22/03/2026
While hiking in the mountains or forests, you’ll often come across them… stone cairns. Simple stacks of rocks used to mark trails and help you stay on track, especially in fog, open terrain, or rough landscapes. You’ll find them all over the world and our region is full of them too. Still, many people don’t really know why they’re there, and some even build them for fun without thinking about their actual purpose.
Cairns have been around for centuries and can carry different meanings depending on the culture. From mythology and spiritual significance to practical navigation, their role varies across the world. In most Western regions, they mainly serve as trail markers or confirmation that you’re heading in the right direction: especially in areas where signage is limited and weather conditions can change quickly.
If you come across them, please leave them as they are. Don’t add stones and definitely don’t take them apart.
