Martina Scheer

• The increase in recreational leisure during the last century and the increase in the individual mobility since the sixties have induced growing travel activities as well as a growing demand for recreation in a natural environment. Politically the demand for recreational leisure is regarded as a fundamental part of human life and is legally embedded as inherent goal of nature resorts besides nature conservation. Following new pedagogic principles man should get familiar with the environment in order protect nature in the long-run. Taking the bicycle concept of the nature resort Saar-Hunsrück with special emphasis on the St. Wendel country as an example the bicycle tourism which fulfils the principles of sustainability is analysed with regard to the acceptance by the tourists. Scenic and historical attractions of the area are deliberately taken into account in the design of the bicycle routes. By analysing the results of a survey it is the objective to work out applicable results for the design of routes and systems of orientation. Moreover it is the objective of a special survey on mountain bikers to answer the question on how this extreme type of biking could be incorporated in the supply of recreational activities of the nature resort and whether it can contribute to a growing environmental sensitivity.