Things to know when hiking in the mountains

- What should hikers look out for when travelling in the mountains? -

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Hiking is a gentle sport that has developed into one of the most popular forms of exercise in recent years. Mountain lovers hungry for exercise and adventure are drawn to the high altitude regions where they can enjoy fresh air and an experience that is healthy for both body and mind. But as the number of hikers increases, so does the pressure on hiking trails and nature.

That's why it's important to be aware of the basic rules of hiking so that we don't impact nature while practising our sport. Whether it's a herd of cows on the trail, throwing fruit in the forest or good hiking etiquette in the mountains: all hikers are guests in beautiful nature and should know the most important basic unwritten rules.

Below, we've summarised the most important rules that will keep you, nature and the hiking trails safe.

The golden rules in the mountains

Stay informed and prepare every day

At Bering Travel, we plan your walking routes based on our knowledge of the area. However, it is still up to you to complete the daily stages, which is why you should make sure to read the route descriptions thoroughly day by day before you set off.

Have your equipment in order

Good shoes/boots, a sturdy backpack, appropriate clothing, food and drink, maps, first aid kit, mobile phone and many other small items. The list of what you should bring on a walking holiday is long and you can see it in our 13 tips for walking holidays or in the practical information for your trip.
By the way: It's better to pack a little too much than to wander around soaking wet for hours without being able to change your clothes.

Never leave rubbish behind

The backpack is packed perfectly and there is plenty of fruit and healthy snacks. There are five or six bites in an apple, but where do you put the skin? For example, can you just throw the apple on the forest floor? When it comes to seasonal fruit from the region, it rots quickly or can provide a wild animal with a feast.

It's different when it comes to bananas and other tropical fruits. They are often not edible by local animals and are sprayed with pesticides. They also rot, but much more slowly in our latitudes.
Tip: If you want to be on the safe side, keep a "rubbish bin" in your bag to store everything you've brought with you on your hike - including fruit and other food. It's so easy to throw it in the rubbish bins in cities, where they can't possibly harm the environment.

Keep an eye on the weather

It's important to check the weather before you set off on your day's hike. Ask your accommodation if the weather is stable or if there is a risk of a storm. If a storm is on the horizon, it's best to turn around, avoid mountain peaks and ridges and seek shelter in the valleys.

Know your fitness and speed

Be realistic about your own abilities and only choose walks that you are able to enjoy. Always start your walk at a leisurely pace and slowly settle into the perfect rhythm. Take enough breaks - even small ones where you only stop for a minute or two. If you're hiking in a group, it's always the slowest member of the group who sets the pace - this is especially true on family hikes.

Don't leave the path

Under no circumstances should you look for shortcuts or new routes on your own. Instead, stay on the safe and marked hiking trails. Sometimes it's important to be vigilant - for example, if it's wet. Don't step on rocks, as falling rocks can injure other walkers and animals. If you do get lost, you can use an app on your phone (e.g. the Bering Travel app, which also works offline).

Stay calm in an emergency

If you're really in distress, it's important to stay calm as much as possible. Get help via your mobile phone, get the attention of other hikers by shouting, waving or flashing your torch. If someone in a group gets hurt, make sure to help them out of danger and never leave them alone.

Alpine cow management

Cows aren't aggressive - on the contrary, they're more likely to flee than attack. But what's the best way to pass through a herd of cows in the middle of the path?

If you encounter a herd of cows in the mountains, it's still best to be cautious. For example, cows will defend calves, bulls will defend the herd and calves are often just curious and want to say hello. For this reason, it's a good idea to keep a close eye on the herd as you pass them. Again, it's important to stick to the path and if you're forced to cross a seat, keep a safe distance and don't make any sudden movements. We do not recommend petting, feeding or getting too close to the animals.

Hiking etiquette

What do you do when sports enthusiasts meet hobby hikers?If two paths intersect, mountain rules apply. Which rules are they? Scenario: You hike steeply up step by step, you take a photo at the top, write a short line in your diary. Nice. Now it's time to spend the night in the mountain hut - where special rules also apply.

Traffic rules in the mountains

All hikers whose right shoulder is facing the mountain have the right of way! Don't worry. The rules in the mountains aren't that strict, but there are some good guidelines that are worth bearing in mind. Basically, it goes like this: The hiker in the best shape makes room for the others. Beyond that, there are other factors such as how sure-footed you/others are and whether you/others are afraid of heights.
Whether you or others can step aside and give way depends on the terrain and what is safest. Only overtake others if it is possible to do so without endangering anyone. The rule is that if you walk slowly, make room for those who want to walk faster than you. Enjoy the view, take a deep breath and let the fresh mountain air fill your lungs.

There is one clear rule in the mountains: hikers ALWAYS have the right of way. For example, if you are cycling in the mountains and choose to cycle on paths where people are hiking, it is the cyclist who must be considerate and give way to the hikers.

More unwritten rules

First rule
On the mountain, everyone is on a first name basis and everyone is equal. This is not a big problem for Danes, where titles and courtesies are a thing of the past.

Second rule
Arrival at the top of a mountain should be celebrated appropriately. A small bottle of something-or-other should definitely be in your bag to savour along with the view. However, remember that accidents can easily happen to those who celebrate too much.

Third rule
Preparation for the day's hike is very important and should be done thoroughly. Keep an eye on temperature changes between mountains and valleys, check the weather forecast and note the route so you can turn around if necessary.

SEE ALL OUR WALKING HOLIDAYS IN MOUNTAINS - OVER 2,000 M ABOVE SEA LEVEL