Staying safe.

Hiking tips

Assess and avoid dangerous situations.

Find out about the distance, altitude profile, difficulty and walking time of the hiking route as well as any hazards (e.g. sloping terrain, grassy slopes, falling rocks, snow fields).
Plan the hike according to the physical ability and technical skills of all participants.
Allow significantly more time with children and groups.
Pay attention to the weather forecasts.
Clarify catering possibilities for on the way.
Never hike long or difficult routes alone.
Inform acquaintances about the route and destination. Do not forget to report back when you arrive at your destination.

Choose equipment according to the difficulty, location and duration of the hiking route and your own needs:

Sturdy shoes suitable for the hike, rucksack clothes appropriate to the season. rain and sun protection (glasses, headgear, cream)
first-aid kit, spare clothes
topographic hiking map, compass, possibly altitude meter
cell phone with emergency numbers, pocket knife
sufficient food and drinks
personal medication
Consider taking binoculars and telescopic poles.

Follow the signalized paths. Always close fences and pasture gates.
Rest regularly. Drink plenty - even if you are not thirsty.
In case of bad weather: turn back in time or seek shelter in a hut or shelter.
In case of sudden indisposition or other difficulties: do not take risks and do not force anything, turn back in time.
For the sake of nature and the environment: hike according to the motto "Take nothing but your impressions - leave nothing but your footprints". Observe the regulations in nature reserves.
Be careful when lighting fires. Avoid fires altogether during prolonged dry spells.
If possible, use public transportation to get there and back.
Grazing livestock: Keep your dog on a leash. Avoid cattle herds calmly and at a distance of 20-50 meters.
Duds: Never touch them. Mark the place where it was found and notify the police.
Calculate hiking times
Hiking times in Switzerland are calculated according to uniform principles. To calculate hiking times, an average speed of 4.2 km per hour is assumed on flat terrain, with increases and decreases for uphill and downhill slopes.