Hiking is currently experiencing a real hype. No wonder, because exercise in the fresh air is not only good for your body, it also clears your mind. You can enjoy nature and take in the view. Perfect as a balance to the stressful everyday life! Of course, you can just go hiking – but with a little background knowledge about equipment, tour planning and safety, it’s even more fun.
Hiking is probably one of the most flexible outdoor activities. In theory, you can start right from your front door and explore your region on a short hike, but you can just as easily take a trip into the mountains – alone, in pairs or in a group. There is the right hike for every taste and every difficulty. From a leisurely circular route to a challenging via ferrata, everything is possible. Just browse through our little guide!
Planning is everything when hiking
Classically with hiking guide and map or with the smartphone: No matter how you prefer to plan your hike, a few principles always remain the same. For example, you should not overdo it with the route and find the right level of difficulty for you and your group. You can find out the best way to do this here.
Alpine Crossing Part 1: Planning & Preparation
How to orient with map and compass
What equipment you need
Basically, you don’t need much to go hiking. On our checklist we have summarized the essentials and added a few extras that will make every hiking trip more enjoyable. We also explain the differences between the different materials and designs.
Hiking equipment – the basic items
Hiking equipment – What you need
Hardshell or softshell jacket?
Hiking backpack or trekking backpack
Tour equipment for beginners – save weight on hiking and trekking tours
Daypack versus hiking backpack
How to use and care for hiking equipment properly
The most expensive and best equipment is useless if you don’t know how to use it properly. This applies to your backpack as well as to your hiking boots and clothing. We will explain to you what is important and how to care for your equipment properly so that you can enjoy it for as long as possible.
Basic knowledge: Care of function garments
Tips for the care of your hiking boots
Hiking backpack adjustment – How to adjust your hiking backpack correctly
At Tatonka you will find hiking backpacks in different designs, sizes and with different equipment details.
Inspiration for your next hike
When it comes to hiking, no one can fool you and you’ve already tried just about everything? Maybe you’ll find inspiration for a tour you haven’t thought of yet in the following articles.
Winter Holiday: Ideas fo activities
Ridge walking: What beginners should bear in mind
Tour tips
There are almost countless tours for adventurous hikers. Here we present a few of our personal favorites. You can find even more exciting hiking tours in the Komoot app or on the respective Alpine Club websites.
Hike to the Rote Flüh (2108 m) n the Tannheim Valley
Hike to the Teufelstättkopf (1,758 m) in the Ammergau Alps
Hike to the Seekarspitze (2,053 m) with a view of Lake Achensee
Hike to the Daniel (2,340 m) in the Ammergau Alps
Hiking in the Harz Mountains: The Harzer-Hexen-Stieg
Hiking with kids
Hiking can quickly become boring for children. They have a different view of the world than adults. Beautiful views and the tranquility of nature usually cause them little emotion. They need a little more action. That’s why, when planning hikes with kids, parents should always make sure there’s plenty to do along the way.
The 10 most frequently asked questions about hiking with kids
How to plan a hike with and for kids
Winter hiking with children – tips and tricks
Hiking – Basic knowledge
If you talk to other enthusiastic hikers you will quickly notice – as with any hobby there is a special vocabulary and the longer you are at it, the more experience you have. All the basics you need to know about hiking can be found in the following articles.
Basic knowledge of via ferrata for beginners
Safe on the mountain
If you are out in nature, you should be aware of possible dangers. Especially if you are away from civilization. This applies to sudden changes in the weather as well as to possible injuries. But even supposedly peaceful animals can become a danger if you behave incorrectly as a hiker.
Meteorology – How to correctly predict the weather when hiking
