Explorer Belt 2027 – Bavaria
Sections: Explorer Scouts; Scout Network
The Explorer Belt is one of Scouting’s Top Awards but is much more than just an expedition, it’s a 10-day adventure across one of Europe’s most stunning regions. It’s one of the toughest but most rewarding adventures you will have in Scouting. It’s a real test of your skills, teamwork, and will pull on everything you’ve learned through Scouts to date.
Following the success of our 2026 Explorer Belt to the Galicia Region of Spain, we are heading to southern Germany in 2027 where you will explore Bavaria on foot, meet its people and dive into its culture and way of life.
Want to know more? Register your interest here for a place at one of our online information sessions:
Friday 2nd October 2026 at 20:00 (8:00pm)
Sunday 4th October 2026 at 18:00 (7:00pm)
Thursday 8th October 2026 at 20:00 (8:00pm)
All three sessions will cover the same content, so you only need to attend one to find out more with no commitment to proceed at this stage
What’s Bavaria like?
Bavaria’s full of contrasts. One moment you’re in a quiet forest or tiny village with cows and church bells. The next, you’re in a buzzing town. One day you’re hiking along the frontier of the ancient Roman empire or exploring a fairy-tale castle, the next it’s all hi-tech and ultra-modern society.
Bavarians are proud of their traditions, and they’re excited to share them. Full of character and perfect for an adventure, that’s why Bavaria’s made for Explorer Belt.
What’s the Explorer Belt all about?
- You and your team will plan and complete a 10-day fully independent expedition. Here’s what you’ll be doing:
- Walking at least 150km
- Planning your own route and accommodation as you go
- Meeting locals, completing projects, and getting to know Bavaria’s culture and way of life
- Completing a logbook as you go to record your adventure
- Sharing your experiences through a final presentation
The Explorer Belt is a challenge. It’s also seriously fun and an unforgettable experience.
Why do it?
Everyone who’s taken on the Explorer Belt says the same thing: It’s the best thing they’ve ever done in Scouting. But don’t take our word for it. Join one of our online sessions and hear directly from one of our alumni who has completed the Explorer Belt themselves.
This may well be a one in a lifetime opportunity to take on something big with your friends, to build skills for life, come back with more confidence and lots of memories you’ll talk about for years, and our team of experienced volunteers are here to help you prepare well to get the most from your Explorer Belt.
What you need to take part
You must:
- Be 16 or over before the start of the expedition (13 August 2027)
- Either be an Explorer Scout or in Scout Network
- Have some experience with hiking and expeditions (ideally at least Chief Scout’s Diamond or Silver DofE Award)
- Attend two training events on 5 & 6 December 2026 and 20 March 2027
- Complete a one day First Aid course (or already hold a recent Scouts First Response first aid certificate)
- Organise two weekend training expeditions (between January and May 2027)
- Be free between 13 and 27 August 2027
Scouts and Guides from across the UK are welcome. Places are limited, so we give some preference to Scouts from Greater London South West and the Greater London Region.
How to get started
Register your interest here and select one of our information sessions
Form your team: We’ll give you hints and tips at the online information session on how to form your team. Teams need to be 4 or 5 Explorer Scouts or 3 to 5 Network Scouts
Prepare for training: You must attend both training events, complete your first aid course and practice expeditions
Commit to the expedition: The deadline for committing to the 2027 expedition is 31 December 2026
This is your moment. What are you waiting for?
