Hiking alone in the mountains – is that a good idea? After all, it’s not only more sociable in a group, but also safer. If you still decide to go on a solo hike, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Your hiking companion canceled at the last minute, the weather forecast is excellent and you don’t like to postpone your hiking trip? Then just go hiking on your own. And you’re not the only one. More and more people are going hiking alone.
When hiking alone, however, you have to keep a few things in mind. You should choose your route according to your physical fitness and ability and prepare carefully for your tour. Because safety comes first. Only then is your head clear and you can really enjoy the intense nature experience of a solo tour.
Be sure to choose the right difficulty level for the route
Do not overwhelm yourself! This is probably the most important rule when choosing a tour, especially if you are alone. If you run out of strength on the way, you can easily get into trouble with fear, which, as we all know, is not a good companion – especially on the mountain. Fear makes you feel unsafe and ultimately increases the risk of falls and injuries. Increased mindfulness, on the other hand, is an advisable companion as a solo hiker. Especially when you’re alone, the mental aspect should not be underestimated. So even if you are otherwise looking for challenges, it is advisable not to exceed your limits on a solo hike.
There are numerous options for planning tours: classic hiking guides, outdoor apps and countless websites. A very good place to start is the Deutsche Alpenverein (German Alpine Club). It offers comprehensive information on tour planning and tour selection. However, their information is only available in German.
Also interesting: Are cows dangerous for hikers?
Avoid remote tours
When hiking alone, don’t choose a tour that is too remote or fancy. This way you can rely on reliable signposting of the hiking trails. In addition, you will meet other hikers from time to time along the way and you will not be all alone on the trail. This gives you a feeling of security and if you do get into an emergency situation, the chances of getting help quickly are good. By the way, if you are alone on the trail, it is even easier to get into conversation with other hikers. Just try it out if you feel like it!
Inform others about your hiking trip!
If you go hiking alone, you should prepare for your tour even more conscientiously than if you go hiking with one or more people. The two most important points in advance:
- Check the weather forecast!
- Share your hiking route with a familiar person and let them know when you’re leaving and when you want to be back!
Telling someone exactly where you are is really important – in an emergency, it’s even essential for survival. Because if no one misses you, no one can start searching for you. Often you don’t have cell phone service in the mountains. If you can’t continue hiking for some reason, it may be impossible for you to get help. This also applies to hikes in groups, by the way.
Necessary equipment for the hiking tour
In another article we have summarized for you what you should definitely take with you on a hiking trip to the mountains – whether you are hiking alone or in a group.
The most important equipment besides hiking boots and suitable clothing here in a nutshell:
- Hiking map
- Water
- Food
- First aid kit with aluminum rescue blanket
- Extra clothes / rainwear
- Cell phone (and powerbank if necessary) in case the battery gets empty
- GPS (if you don’t have a tracking app installed on your phone yet)
- Headlamp
- Telescopic poles (you can also use them as a fixation in case of a broken bone)
Reading tip: Getting emergency help in the mountains
Start early in the morning and keep an eye on the weather
Starting out for mountain tours as early as possible in the morning is a well-known piece of advice. There is less traffic, the air is still fresh and, especially in summer, the risk of thunderstorms increases significantly in the afternoon. If you are already back from the summit, you minimize the risk of being surprised by a sudden change in the weather.
Especially in alpine terrain, the weather situation can change quickly and the weather can be very different locally. In addition to the weather forecast, keep an eye on the sky so that you can recognize a possible change in the weather early and seek shelter.
If you start hiking early, you also have a good time buffer. This allows you to take a longer break and enjoy the view without being pressed for time later.
Enjoy the beautiful sides of lonely hiking
If you are well prepared and excellently equipped, then nothing stands in the way of a relaxing hiking day. Especially if you come from the city, you will quickly notice the special silence in nature. It sharpens the senses and gives you space to organize your thoughts or simply enjoy the nature experience intensively. Many people also appreciate the fact that there is no “peer pressure” and thus no stress factor.
Perhaps there will be one or two moments of fright during the tour. When you’re alone in the forest, a sudden noise can scare you. But aren’t these the experiences that make you grow the most?
Conclusion: Just give it a try
Going hiking alone is certainly not everyone’s cup of tea. But does the idea appeal to you? Then just try it out! With good tour planning, the right preparation and the correct equipment, it will certainly be an unforgettable experience.
