The Alemanni People
The Alemanni Trail, or Alemannenweg, is named after the Alemanni people, a Germanic tribe who inhabited the Baltic Sea region east of the Elbe River during the early days of the Roman Empire. The Alemanni were part of a loose confederation of tribes in the Swabian group, and you may often hear the names Alemanni and Suebi used interchangeably. Fleeing the invading Huns in the third century A.D., the tribe migrated southwest, breaking through Roman fortifications to settle in what is now southwestern Germany, northern Switzerland and the Alsace.
In 496, the Alemanni were defeated by the Frankish king, Clovis, and they were then absorbed into the Frankish kingdom; however, the name Alemanni lives on. It is from that name that many languages such as French get their name for Germany, "Allemagne".
Designation
The Alemanni Trail was awarded the designation Qualitätsweg Wanderbares Deutschland by the Association of German Mountain and Hiking Associations in September 2008. In order to achieve this designation a trail must have a high proportion of segments that run through a natural terrain, have a varied landscape and have a high potential for experiences, such as the ability to visit sites of cultural or historical interest.
Trail Markings
The trail sign is a red “A” on a white background. The path is also marked with signs that show the distance to restaurants, accommodation and transportation.
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