The idea was to elevate something that every hiker knows: the official trail markings. So they were turned into beautiful works of art. Local artist Stefan Rüesch has transformed these markings so that each one of them tells a story about the nature in Graubünden through minimalist design and is still recognisable as a trail marking.

In order for the official authorities to recognise Stefan Rüesch’s works of art, the trail markings had to be recognisable as such. Switzerland is a country in which hiking is an important aspect of the culture, and the trails in Graubünden are especially well known. Throughout Switzerland, trail markings are applied by hand with paint and brushes.

Communication regarding the new trail markings truly struck a chord with the target group, hikers: there were over 4.3 million views and contacts. In October 2017, more than 280,000 overnight stays were booked around the hiking trails in Graubünden. This is an increase of more than 12.2% compared to the previous year. The 15 trail markings recognised by the official authorities are now regarded as permanent art installations on the Graubünden hiking trails.