steige

Steig (plural Steige) is a German noun meaning a narrow path, trail, or footpath, typically in mountains or wooded terrain. It denotes a route intended for foot travel that is usually rough, steep, or exposed, and is distinct from a general road (Weg) or a broad path (Pfad).

In hiking and mountaineering contexts, a Steig often implies a route that may require careful footing or the use of hands for balance. Steige can refer to ascent routes as well as traverses and are commonly shown on alpine maps and on signposts in German-speaking regions.

Etymology: Steig is related to the verb steigen, meaning to climb or rise. The noun form captures the idea of a path that leads upward or over rough terrain and is attested in historical German as a term for mountain ways.

Geographic usage: In Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, Steig appears frequently in trail names and map legends to indicate climbing or traversing routes. The term is part of a broader terminology that includes Pfad (path) and Weg (way), with Steig often implying a narrower or steeper course than a typical footpath.

See also: Pfad; Weg; Aufstieg; Klettersteig.