Safe hiking: The best tips to avoid accidents

Created: 09/28/2022, 15:00

Hiking is very popular with many Germans.

In order to reach the mountain unscathed, summiteers should follow these safety tips.

Leisure time in the mountains is currently more in vogue than ever.

Because hiking not only keeps the body fit, but also compensates for any exertion with the wonderful landscapes and views.

But especially for beginners, the fun in the mountains can quickly become torture.

Here are some tips to get to the top of the mountains unscathed and safe.

Own pace when hiking

As the German Alpine Club writes on its website, a realistic self-assessment is essential.

Because hiking directs the cardiovascular rhythm in the right direction and trains endurance.

Hiking too quickly can therefore quickly lead to a circulatory collapse or something similar.

Therefore, you should always pay attention to your own pace, especially if you are traveling with a group.

If someone walks more slowly, either stop or adjust your speed.

It is also important to make sure that you don't lose sight of anyone.

In the event of an emergency, nobody else in the group will notice.

Good route planning

A good self-assessment is also the first motto when planning the tour.

Whether it’s the length of the hike, the difference in altitude or the level of difficulty – you should be honest with yourself on all of these points.

Tours with a via ferrata, for example, should only be planned if you are in good physical condition and have experience.

Assessments and field reports from tours can be researched very well on the Internet and can prevent nasty surprises.

If you have problems finding your way, always take a GPS device, a map or a navigation app with you up the mountain.

A hike must be well planned.

© IMAGO/Herbert Berger

Mountain weather can be moody

Be sure to check the weather forecast before the hike.

Because in the mountains, a storm or snowstorm can quickly develop and make the ascent impossible.

A rain jacket is therefore a must-have!

Because extreme weather fluctuations are the order of the day in the mountains.

You should also be prepared for extreme heat.

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Always stay on the path

For reasons of nature conservation alone, hiking on the trails is mandatory.

In addition, it is easy to injure yourself if you deviate from the prescribed path, as the risk of falling and stumbling increases.

Rockfalls can also fall or dangerous abysses can appear.

So avoid abbreviations.

Should you deviate from the signposted path, return to the starting point as quickly as possible or use a hiking map or GPS to find your way back to the hiking path.

Well taken care of on the go: This belongs in the first-aid kit

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Safe hiking: Regular breaks

Breaks are important when hiking.

Muesli bars, nuts or fruit are suitable as quick energy boosters, especially on short tours.

Sandwiches are suitable for longer hikes.

On many hiking trails you will pass alpine pastures or huts.

You can usually refill your water supplies here, but the German Alpine Association recommends that you always carry two liters of water with you, despite these options.

Because a sudden lack of water on the mountain can quickly lead to physical problems.

behavior in an emergency

No matter how careful you are, accidents can still happen very quickly.

Then it's time to keep calm.

In the event of a serious fall, immediately call the mountain rescue service.

Until paramedics arrive, place the person in the recovery position, keep them warm, and calm them down.

Draw attention to yourself by shouting at other hikers and never leave the injured person alone.

A first aid kit should therefore always be in your backpack when hiking.

The rescue blankets, compresses or plasters they contain can save lives.