Fresh mountain air, breathtaking views and the indescribable feeling of having scaled a summit - mountain hiking is pure freedom! But if you set off unprepared, you can quickly experience frustration instead of happiness or put yourself in serious danger. In this guide, you will find out what really matters when hiking in the mountains - from equipment and the right tour planning to important rules of conduct.
Table of contents
What is the right equipment for mountain hiking?
How do I plan my mountain hike carefully?
These tips will help beginners when hiking in the mountains
How do I prepare myself physically for hiking in the mountains?
What do I need to bear in mind about the weather in the Alps?
How do I behave safely on marked hiking trails?
What to do in an emergency in the mountains?
Conclusion
What should the right equipment be for hiking in the mountains?
Who hasn't experienced it? You're standing at the foot of a majestic mountain and suddenly realize: Shit, I've forgotten something important! Every hike in the mountains stands or falls with the right equipment. The absolute cornerstone is high-quality hiking boots with a proper tread sole. They provide grip on any surface and protect your feet from injury.
Your hiking rucksack should always contain these basics: a first aid kit for minor emergencies, enough food (it's better to have a little more than not enough), sufficient sun protection and suitable headgear. And please don't forget to pack your fully charged cell phone - it could be a lifesaver in an emergency!
A crucial tip: the fit of all your equipment can make a huge difference. Make sure you have comfortable, well-fitting clothing and an ergonomic rucksack that distributes the load evenly across your back. You'll notice this after a few hours of climbing at the latest!
Even if the sun is shining and there are no clouds in the sky, always pack a headlamp and extra layers of clothing. Beginners in particular often underestimate how quickly the weather can change in the mountains or how easy it is to make mistakes when planning your route. With warm spare items of clothing, you are prepared for unexpected delays.
Essential basic equipment for hiking:
- High-quality hiking boots with a good tread sole
- Functional clothing according to the onion principle
- Hiking rucksack with an ergonomic fit
What no hiking rucksack should be without:
- First aid kit and fully charged cell phone
- Sufficient food and water
- Sun protection and headgear
- Headlamp and warm spare clothing
Want to know how to pack your [rucksack] properly so that nothing slips and you can always get to everything? Take a look at our special article on this!
How do I plan my mountain hike carefully?
Tour planning is not a nice extra when hiking in alpine terrain, but absolutely essential! Thorough preparation includes choosing a suitable route, calculating the altitude and walking time and knowing possible emergency options.
Before you set off, make sure you check the current weather forecast and any special conditions on your planned route. Perhaps a section is currently closed or particularly slippery after rainfall? A little research can prevent nasty surprises.
Good preparation also includes planning the journey to the starting point of your tour. Are there enough parking spaces? How early is the last bus back? You should also always have a detailed hiking map with you or have saved GPS data on your cell phone. This minimizes the risk of getting lost enormously.
Checklist for planning your tour:
- Select a suitable route (note the level of difficulty)
- Realistically calculate altitude and walking time
- Check the current weather forecast
- Plan your journey and possible emergency options
A valuable tip for planning your tour: always allow more time than you originally think. Most hikers overestimate themselves and underestimate the distance. And always think of a plan B - in case you have to turn back, whether due to exhaustion or a change in the weather.
These tips will help beginners with mountain hiking
The following applies to beginners in mountain hiking: start small and build up slowly! Start with easier tours at medium altitudes before venturing into the high mountains. Your stamina will thank you for it and you can gain valuable experience without overexerting yourself.
Tips especially for beginners:
- Start with easier tours at medium altitude
- Realistically assess your own fitness level
- Take regular breaks and drink enough
- Hike with experienced hikers at the beginning
Perhaps the most important tip for beginners is to realistically assess your own fitness. Be honest with yourself and choose tours with an appropriate level of difficulty. The most spectacular view is of no use to you if you are completely exhausted or put yourself in danger.
As a new hiker, you should take regular breaks - and before you really need them! Drink enough, even if you don't feel thirsty yet, and listen to your body. It sends clear signals when it's time to take a breather.
The recommendation for all beginners is: join a guided group at the start or set off with experienced hikers. This way you can benefit from their knowledge and avoid typical beginner's mistakes when hiking.
How do I prepare physically for hiking in the mountains?
To get off to a good start in the mountains, you should build up your fitness in a targeted manner. Start with regular shorter hikes in the lowlands and then gradually increase the altitude. Your body needs time to get used to the strain.
An often underestimated aspect of physical preparation is lacing up your hiking boots for longer periods of time. Also wear your hiking boots in everyday life so that your feet can get used to them. Nothing is worse than blisters on the first day of a multi-day tour!
