Germany. The Kaiserstuhl Trail is one of Germany’s most beautiful hiking trails, winding its way for about 22 kilometers through one of Baden-Württemberg’s most fascinating landscapes. The route runs from Endingen to Ihringen over the ridge of the extinct Kaiserstuhl volcano and offers an extraordinary variety of natural and cultural landscapes. Vineyards, shady deciduous forests, loess ravines, and impressive panoramic views characterize the trail. The geological history of the Kaiserstuhl is still visible today in striking basalt cliffs, loess walls, and distinctive ridges. Mediterranean-style vegetation, rare animal species, and the unique geology make this tour truly special. The route can be hiked in about six to seven hours.

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The Kaiserstuhl Trail at a Glance

• Distance: 21.7 km
• Ascent: 590 m
• Descent: 610 m
• Start / End: Ihringen and Endingen
• For those who don’t want to hike the entire route: There are options to descend to the train stations in Bahlingen or Vogtsburg, as well as the bus stop in Bickensohl
• The appropriate hiking map is available from KOMPASS: Hiking Map 883 Kaiserstuhl, Tuniberg, Kenzingen, Emmendingen, Breisach am Rhein 1:25,000 (affiliate link as an Amazon partner)

The Kaiserstuhl Trail has been certified by the German Hiking Association as a “Quality Trail: Wanderbares Deutschland” and took second place in the “Germany’s Most Beautiful Hiking Trail 2019” competition—and rightly so, as it uniquely combines the joy of hiking, the experience of nature, and scenic diversity.

It all began with Volcanoes

The Kaiserstuhl owes its distinctive shape and fertile soils to its volcanic origins, which date back some 16 to 19 million years. During this period, the region was geologically active; magma rose from the depths and formed a complex volcanic area in the middle of what is now the Upper Rhine Plain. The remnants of this volcanic activity still shape the landscape today: basalt and tuff rock permeate the subsoil, and in many places, geological outcrops are visible, bearing witness to the region’s fiery past. The volcanic rock is overlaid by fertile loess that was deposited during the Ice Age and today creates ideal conditions for viticulture. Its volcanic origin not only makes the Kaiserstuhl geologically unique but also explains the region’s exceptional soil fertility and biodiversity.

Highlights along the Kaiserstuhl Trail

The Kaiserstuhl Trail never gets boring. The landscape is varied, and even in the final kilometers, you’ll still discover new things that will leave you in awe. The varied terrain, scenic overlooks, colorful plants, and brightly colored bee-eaters and green lizards seem to follow one after another. Here’s what I liked best about the Kaiserstuhl Trail:

Endingen Old Town

The Kaiserstuhl Trail begins or ends in the historic old town of Endingen, with its charming half-timbered houses and cobblestone alleys. From there, the trail leads to the Erleweiher, a small natural swimming lake on the outskirts of town. A short while later, you walk through a chestnut tree-lined avenue, whose trees—over 70 years old—constitute a living natural monument. A first cultural highlight follows with the Katharinenkapelle, a striking building from 1862 offering views of the surrounding area. The trail continues to the Bahlinger Eck, where it crosses the Hudenwälder—a relic of traditional forest management.

Badberg Nature Reserve

The Badberg Nature Reserve is one of the ecological gems of the Kaiserstuhl region and serves as a prime example of the region’s unique flora and fauna. Rare dry grassland plants, orchids, and heat-loving herbs—found in only a few places in Germany today—thrive on the sun-exposed, largely treeless slopes. The area is also a hotspot for insect diversity, including numerous species of butterflies and wild bees, and offers an ideal habitat for reptiles such as the sand lizard and the green lizard. I spotted many kestrels and red kites flying over the meadows. It’s definitely worth taking a short break here.

Eichelspitz Tower

The Eichelspitz Tower is a striking lookout point on the Eichelspitz, the second-highest peak in the Kaiserstuhl at 520 meters, offering panoramic views from the Black Forest across the Rhine Valley to the Vosges Mountains. The tower itself is a modern steel-and-wood structure.

Totenkopf with the Neunlindenturm

The Neunlindenturm is one of the most beautiful vantage points in the Kaiserstuhl and sits atop the highest peak of the low mountain range, the Totenkopf (556 m). The tower is located in the middle of the forest and offers a surprising, sweeping panoramic view of the entire Kaiserstuhl, the Rhine Valley, the Black Forest, and, on a clear day, as far as the Vosges Mountains. The viewpoint owes its name to a historic planting of nine linden trees, some of which still stand today.

Sunken paths, especially around Bickensohl

The Kaiserstuhl sunken paths are impressive testaments to a centuries-old cultural landscape. Over many generations, people and animals, wagons and carts have trodden and driven along these paths in the soft loess soil. Rainwater further eroded the ground, forming deep paths lined with steep walls. These unique earth formations once served as access routes to the vineyards. Today, only a few of these traditional sunken paths remain, but they are all the more significant: as cultural monuments, important recreational areas, and above all as valuable habitats for rare species. Wild bees and other heat-loving insects, in particular, find ideal conditions in the open, sun-drenched loess walls.

Vineyards and terraced Landscapes

The Kaiserstuhl Trail winds through the region’s characteristic vineyards and terraced landscapes, which define the Kaiserstuhl’s landscape and give it its distinctive character. Over centuries of work, winemakers have created a unique cultural landscape here, where grapevines thrive on artfully laid-out terraces, often lined with dry stone walls that also provide habitats for many animals. The warm southern slopes, the fertile loess soil, and the sunny climate make the Kaiserstuhl one of Germany’s most important wine-growing regions. Burgundy grape varieties, in particular, find ideal conditions here.

