The BAT Leisure Research Institute investigated the motives behind this most popular leisure activity.

Among leisure activities outside the home, hiking is by far the most popular. As a motivational study by the Hamburg-based BAT Leisure Research Institute shows, hiking can satisfy a wide range of needs in an almost ideal way.

Hiking helps the stressed citizen to get exercise and rest in nature, to relax and balance, to connect and socialize.

Furthermore, hiking, like walking, fulfills an important requirement for a universal leisure activity: it places no special demands on skill or ability, does not need to be learned, and requires no special expenditure. Hiking is perceived as easy and trouble-free; one cannot embarrass oneself while doing it.

Furthermore, hiking is not an individual activity but a family activity. Gathering and staying together strengthens the sense of community, which all too often suffers in the oppressive density of being together at home. Hiking is different: individuals have space for their own thoughts. Everyone can and should stray a little from the path, be alone without isolating themselves. Hiking allows for good reflection, conversations flow more easily, and problems can be discussed more openly than at home.

Sporting activities, which according to survey results rank among the top leisure pursuits of German citizens, often merely provide a framework for entirely different leisure needs. As a motivational study by the BAT Leisure Research Institute reveals, only a few of those surveyed stated that they actively participate in sports for fitness or health reasons.

Rather, sport, celebrated by officials as "the world's greatest civic initiative," seems to be a welcome backdrop for social prestige, belonging, experience, and adventure. It thus serves to satisfy needs that are often quite different from those commonly assumed, needs that could potentially also be met by other leisure activities.

Those who frequently watch television with their families after work aren't necessarily having the most fun. Quite the opposite, in fact. A study by the BAT Leisure Research Institute reveals that Germans prioritize themselves over leisure time after work. The majority want plenty of "time for themselves." Being completely alone, spending the evening without any obligations, switching off, or even doing absolutely nothing would be most enjoyable for them. The desire to spend the evening "with others" or pursue hobbies follows at a considerable distance from this preference. Television comes in last place on the list of desired activities.

Friday evening is the gateway to the weekend. No wonder that the end of the workday on this day surpasses all other evenings of the week in popularity. As a study by the BAT Leisure Research Institute shows, Germans associate Friday evenings with a particularly positive leisure mood. They are adventurous and sociable—in short, cheerful leisure people.

Sunday and Monday evenings, on the other hand, represent absolute low points in leisure activities. Whether the weekend didn't live up to expectations, the upcoming work week is dampening spirits, or the adjustment to the work rhythm is difficult, the tendency towards leisure activities is lackluster on both evenings. This is an important insight for all providers of leisure activities.