Bonn, Germany  - The findings of a study show that the Painters' Path in the eastern German state of Saxony is the most popular in the country.

The 18-kilometre route through Saxony got the most votes of approval from the 5,400 regular hikers polled in the survey, according to the Bonn-based organisers.

The second, most popular route was the 25-kilometre path through Wutach Valley in the Black Forest which stretches from the town of Lenzkirch to Wutachmuehle.

Next in the survey came the 14-kilometre section of the Maximilian Path in Bavaria that begins in Oberstaufen at an altitude of 1,830 metres above sea level.

The survey questioned readers of a number of outdoor magazines. Other trekking routes favoured by readers included the Harzer Hexenstieg on Brocken mountain in northern Germany and the Ramsauer Path in Bavaria. (dpa)