Respect your own limits and experience in alpine terrain.
If you want to hike safely, consider joining a guided tour. Local hiking guides lead nature enthusiasts on the most beautiful hikes in the Ausseerland Salzkammergut region.
Careful planning
Every tour should start with a rough time schedule. Don’t forget to plan breaks! In changeable weather, be sure to identify possible places to stop for shelter or refreshment.
Tips from the Austrian Alpine Club for calculating hiking time:
approx. 300 vertical meters per hour for ascent
approx. 500 vertical meters per hour for descent
approx. 4 kilometers horizontally per hour
Choose appropriate equipment and clothing
The right gear is essential for a successful hike. This includes:
- sturdy footwear with treaded soles
- backpack
- sun protection
- warm clothing
- windproof outerwear
- enough drinks and snacks
- small first aid kit (gauze bandage, adhesive tape, plasters, scissors or knife) and, for safety, a mild painkiller
- navigation tools such as a hiking map, etc.
- A mobile phone can be very helpful in emergencies, even though signal coverage is not guaranteed in all areas.
Check in and check out
For your own safety, let someone know before and after your hike that you're heading out and that you’ve returned safely.
Follow trail markers
Do not leave marked trails. Shortcuts may seem tempting but can often involve risks that are not immediately visible.
Avoid rockfall
Rockfall is a serious hazard in alpine terrain. Always be careful not to dislodge rocks. Be aware: rockfall is sometimes caused by chamois, sheep, or other animals.
Act quickly in case of sudden weather changes
Weather in the mountains can change rapidly. It's important to react quickly. During thunderstorms, avoid summits, ridges, solitary trees, gullies, and power lines.
Proper action in case of an accident
Mountain Rescue: 140
European Emergency Number: 112
To respond quickly in an emergency, it's a good idea to save these important phone numbers before each hike.
Avoid littering
Always take your waste back with you! That’s the only way to keep nature clean.
Behavior around animals on alpine pastures
Respectful behavior in the mountains is essential - for people, dogs, and grazing livestock alike. Follow the guidelines for interacting with animals on alpine pastures.