Stuttgart German-American Wandering Club (SGAWC)

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SGAWC Bus Trip to Meckatz on Sunday, 26 July --- See EVENTS Page!

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Stuttgart German-American Wandering Club

The Stuttgart German - American Wandering Club (SGAWC) was founded in 1972 and is the oldest German - American Wandering Club in Germany. Comprised of Military and Civilians - Americans and Germans - you will always find yourself amongst one of the greatest social groups or set of companions.

Our club meets at 1900 the first Tuesday of every month at the Gaststätte Schwarzbach in Vaihingen. The Gaststätte Schwarzbach serves good German food at reasonable prices, so show-up early, enjoy a meal, and attend the meeting. Free raffle prizes for all attending members. TDY personnel always welcome.  See map. 

For those that have navigation systems: Dürrlewangstr. 70, 70565 Stuttgart, Germany

If you are looking for a way to get out and see Germany and other countries, meet new friends, and have a lot fun - then you have found the right group of people. Our club members range in ages from five years old all the way to 85. A very social club which takes part in events all over Germany and surrounding countries throughout the year to include our very own Wandertag (club sponsored hiking event) held annually here in Stuttgart.

What is Wandering? You may find definitions such as, "travelling about without any clear destination". Or "To ramble without a definite purpose or objective; roam, rove, or stray". When we refer to wandering in our context, we are talking about walking or hiking and yes, we actually do have a goal or destination. While, sometimes we do find ourselves lost or deviating from the path to visit a nearby castle, waterfall, Christmas market, Bier/Wine Festival - Wandering or Volksmarching (people's march) is one of the safest, noncompetitive and most popular, internationally recognized sports. And if that wasn't a mouthful - Volksmarching was founded right here in Germany in the 1960's to meet the needs for a community event that required no special level of fitness and incorporated all ages. By the end of the 1960's the IVV (International Federation of Popular Sports) was formed, covering all volksports: walking, biking, swimming and cross-country skiing. In 1972, the Stuttgart German-American Wandering Club was formed. Since then, we have been hitting the trails all over the world!

What to expect when you show up to a volksmarching event? First you have to find the "Starthalle". Depending on what time you get there, (earliest usually from 0700 - 0900) there will be cars parked all up and down the streets. Sometimes there are parking areas. And sometimes you may have to park a little ways off. The Starthalle is the start place and is where you basically check-in and meet your friends - chat a while - eat and drink a bit. This is also the place where you usually end your walk (there are exceptions). The Starthalle can be small or huge with live music and a real party going on. Sometimes there are so many people, you can actually get lost a little or find yourself just drifting with the crowd. So, pay attention and look for the sign Startkarten-Ausgabe. If you belong to a club like ours, tell them that you are from Stuttgart (note that some clubs have us listed under A instead of S). The more people that show up to a march from a volkmarching club, the better chance we have at winning a group prize! Also, at this point you must pay for either an orange card or a yellow card (current colors…it can change). The orange card is without a prize (ohne Medaillen) and is about 1.50 Euro (this card entitles you to get credit for the walk with the DVV/IVV and covers insurance and the free refreshments at the controls—Note that you must fill out the card to ensure insurance coverage). The yellow card is about two Euro more but you get a prize or medallion (mit Medaillen). These prizes can be anything. If you do not see them on the table, just ask the person at the table and they will show you. Sometimes the prizes are mugs, plates, fuzzy bunny rabbits, model trucks - you just never know. Once you pay for your start card you can find your friends, eat/drink or just head out and hit the trail.  You may want to take your camera as the scenery can be worth capturing.

Along the trail you will need to follow the markings for the distance you wish to complete.  These markings can vary greatly (even along the same trail).  Most marking is with colored tape, which may be around poles or trees or stuck to any surface (including the road) or may be tied to a branch or twig.  Markings can also vary from signs to sawdust or chalk.  Some clubs will have a sign at the start showing which markings belong to which distance.  Trail splits (Streckenteilung or Streckentrennung) are normally marked with indications of which distances go in which direction.  Pay close attention as sometimes the split is counter-intuitive (e.g. - the 42-km distance may go with the 5-km instead of going with the 20-km).  At various points along the trails you will find a control point (Kontrolpunkt or Kontrolle).  This is where you get your card stamped (to prove you did the walk) and have an opportunity to sit and refresh (free drink of tea or soup, other drinks and food for purchase).  There may also be medical personnel at the control.  Once you have your stamp and refreshment, follow the signs for your distance to continue along the route (Note that trail splits sometimes occur at controls). 

Eventually, the trails will take you back around to the finish.  Here, you will need to present your completed card for credit (distance and/or event books—can be purchased from the club or the DVV Abzeichenwart).  If you purchased the mit Medaille card, take the card and proceed to the Medaille table (after you have your book(s) stamped) in order to get your award.  Some clubs will allow you to purchase additional prizes if you find them interesting (Note that some clubs require you to have a control stamp on each card presented for prizes and may limit the number of prizes per person).

Once you have completed the process, sit back and relax at the start/finish hall and partake in the available food, drink and camaraderie!!

Before you leave the start/finish hall, look for the Werber area and pick up flyers for future walks (bring some to the monthly club meeting to share with your fellow walkers).

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