If you’re doing day hikes in popular parts of a mountain area, there’s no reason to worry. The trails are marked and often clearly signposted, the distances aren’t very large, and you’ll meet other hikers. The same applies if you’re hiking between mountain huts on the most popular routes. See our recommendations.

Facilities to ensure the safety of mountain hikers:

• Signposts and marked trails mean you can feel certain of choosing the right direction.
• On the trails there are bridges over larger watercourses.
• The trails offer temporary shelters.
• Many of these shelters have emergency telephones, as do all mountain huts.
• You can contact the mountain rescue service on 112 or direct from the emergency phone.
• Mountain huts and mountain stations are available for accommodation.
• Mountain guides offer hikes.
  
  

You can do a lot yourself:

• Choose a hike that suits your ability and don’t walk alone.
• Try out walking with your boots and backpack at home.
• Make sure you are warm, dry and have plenty to eat.
• Choose hiking shoes and rainwear carefully.
• Use a mountain map – study the different hike options before leaving home.
• Hike along the marked trail but still follow the map.
• Bring your mobile phone, but don’t rely on it to work everywhere.
• Listen to local weather forecasts.
• If you’re hiking for several days, tell someone about the hike and when you plan to be back.