What Do You Like About Your Hike? A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Preferences of German and US Hikers

The purpose of this study was to identify how culturally determined factors affect hiking experiences. Over 600 hikers completed questionnaires on trails in three areas: two in Germany and one in the United States. Respondents rated the importance of 22 attributes, as well as their overall satisfaction and behavioral intentions. Comparison of importance scores revealed many similarities; respondents from both countries highly valued beautiful landscapes and views, followed by relaxation. However, there were also significant differences which can be explained by individualism and uncertainty avoidance, two of the main dimensions of culture from Geert Hofstede’s framework. Confirming predictions based on intercultural theory, Americans attached higher importance to solitude and connection to place, while Germans had a much stronger preference for restaurants along the trail. Most prominently, perceived health benefits of the hike had the biggest influence on Americans’ satisfaction, whereas for Germans it was a feeling of relaxation.