ADVENTURE TRAILS

Adventure trails, themed trails and nature-based adventure worlds for explorers of all ages

Ideas become experiences. For many years, we have been creating adventure and themed trails for local authorities, tourism organisations, nature parks and educational institutions. This results in unique experiences that showcase nature, culture and history, enhance the quality of life in the area and create genuine experiences for families, visitors and locals alike. 

An interdisciplinary team with extensive expertise

Thanks to our in-depth expertise, we are able to respond specifically to individual requirements and wishes. Designers, architects, structural engineers and production specialists – such as joiners, precision engineers, steel fabricators and electronics specialists – work hand in hand here to deliver the best possible result.

We offer a one-stop service covering everything from concept and visual design, through copywriting and editing, right through to production and on-site installation.

Planning and design as a common starting point

We usually start with a joint workshop in which we gather ideas, define objectives and discuss specific concepts. This isn’t just about what content should be conveyed, but also about how it can be presented in an engaging and interactive way.

Even during this discussion, initial ideas for suitable exhibits and interactive stations begin to take shape. For specific topics, we immediately suggest ways in which the content can be presented in a playful, surprising or technically interesting manner.

On this basis, we then develop the content, the route and the appropriate interactive stations and exhibits that give the entire trail its own unique character.

Many of our ideas begin in the traditional way, with pen and paper. Through scribbles and conceptual sketches, we produce initial designs for interactive stations, exhibits and special highlights along the route. This makes ideas visible at an early stage, allowing them to be discussed and further developed. These initial sketches often go on to become the very unique, one-off creations that make an adventure or themed trail truly distinctive.

Example exhibit: The propeller of the Laufenburg Eight

One notable example is the interactive wheel at the Laufenburg Eight. By moving the wheel themselves, visitors generate electricity which brings to life fascinating content about the history of Laufenburg. 

Instead of reading long informative texts, visitors actively experience the history for themselves. As soon as enough energy has been generated, Laury reveals fascinating episodes from the past – from the town’s foundation through the era of the counts to the division of Laufenburg. The lovingly illustrated depictions and short, easy-to-understand stories make historical content particularly accessible to children and ensure that learning becomes an experience.

Elsewhere, interactive stations invite children to ‘fish’ for fish whilst learning fascinating facts about local fish species along the way. Each station is developed specifically for the respective project and tailored to the target audience.

Experience, discover, get involved

It is particularly important to us that knowledge is not imparted in a didactic manner, but through experience, discovery and active participation. Our concepts are therefore aimed at different age groups and create experiences for families, children, locals and visitors alike. Educational content in particular is brought to life through interactive elements, exciting stories and playful activities, ensuring it is easily remembered. 

With so much action, you naturally need to take a break now and then – and our exhibits, such as ‘Himmelsiegen’, are particularly well suited for this.

Our particularly popular storytellers

Our specially designed mascots are a real hit; they accompany the children on their journey, set little puzzles, tell exciting stories and guide them playfully through the themed worlds. For example, visitors will meet the likeable Tröpfli on the Murg Valley Trail, the cuddly LauRhy on the Laufenburg Eight, or Spensti on the Schlossberg in Freiburg.

"Hello, I'm LauRhy"

"There are some really cool things to experience on the Laufenburg Eight. I particularly like the beaver lodge and the balance bike. There’s also a scratch-and-win game where you can show off everything you’ve learnt so far. Do pop along – I’m looking forward to seeing you."

"Hi there, I'm Tröpfli"

"Have you ever been to the Murg Valley? No? Then it’s high time you went! Come with me on a journey of discovery through the Black Forest’s natural landscape. Together, we’ll solve exciting puzzles, have brilliant adventures and, along the way, find out why water is so fascinating.

At the activity stations, you’ll get to get stuck in and try out all sorts of things.

So, are you ready? Then let’s get going – I’m already waiting for you!"

Interactive leaflets enhance the experience

To ensure the experience extends beyond the individual stations, we can develop additional hands-on activities on request, such as puzzle rallies, scratch-and-reveal games, collection tasks or interactive leaflets. In this way, children become little explorers in their own right, guided playfully from station to station and able to explore the themed world in their own way.

