Staying safe on the road

A good hike begins even before you take your first step. The distance, elevation gain and difficulty should be suited to your fitness level. If you’re unsure, it’s best to start with an easier route and allow for plenty of breaks. It’s also useful to know where there are places to stop for refreshments and water points along the way.

It’s also worth taking a close look at the weather forecast before every hike. The weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains.

Pack only the essentials in your rucksack: suitable footwear, plenty of water and snacks, protection from the sun, rain and the cold, a first-aid kit, a fully charged mobile phone, and a map or GPS device.

The colour markings provide an initial indication of how challenging a walking trail is.

🔵 Easy trails may be narrow and steep in places.

🔴 Moderately difficult trails are predominantly narrow and often steep. They may include sections where there is a risk of falling and short secured walking sections.

⚫ Difficult trails require sure-footedness and a head for heights. They are often narrow, steep and pose a risk of falling. Secured sections and easy climbing sections may occur.

Tripping and slipping are among the most common causes of accidents whilst hiking. Suitable footwear, a suitable pace and regular breaks help to ensure you stay safe on the trail.

Concentration and reaction times tend to wane as tiredness sets in, particularly on the descent. It is therefore best to take breaks in good time and allow plenty of time for the walk.

A head for heights is also important on some trails. Anyone who feels uneasy on exposed sections should take their own limits seriously and choose a suitable route.

Clothing should be suitable for the season, the weather and the planned trip. The ‘layered’ approach, using breathable materials, has proven effective. Socks made from breathable fabrics also help to prevent chafing. Your rucksack should also contain a hat, rain and sun protection, sunglasses, sun cream, as well as a change of clothes and something to keep you warm. Merino wool and fleece are practical because they keep you warm, are breathable and dry quickly.

It’s nice to travel light, but you should still make sure you have the essentials with you:

✅ Protection
against rain, cold and sun ✅ First-aid kit (European emergency number: 112)
✅ Mobile phone
✅ Provisions and water (1–2 litres, glucose tablets, nuts, etc.)
✅ ID card & cash
✅ Tissues
✅ Pocket knife
✅ Head torch
✅ Walking poles
✅ Rubbish bag for a clean hike
✅ Map/GPS device
✅ Medication (if necessary)

Hiking boots should fit well, have a non-slip sole with good tread and be suitable for the planned route. An ankle-high hiking boot is recommended for steeper terrain. It’s best to break in new boots on short hikes before setting off on longer ones. When it comes to rucksacks, a well-adjustable back system with hip padding is important. A capacity of around 15 to 35 litres is recommended for day walks. A handy tip: leave a pair of comfortable shoes in the car for afterwards.

Anything you need to use frequently whilst out and about is best kept in the side or lid compartment.

• Keep a safe distance and do not feed the animals.
• Remain calm and avoid sudden movements and noise.
• Stay on marked footpaths and cross pastures quickly.
• Keep a particularly safe distance from calves. Mother cows will protect their young.
• If a herd is blocking the path, it is best to take a wider detour.
• Watch out for warning signs such as a lowered head, pawing at the ground or bellowing.
• Keep dogs on a short lead. If a cow threatens to attack, take the dog off the lead immediately.
• Close pasture gates again after passing through.

Always keep your distance from calves. Mother cows protect their young and may perceive anyone approaching them as a threat. Particular caution is advised if you are with a dog, as mother cows may regard dogs as a danger.

Stay calm, do not turn your back on the animals and avoid them where possible. Lowering their heads, pawing at the ground or bellowing can be warning signs. If a herd is blocking your path, it is best to take a wide detour and not corner the animals.

• Always keep dogs on a short lead in pastures.
• Keep your distance from cows, especially from cows with calves.
• Avoid encounters between dogs and herds wherever possible.
• If a cow threatens to attack, unlead the dog immediately so that it can get out of the way.

• Stay calm and dial 140 for the mountain rescue service or 112 for the European emergency number.
• Describe the location of the accident, the number of people injured and the circumstances of the accident as accurately as possible.
• Provide a contact number, follow instructions and stay on the line.
• Other important numbers: 133 for the police, 144 for the ambulance service.

• Switch your mobile phone off and on again, then enter 112 instead of your PIN code, or use the SOS function.
• If the emergency call still does not work, move to a different location and try dialling 112 again.
• If possible, head to the nearest mountain hut, ski lift station or other alpine accident reporting centre.

If it is not possible to make an emergency call, the alpine distress signal can help: six audible or visible signals within one minute, followed by a one-minute pause and then another six signals. 

Possible methods include shouting, whistling or light signals.

• Alert the emergency services and describe as precisely as possible where the signal is coming from.
• In response to the distress call, send three signals within one minute, pause for one minute, and then send three more signals.

