Whether in the Black Forest, Saxon Switzerland or the Thuringian Forest: Germany has many wonderful spots to offer for a fascinating winter hike. However, before excursionists set off, they should take precautions and pack the right equipment to be prepared for many eventualities.
In many regions, the often signposted paths and routes are cleared or prepared. Even if no special equipment is usually required for winter hiking, hikers should first of all wear suitable clothing. The German Alpine Club (DAV) recommends the onion principle. Like the peels of an onion, individual layers can be removed depending on the local weather conditions and stored in the backpack.
The items of clothing suggested by the DAV include sturdy mountain boots with profile soles, functional underwear, warm trousers and a fleece sweater or a fleece jacket. Insulating jackets plus hardshell or rain jackets are also available. The whole thing is rounded off with a headband or hat, gloves, scarf or tube scarf and sunglasses. This is because snow reflects light from the low sun and this can lead to snow blindness.
The Bergerlebnis Berchtesgaden association, which is responsible for promoting tourism in the region, also recommends warming trekking or functional socks – with an additional pair of socks to change. As an alternative to the items of clothing already mentioned, water-repellent snow pants, jackets and suits as well as sturdy snow shoes or moon boots and snow goggles could also be used.
The DAV also recommends taking touring poles and so-called Grödels, a form of crampons that can be attached to mountain boots and are intended to provide more grip on icy surfaces, for example.
In order not to damage the battery, the smartphone should be carried close to the body, for example in a trouser pocket, at low temperatures – even below ten degrees, advises TÜV Süd. There is space in the backpack for all sorts of utensils that can be helpful in a variety of situations. For example, flashlights or headlamps, first aid kits, emergency blankets, pocket knives and handkerchiefs can be useful.
In order to prevent all eventualities and not get lost, excursionists can also pack maps of the region or GPS devices. When it comes to food, a small snack and a thermos flask with warm tea or water are recommended.
Even planning the tour is important. Since it gets dark early in winter, hikers shouldn’t set out too late so that they don’t have to get the aforementioned flashlight out of their backpack. Since winter hiking can also be strenuous, inexperienced hikers should initially choose shorter tours and plan more time. The tourism websites of many regions often contain information about winter hiking trails – including the length, the level of difficulty, whether the path is cleared and whether there are places to stop for refreshments along the route.