Each of these projects tells its own story – individually developed, lovingly designed and perfectly tailored to its specific location. Do take a look at our case studies (see below) and discover the wide range of possibilities offered by modern adventure and themed trails.

Exhibits and materials

We rely on high-quality materials: we manufacture our in-house developed outdoor signage system, duraSAFE, exclusively in Germany. This combines brilliant image quality and UV stability with high mechanical strength.

[DURA]SAFE – the durable sign material

It is based on a special type of aluminium that is printed directly onto and heat-sealed with a transparent coating. This makes duraSAFE signs completely impact-, acid- and scratch-resistant. They prevent, right from the start, the typical problems often caused by vandalism or the effects of the weather on outdoor signage.

The ideal signage system for outdoor signs, nature trails, signposts, wayfinding signage and advertising hoardings.

Interactive exhibits – a wide range of possibilities

In the field of outdoor interaction, we have developed numerous interactive electronic experiences that open up a whole new dimension of interaction. One of our special features, for example, is the ability to integrate multimedia or interactive elements – such as displays, touchscreens, interactive features and games – into stelae and interactive stations in a completely analogue manner.

Tailor-made solutions and high quality

Whether it’s complex 3D milling of wood or metal, 3D moulding of plastic or complex welded structures – we bring spectacular ideas to life – simply, safely and durably. This is also confirmed by TÜV Saar, which inspects our play equipment and installations on request.

Our showcase projects:

Your contact person

Lutz Bayer

Geschäftsführung | CEO aufwind Rides

+49 7644 92092-0

FAQ

The costs depend on the scope, the number of stations and the desired level of engagement. A compact themed trail with standard information boards differs significantly from an interactive experience trail featuring individual stations, multimedia elements or specialised structures. We’d be happy to provide you with a non-binding, transparent quote based on your requirements.

Depending on the size of the project, the planning and implementation period is usually between three and twelve months. Factors such as planning permission, bespoke designs or extensive thematic collections can affect the timeframe. Together, we’ll draw up a realistic project plan and support you from the initial idea right through to the final implementation.

Yes. Many existing educational and themed trails can be updated in terms of both design and content. This can involve refurbishing individual stops, adding interactive elements or revamping the entire visitor route. In this way, an existing trail can be transformed into a contemporary experience without having to develop everything from scratch.

Yes. We not only develop the design concept, but can also, on request, undertake the research, copywriting, illustration and graphic design for all the stations. This results in content that is factually accurate, easy to understand and tailored to the relevant target audience.

Of course. Many of our adventure trails operate entirely without electricity or the internet and rely on mechanical game elements, flaps, turntables or other interactive features. Digital content such as QR codes or audio guides can be usefully added where required.

Adventure trails can be tailored to suit different target groups – from families and school groups to tourists and trade visitors. The content, level of difficulty and interactive elements are all adapted to suit the respective visitors.

Depending on the location, we use durable materials such as HPL, stainless steel, aluminium, wood or powder-coated steel. All structures are designed for long-term outdoor use and are engineered to be weather-resistant, durable and require as little maintenance as possible.

Yes. On request, we can manage the entire project – from design and engineering through to production, and on to on-site installation and commissioning. This means you receive all services from a single source and benefit from a smooth project process.

ALUDIBOND
DURASAFE
PRINT QUALITY

almost photo quality

almost photo-quality with high brightness

UV RESISTANCE

5 years

at least 5–15 years

TEMPERATURE RANGE

-20° to +50° C

-90° to +150° C

MATERIAL STABILITY

approx. 10 years

approx. 150 years

RESISTANCE TO IMPACTS, SCRATCHES AND BUMPS

++

+++++

UNDERWATER STABILITY

up to 30 m

SOLVENT AND ACID RESISTANCE

+

++++

ANTI-GRAFFITI PROTECTION

+

++++

DEFORMABILITY WITHOUT PERMANENT DAMAGE

+

++++
up to 45° provided the minimum radius is observed

CAN BE DRILLED AT A LATER DATE AS REQUIRED

+++

FIRE RESISTANCE (E.G.
AGAINST LIGHTER FLAMES
OR CIGARETTE EMBER)

+

++++

 

Moss deposits

+

++++

Surface

matt or gloss

shiny and water-repellent

We’ll help you get ahead
with experiences, creativity,
consultancy, development
and advertising.