• Assess your fitness realistically: Do the walking time and elevation gain match your fitness level?
• If you have little hiking experience, it’s best to start with an easier route and build up gradually.
• Check the distance, elevation gain and difficulty in advance.
• If in doubt, it’s better to choose an easier route or seek advice.

• Check the weather forecast and current conditions at your destination.
• Take suitable equipment with you: walking boots, protection against the weather and the sun, plenty of water and provisions, a first-aid kit, a mobile phone and a map or GPS device.
• Plan your itinerary realistically, taking into account the return journey, dusk and possible alternatives.
• Make sure you know the important emergency numbers.

• Be able to correctly assess difficulty levels and route markings.
• Be able to walk safely on narrow, stony or slippery paths.
• Know whether sure-footedness or a head for heights are required for the route.
• Feel confident even when walking downhill and on exposed sections.

• Stay on marked paths and plan your route carefully in advance.
• Check the weather forecast and be prepared for sudden changes in the weather.
• Take plenty of water and provisions with you and take regular breaks.
• Pack suitable footwear as well as protection against rain, the cold and the sun.
• Take your rubbish home with you and leave protected plants undisturbed.
• Keep your distance from grazing animals and wildlife, and keep dogs on a lead.

• Overestimating one’s own strength or carrying on despite feeling tired.
• Sticking to the route out of misplaced ambition when conditions are poor.
• Kicking loose stones. If this does happen, warn other walkers immediately.
• Feeding, stroking or getting too close to wild animals.
• Using drones in protected areas.

• Leave the natural environment as you found it.
• Take your handkerchiefs, fruit scraps and cigarette ends away with you too.
• Respect wildlife sanctuaries and keep a safe distance.
• Do not pick or dig up protected plants.
• If you like, you can take a small bin bag with you and collect any rubbish you find along the way.

If your energy levels are flagging, the weather is taking a turn for the worse or the conditions are no longer suitable, turning back is the right choice. Tiredness affects your concentration and your sure-footedness, particularly on the descent. Safety always comes first.

• Book your accommodation in good time and cancel if your plans change.
• If possible, sign the hut register, ideally including your destination and mobile number.
• Change out of your hiking boots and into the hut’s slippers or house shoes.
• Store your equipment in a space-saving manner and be considerate of other guests.
• Use a hut sleeping bag and observe the quiet hours. These are often from 10 pm to 6 am.
• If you’re setting off early, it’s best to pack your rucksack the evening before.

• Do not cook or eat in the bedroom.
• Do not use open flames or gas hobs in the bedroom.
• Use water and electricity sparingly.
• Only take as much food as you will actually eat.
• Do not store hiking boots, wet clothing, helmets, walking sticks or ice axes in the dormitory. Use the designated drying rooms for this purpose.
• If you have a dog, check in advance whether accommodation is available.

Anything you take up the mountain should also be brought back down to the valley. This includes tissues, fruit scraps and cigarette ends. It’s handy to keep small bin bags in your rucksack for this purpose

✅ Mountain hut sleeping bag
✅ Head torch/flashlight
✅ Earplugs
✅ ÖAV/Naturfreunde membership card
or similar ✅ Hut slippers or house shoes
✅ Towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant
✅ Cash
✅ Passport/insurance card
✅ Mobile phone & charger/power bank
✅ Rain jacket
✅ Hat & gloves
✅ Change
of clothes ✅ Comfortable & warm clothing for the hut
✅ First-aid kit
✅ Bivvy bag
✅ Medication
✅ Sun cream
✅ Blister plasters
✅ Water bottle (at least 2 litres)
✅ Sufficient provisions
✅ Small bin bags
✅ Hiking boots with good grip
✅ Rucksack
✅ Rain cover for the rucksack
✅ Hiking poles
(if required) ✅ Map/GPS device

Choose a fairly short walk and allow plenty of time. Winter walking is more strenuous due to the cold and snow, and the days are shorter too. Check the weather, trail conditions and which refreshment stops are open in advance.

Packing list: 

• Sturdy footwear with sufficient tread 
• Balaclava & gloves 
• Multifunctional scarf 
• Breathable technical base layers 
• Warm clothing (fleece or down) 
• Windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket 
• Water-repellent hiking trousers 
• Warm hiking socks (made from virgin wool) 
• A change of clothes 
• Gaiters 
• Lightweight crampons 
• Hiking/ski poles 
• Provisions, e.g. a flask of tea 
• First-aid kit 
• Map/GPS device 
• Mobile phone 
• Head torch 
• Rucksack, including rain cover 
• Sunscreen

TIP: The best option is to dress in layers, with technical base layers, a warm mid-layer and a windproof and waterproof jacket

Stay on the marked winter walking trails. They are regularly inspected and also help to protect important habitats for wildlife. Keep quiet and avoid walking at dusk or at night.