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Camino Schmid Celebrates Its Centenary in the Sierra de Guadarrama

The President of the Community of Madrid presided over the commemorative event for this emblematic hiking route.

Facade of a traditional stone town hall with a balcony and iron railings, under the afternoon sunlight.
IA

Facade of a traditional stone town hall with a balcony and iron railings, under the afternoon sunlight.

The emblematic Camino Schmid, a hiking route in the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, has turned 100 years old, commemorated with an event presided over by the President of the Community of Madrid.

The Camino Schmid, one of the most emblematic hiking routes in the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, celebrated its centenary this Saturday. The President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, presided over the commemorative event, which took place between the hostels of Puerto de Navacerrada and the Valle de la Fuenfría.
During the event, the regional president highlighted that the celebration aims to "honor all that unites us with Castilla y León, the Community of Madrid, the natural heritage that both regions share, and the love for nature and hiking." She was accompanied by the acting President of the Junta de Castilla y León, Alfonso Fernández Mañueco, and other authorities, including the mountaineer Carlos Soria.
Díaz Ayuso unveiled a commemorative plaque in the presence of the Austrian Ambassador to Spain, Enno Drofenik, and members of the diplomatic corps. The route, inaugurated in 1926, was traced and marked by the Austrian mountaineer Eduardo Schmid Weikan. Covering 6.5 kilometers, the Camino Schmid was one of the first signposted itineraries in Spain, facilitating the enjoyment and preservation of the region's natural wealth.
The rise of hiking in the early 20th century saw the birth of mountaineering societies such as the Twenty Club (1907) and Peñalara: Los Doce Amigos (1912), precursors to the Real Sociedad de Alpinismo Peñalara. Thanks to the work of scientists and athletes, this area became a natural space of great importance on the Iberian Peninsula, attracting around 80,000 visitors annually.
The Community of Madrid actively works to preserve the park's biodiversity, natural, and cultural values, as well as supporting the 34 municipalities within its Peripheral Protection Zone. Experts from the regional government carry out periodic maintenance and improvement tasks, including clearing, pruning, obstacle removal, erosion repair, drainage improvement, and restoration of the Antón Ruiz Velasco fountain.
This centenary is part of the Year of the Environment of the Community of Madrid, which includes over 50 activities aimed at protecting and improving natural resources.
The trail, of high ecological value, crosses a protected area on the northern slope of Siete Picos, between Madrid and Segovia. The environment hosts Scots pine, shrubs, mountain pastures, and plant communities exclusive to the Sierra de Guadarrama. The fauna is diverse, with the presence of roe deer, black vultures, foxes, badgers, and genets. Furthermore, since 2025, the circular ROI 06 Camino Schmid covers a large part of this trail.
Recently, the Council of Ministers approved the expansion of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park by 4.7% (1,601 hectares). The park features seven self-guided and signposted trails to showcase the diversity of its ecosystems and landscapes.

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