Learning to hike in the mountains: tips for beginners – route, weather & winter magic

Learn to hike in the mountains – Head for the hills!
One of the most popular activities on vacation is hiking, as you can experience so much of nature and challenge your physical limits.
Hiking keeps you fit and is fun for the whole family, in many areas even with the dog.
You can travel to a campsite in Bavaria, the Black Forest or the Harz Mountains in comfort by car with a roof tent or tent trailer.
To make planning easier, you can find lots of tips for hiking in the mountains and hiking in the snow here.
This includes advice on equipment, routes, safety and orientation.
You can find more adventures from mudflats to mountain peaks here: Hiking & Mountains.

From steep climbs to a sea of stars: hiking

Hiking in the mountains while camping is like an all-round package for outdoor enthusiasts!
You grab your equipment, conquer steep climbs and suddenly you’re standing on the summit with a view that takes your breath away.
The fresh mountain air is not only good for your lungs, but also brings many adventures with it.
The whole thing is even better when you’re out and about with friends – a shared experience at its best!
And when the sun goes down, the starry sky in the mountains becomes a personal spectacle of light.
No need to worry about light pollution here!
It’s not just about hiking; it’s a mixture of physical activity, pure nature, starry sky romance and the freedom of being far away from it all.
This isn’t just camping – it’s an adventure that makes for unforgettable experiences!

Tips for beginners: learning to hike

Start, but relaxed!
When planning, it is important that the general fitness level of all fellow travelers is taken into account.
A certain level of stamina and sure-footedness is an advantage, especially in more difficult terrain.
Inexperienced hikers therefore often have more fun on easier routes, as you can usually experience nature here, but also follow the tour in a relaxed manner.
Steep mountain slopes, rocky paths and gaping crevices are generally more difficult for beginners to master.
It is better to choose a more level route.
You can also start by doing a loop around the lake, for example Lake Constance, Lake Brombach and Lake Hopfensee.
Half-day hikes in ever-changing locations are ideal if you are traveling with a roof tent or tent trailer.

Before you set off, however, you should follow a few more tips.
This will help you avoid any nasty surprises.

Planning the route: orientation & breaks

Beginners can often manage four kilometers per hour.
However, if the terrain is very uneven and mountainous, only two kilometers per hour can be planned.
It is also important to always allow for sufficient breaks.
This is the ideal opportunity for children in particular to quickly recharge their batteries.
Everyone involved can enjoy a few snacks and, above all, drink some water.
Make sure you have enough water when hiking!
You can plan your route using trail markers, electronic navigation devices or the classic method of using a map and compass.
These aids are of course also useful for orientation on the hike so that you can estimate the length of the route.
Be careful with electronic navigation devices, however, as you will need to set an offline mode and estimate the battery power beforehand.
Or take a power bank with you.
In addition to the route, the terrain must also be taken into account.

• Beginners: often 4 km per hour
• With incline & unevenness: 2 km
• Clarify stamina & surefootedness
• Plan the route with sufficient breaks
• Always drink enough water
• Trail markings, map, compass & navigation system

You should always remember to drink enough water:

Weather & clothing: Well prepared!

However, if the terrain becomes more uneven, it is worth investing in sturdy hiking boots.
These generally support the ankle and prevent injuries caused by twisting an ankle.
Many models also have sturdy soles that can protect you from sharp stones on the ground.
Of course, they should fit well and ideally be broken in before the tour.
For example, when going for a walk.
This prevents unpleasant blisters on the skin.
Comfortable sports socks are also recommended for even fewer blisters.
Another factor is the weather.
Storms and thunderstorms can quickly spoil your mood on a hike and, depending on the situation, can also be very dangerous.
You should therefore always check the weather forecast beforehand.
To protect yourself from all eventualities, the onion principle helps when choosing clothing.
This involves wearing thin underwear made of breathable material, followed by layers of thicker clothing.
Finally, if necessary, a thick jacket.

• Beginners: less incline (possibly lake)
• Suitable hiking boots (more protection)
• Onion principle (clothing in layers)
• Check the weather, no storms & thunderstorms

Beginners’ mistakes & how to avoid them!

This video will give you lots of tips on hiking.
You can use it to visualize everything you have learned so far.
Pace and route planning in particular are explained to you.
It is particularly important that you rely on your own ability.
It’s all about the equipment and especially the shoes.
And finally, it is emphasized once again that you definitely need to think about the water.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3agkgCcWkw

Safety & emergencies: What to do?

Especially as a beginner, it can help to set off in a group.
You can then overcome any difficulties, however small they may be.
However, should something worse happen, another member of the group can call for help.
It is therefore advisable to familiarize yourself with the local rescue options and, if you are abroad, to know the local emergency number.
A basic knowledge of first aid never hurts either.
To be on the safe side, you can let a trusted person know.
Tell them about your route and the time you want to be back.
If something happens on the way, this emergency contact can send help on the way.
Finally, to ensure that all hikers have a safe and enjoyable experience, everyone should respect nature.
Willful destruction of nature and garbage are not only an unsightly sight for everyone, but can also pose a risk of injury.
For your own safety and that of all fellow travelers, you should always stay away from wild animals.
For your own safety and that of others, you should keep this in mind:

• Go out as a group (help in an emergency)
• Know emergency number & surroundings
• Basic knowledge of first aid
• Emergency contact: Person is expecting you back
• Do not destroy / pollute nature
• Keep away from wild animals as a matter of principle

This is what a safe hike in clean nature can look like:

Hiking in winter: Tips in the snow

Beautiful glistening mountain peaks, snow-covered fir trees and crystal-clear skies – hiking in winter quickly becomes an unforgettable experience.
Despite all the beauty, hiking in the snow is also very strenuous.
As well as sinking into the snow, you also have to plan for slippery conditions and heavy snowfall.
In winter:

• Warning: sinking, slippery & heavy snowfall
• Days shorter: dark faster (see less)
• Check opening hours (change of season)

Find out more about hiking in winter here:

• Winter hiking

Winter sports!
Skiing, snowboarding, climbing & co.

Here you will find even more activities to enrich your winter camping.

Learning to ski: tips for beginners

Even more mountains!
Skiing is a popular winter sport.
It may look difficult at first, but with a little practice and a few tricks, you can learn it relatively quickly.
Here you will find tips for beginners, from ski boots to the right stance.
You can use them to start your skiing adventure, even directly from the campsite when winter camping in Germany, Italy and Austria.

• Learn to ski

Learning to snowboard: tips for beginners

Similar to skiing, but a completely different experience.
Snowboarding does require a bit of practice, but it quickly becomes a fun activity for the whole family.
Here you will find tips on how to get started, such as the right posture, techniques for riding and braking and how to feel safe on the board:

• Learn to snowboard

Learning to climb: tips for beginners

Whether it’s summer or winter, climbing is fun.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re in Bavaria, the Harz Mountains or the Black Forest in summer with a roof tent or tent trailer, a climbing tour can be perfectly combined with a vacation.
Or would you prefer ice climbing in winter?
Here are some tips for beginners to help you prepare.

• Learn to climb