts of, for example, the Rheinsteig, but every now and then encounters a signpost of the Nord Süd Trail.
It’s planned, about everyone kilometers only 1 sign to mount, so that the long-distance hiker is constantly reminded that he is still on the NST. The main wayfinding system remains with the established trails. Except, of course, for the few sections that do not follow an established long-distance trail. Sounds simple and straightforward? Actually it is.
The North South Trail Initiative has recently started to coordinate with the respective contact partners. We recently welcomed the region of Hanover, the Steinhuder Meer Nature Park, the Heidschnuckenweg and the city of Flensburg as the first official partners. Further talks with partners along the trail are already in progress.

“Hello, we are walking the Rothaarsteig in a few weeks and would like to help. If you give us signs and stickers, we’ll mark the NST for you.”
Messages like this reach us almost weekly and show that many people would be willing to do voluntary work on a long-distance hiking trail, but without wanting to join an association. Unfortunately, this is not as easy as it could or should be in Germany. There are, of course, requirements and regional peculiarities for flagging up hiking trails. We have not been discouraged by this fact and have started to write to authorities, tourism offices and hiking associations.
The response has been huge and positive feedback has also come from the hiking clubs.
So can I put up an NST signpost? Yes and no
First you need official permission, then a little training, e.g. the PDF “Guideline for the marking of hiking trails” from the German Hiking Association. Since the NST is breaking new ground with its careful signposting and is actually only using the existing long-distance footpaths, liability issues are excluded. No posts in the ground or similar are required, so that any danger to hikers or other people on the paths can be ruled out

We also offer to support the hiking associations in their work in our respective sections. (e.g. to look after their signposting, to maintain shelters, to report dangerous spots, etc.).
We envisage a cooperative partnership.