Wegweiser

Wegweiser is a German noun that denotes a signpost or directional sign, typically placed to indicate the way to a destination. The term is formed from Weg (way) and weisen (to show or indicate), and it is used for both physical signs and figurative guidance. In everyday language, a Wegweiser guides travelers, hikers, and pedestrians by pointing toward destinations, distances, and routes.

Historically, signposting has been used to facilitate travel and commerce across road networks, trails, and urban centers. In German-speaking regions, Wegweiser accompanied roads, railway stations, and hiking paths, often using arrows, place names, and distance figures. Over the 20th century, standardization of road signage in many countries influenced how Wegweiser were designed and interpreted, while hiking networks developed their own color codes and pictograms to convey information quickly.

In modern usage, Wegweiser remain essential elements of transportation and tourism signage. They can be found along highways, city streets, national parks, and trail systems, providing practical information and orientation. The concept has also extended into publishing and branding; the term may appear as a title or identifier for guidebooks, directories, or products that aim to direct readers or users to specific information. With the rise of digital navigation, physical Wegweiser coexist with GPS and online maps, sometimes incorporating QR codes or electronic displays to supplement traditional guidance.

See also: signage, wayfinding, signpost.