The President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, today presided over the centenary of the Camino Schmid, the emblematic hiking route between the hostels of Puerto de Navacerrada and Valle de la Fuenfría, within the National Park of the Sierra de Guadarrama. "With it, we want to honor all that unites us with Castilla y León, with the Community of Madrid, the natural heritage that both regions share, and the love for nature and hiking," the regional president emphasized.

Díaz Ayuso unveiled a commemorative plaque in the presence of the Ambassador of Austria to Spain, Enno Drofenik, and other members of the diplomatic corps. The route, initiated in 1926 by Austrian mountaineer Eduardo Schmid Weikan, connects two refuges over 6.5 kilometers, traversing the Siete Picos ridge. It is considered one of the first marked itineraries in Spain, crucial for the enjoyment and preservation of the region's natural wealth.

The passion for hiking gained momentum in the early 20th century with societies like Twenty Club (1907) and Peñalara: Los Doce Amigos (1912), the precursor to the Real Sociedad de Alpinismo Peñalara. Thanks to scientists and athletes, this area became one of the most significant natural spaces on the Iberian Peninsula, attracting 80,000 visitors annually.

The Community of Madrid actively works to preserve the biodiversity, natural, and cultural values of the sierra, as well as supporting the 34 municipalities within its Peripheral Protection Zone. Experts from the regional government conduct regular maintenance, including clearing, pruning, obstacle removal, drainage improvements, and restoration of features like the Antón Ruiz Velasco fountain.

This centenary is part of the Year of the Environment for the Community of Madrid, which includes over 50 activities aimed at protecting and enhancing natural resources. The trail crosses a protected area of high ecological value on the northern slope of Siete Picos, between Madrid and Segovia, characterized by Scots pine, scrubland, and mountain pastures. The environment hosts diverse fauna, including roe deer, black vultures, and foxes. In 2025, the ROI 06 Camino Schmid, a circular itinerary within the Official Itinerary Network, was established.

The National Park of the Sierra de Guadarrama, whose area was recently expanded by 4.7%, features seven self-guided trails that allow visitors to explore its diverse ecosystems and landscapes.