This is how you prepare yourself physically:
- Regular shorter hikes on flat terrain
- Wear hiking boots in everyday life too (break-in phase)
- Endurance training (running, cycling)
- Targeted strength training for the leg muscles
Good physical fitness is crucial when hiking in the mountains. Therefore, supplement your preparation with targeted endurance training such as running or cycling and strengthen your leg muscles with strength exercises. Squats and stair climbing in particular are perfect exercises for budding mountain hikers.
A practical preparation tip: Carry your fully packed rucksack for short distances in your surroundings. This will help you get used to the weight and assess how it will feel over long distances at altitude. You can find out more in our guide to training for hiking.
What do I need to consider about the weather in the Alps?
When hiking in the Alps: always take weather forecasts seriously! Thunderstorms in particular can quickly turn into a life-threatening situation in the mountains. Therefore, check the current weather forecast before every tour and obtain information from the weather center in Austria or other Alpine countries.
Hikers must bear in mind that the weather in the Alps can change within a very short space of time. A bright blue sky can turn into a threatening storm within an hour. Therefore, always keep an eye on the sky during your tour.
Note when planning the weather:
- Check the daily weather forecast before every tour
- Be prepared for rapid changes in the weather
- Avoid exposed terrain if there is a risk of thunderstorms
- Always take a rain jacket and warm clothing with you
A vital tip: If you notice an approaching thunderstorm on the way, leave exposed terrain such as summits or ridges immediately! If necessary, turn back or seek shelter in a hut. Your safety always comes first - the mountain will not run away from you.
Nature is an unpredictable element, which is why you should always have a rain jacket and warm layers of clothing in your rucksack when hiking in the mountains - even if the weather forecast is good. It's better to have one layer too many than to freeze! If you want to learn more about how to correctly interpret natural weather signs, take a look at our special article.
How do I stay safe on marked hiking trails?
Sure-footedness is the be-all and end-all on marked hiking trails. Make sure you have a secure footing with every step and maintain full concentration, especially on exposed passages. A brief moment of carelessness can be dangerous.
When hiking in alpine terrain, you should always stay within your own abilities. Don't overestimate yourself, especially when it comes to mountaineering! There is no shame in turning back if you feel unsafe - on the contrary, it shows experience and a sense of responsibility.
In more challenging terrain, adjust your speed to the conditions. Hiking poles can be a valuable aid on difficult passages. They improve your balance and take the strain off your joints on the descent.
Safe behavior also means respecting the markings and not taking shortcuts. Shortcuts may seem tempting, but they often lead to erosion, endanger vegetation and can take you into rough terrain. To better understand what the different signs mean, check out our article on signage for hiking trails.
What to do in an emergency in the mountains?
In the event of an emergency while hiking in the mountains, you should immediately contact the emergency number 112 (Euro emergency number) or the local mountain rescue service. Don't be shy - the rescue services are there for you!
As a responsible hiker, you should always have all relevant emergency numbers stored in your cell phone. It is also important to know what information you need to pass on in an emergency: your exact location (ideally with coordinates), the type of emergency and the number of people affected.
Important emergency numbers for mountain hikers:
- 112 - Euro emergency number (Europe-wide)
- 140 - Alpine emergency number in Austria
- 144 - Rescue service in Switzerland
- Local mountain rescue services (research and save in advance)
This is what you need to say in an emergency call:
- Your exact location (ideally with coordinates)
- Type of emergency (injury, exhaustion, loss of orientation)
- Number of people affected
- Weather conditions on site
- Your telephone number (for callbacks)
International distress signals (if no cell phone reception):
- Six signals per minute (whistles, shouts, flashes of light)
- One minute pause
- Repeat until help arrives
- Answer: Three signals per minute
An important tip for all mountain fans: In the event of an emergency call, keep calm! Communicate clearly and stay at the scene of the accident as long as there is no further danger. Panicked reactions don't help anyone and make rescue more difficult.
Conclusion
Mountain hiking requires good preparation. Plan your tours carefully, taking into account the weather conditions, your personal fitness and the difficulty of the route. This will lay the foundations for a safe mountain experience.
The right equipment is non-negotiable: high-quality hiking boots, weatherproof clothing, a first aid kit and sufficient food and drink should be in every rucksack. Your equipment is your protective shield against the elements and potential dangers.
As a beginner, you should increase your tours slowly and not aim for the highest peak straight away. Take regular breaks, listen to your body and respect your own limits as you gain experience.
In an emergency, quick and considered action counts: Dial the emergency number 112, stay calm and state your position as accurately as possible. By providing clear information, you will help the emergency services to reach you quickly.
Sustainable hiking means respecting the mountain environment. Don't leave any garbage behind, stay on marked trails and protect nature for future generations. The mountains are a precious asset that must be preserved.
Looking for inspiration for your first hiking tours? Then be sure to check out our article on the best hiking routes for beginners in Germany!
Want to find out more about mountain hiking and prepare for your adventure? Then take a look at our other articles and get valuable tips for your next tours!
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