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Waldschatzfinder

Hiking

Hiking in the forest and hills

Plan a route you can finish, pack what you need, and always know the way back. Here is how.

Record a hike Nature and fitness

Plan the route

Pick a length you can finishA rule of thumb: about 3 km per hour on flat ground, plus extra time for climbs and breaks. Plan for the slowest person in the group.
Check the height profileSteep sections cost more energy than distance. Look at the elevation profile before you go, not only at the total kilometres.
Know the way outMark a shortcut or a bus stop on the route, so you can cut the walk short if needed.

What to pack

  • Water: about half a litre per hour
  • Shoes with grip, broken in before the trip
  • Layers and a rain jacket: weather changes quickly
  • Snacks with energy: nuts, bread, fruit
  • First-aid kit, plasters, tick tweezers
  • Charged phone, power bank and a paper map
  • Headlamp, even for a day trip
  • Emergency blanket and a whistle

Safety and the way back

Tell someone

Tell a person at home your route, your planned return time and what to do if you are not back. Check in when you are back.

Turn back early

Set a turnaround time, not only a destination. Going back at half the time left is the safe habit.

Weather

Check the forecast for the hills, not only the valley. Thunderstorms, wind on ridges and slippery rock are reasons to change the plan.

Record the way

Record your walk with the walk recorder. It shows the direction and distance back to the start, and it stays on your device.

Battery

GPS drains the battery. Turn on airplane mode between stops, carry a power bank, and keep the phone in an inside pocket.

Emergency

In an emergency call 112 (Europe). Give your position, the number of people and any injuries. Stay where you are if you cannot find the way.

Trail etiquette

  1. Greet and make roomStep aside for faster walkers and for people with dogs or bikes.
  2. Stay on the trailCutting switchbacks causes erosion. Respect closed paths and wildlife zones.
  3. Leave no traceTake all rubbish home, including fruit peel and tissues.
  4. Keep it quietWildlife rests in the early morning and at dusk. Keep voices down and music off.

Hiking through the year

Spring

Wild herbs, first flowers, mud on trails. Wear waterproof shoes.

Summer

Long days, berries, heat. Walk early, carry more water, and keep to the shade.

Autumn

The best season for many. Nuts, fruit and mushrooms. Days get shorter: start earlier and bring a headlamp.

Winter

Short days, ice and snow. Check the route for ice, and pack warm layers and extra food.

Combine it with mushrooms and plants

Mushroom calendarWhat is in season on your walk this month. Plant calendarWild herbs, berries and nuts by month, with look-alike notes. With childrenShort routes, games and rules for families.

Never pick mushrooms or plants on a walk unless you can identify them with certainty. Look, photograph and leave the rest.