Green Lizards

With its bright green-blue scales, the green lizard is a real eye-catcher. It is one of the largest lizards in Central Europe and feels particularly at home on the warm, sunny slopes and loess cliffs of the Kaiserstuhl. Especially during the mating season in spring, the males display their intensely turquoise throats. If you hike with your eyes peeled, you might spot them sunbathing or darting into the bushes in a flash.

Bee-eater

The bee-eater is one of the most colorful and, at the same time, most unusual birds in Germany. Thanks to the warm, dry climate and the open loess landscapes, this originally Mediterranean breeding bird finds ideal conditions here. With its bright turquoise-yellow plumage, slender silhouette, and characteristic call, the bee-eater is not only an ornithological rarity but also a symbol of the extraordinary biodiversity in the Kaiserstuhl. It nests in steep, sandy loess cliffs, where it digs long tunnels into the ground. Its diet consists mainly of insects, particularly bees, wasps, and dragonflies, which it elegantly catches in flight. The return of the bee-eaters in the spring makes the Kaiserstuhl a hotspot for birdwatchers. There are good viewing opportunities near Ihringen, where there is even a small birdwatching hut behind the cemetery.

Hoopoe

With its striking appearance and unmistakable “hoop-hoop-hoop” call, the hoopoe is one of the most charismatic bird species in the Kaiserstuhl. With its rust-orange plumage, distinctive crest, and long, curved beak, it’s hard to miss. Thanks to its warm climate, diverse landscapes, and numerous cavities in old trees, dry stone walls, or nest boxes, the Kaiserstuhl offers ideal living conditions for the hoopoe. If you hike with your eyes and ears open, you have a good chance of spotting this rare bird near Ihringen. I’ve also seen a few hoopoes on my hikes, but only briefly or from a great distance. Maybe you’ll have better luck.

Flora

The Kaiserstuhl’s flora is exceptionally diverse and ranks among the most species-rich in Germany. The combination of a mild climate, south-facing slopes, loess soil, and historical land use creates ideal conditions for many rare and heat-loving plant species. Especially on the dry grasslands and in the loess ravines, a colorful variety of flowers blooms, reaching its peak in spring and early summer. This rich plant life also makes the Kaiserstuhl a paradise for insects.

The Wine-Growing Village of Ihringen

The charming wine-growing village of Ihringen marks the southern end or starting point of the Kaiserstuhl Trail and is an ideal place to end or begin a hike. As one of the warmest municipalities in Germany, Ihringen is known for its wine-growing and offers cozy wine taverns and vineyards serving local specialties and excellent wines. If you like, you can also stay overnight here or round off your visit with a wine tasting.

Best time to hike the Kaiserstuhl Trail

The trail is accessible year-round, but it does require a certain level of basic fitness, not least because of the sometimes steep ascents and the varying elevation profile.

The Kaiserstuhl is considered one of the warmest regions in Germany. Even in spring, you need to be prepared for strong sunlight: sunscreen, a sun hat, and plenty of drinking water should be packed in your backpack. You can refill your water bottles along the way, for example at a restaurant in Bickensohl. Along the way, there are sunken paths that provide shade, as well as numerous benches and picnic areas in shaded spots. The sections of the trail through the forest (such as the northern half of the route) are pleasantly shaded, though the climbs make them more strenuous than the southern section.

Practical Tips for Your Hike on the Kaiserstuhl Trail

Safety and Equipment

• Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with good traction, as some sections are steep or rocky.
• Water: It gets very hot in the summer, especially on the south-facing trails. Be sure to bring plenty of water!
• Sun protection: A hat and sunscreen are essential.
• Check the weather: Some trails are slippery when wet, and fog can severely limit visibility.
• Don't forget your first aid kit

Getting there

• Public Transportation: Endingen and Ihringen are both easily accessible by train, making the Kaiserstuhl Trail ideal for a round-trip hike without a car. Trains depart every 30 minutes from Freiburg Central Station and from Breisach.

Places to Stop for Refreshments

• In Endingen, Bickensohl, and Ihringen, there are wine taverns, wine bars, and restaurants.

Book Recommendations for the Kaiserstuhl

You want to know where the journey goes? Then I can recommend these books*.

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Recommendations for further Reading

Do you enjoy being outdoors? Then you'll definitely be interested in my articles on staying healthy on trekking tours or about midges in Scotland.

Der Beitrag Auf dem Kaiserstuhlpfad – Wandern zwischen Reben und Vulkanen erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

Anyone who is out and about—whether with a backpack or snowshoes, in the mountains or in the Black Forest—has a responsibility. For themselves, for others, and for what happens if something happens. The idea that “someone will help” is dangerous. The following text on outdoor first aid is aimed at anyone who ventures off the beaten track, at people who need to think and act clearly even when the rain has been pouring down for hours, when radio contact has been lost, and when things suddenly turn serious.

This text, written by Christoph Maretzek, is no ordinary outdoor first aid guide. It is the condensed experience of 45 years in the field – raw, honest, unvarnished. For everyone who goes out there. For everyone who wants to come home. Christoph is the founder of Guide Academy Europe, where I trained as a trekking and wilderness guide. As a long-time mountain infantry instructor, experienced solo and winter trekker, and carpenter, he has witnessed serious accidents and has often been able to help. Last late summer, we were back on tour together in Vindelfjäll, Sweden, and as always, health on tour, wilderness first aid, and prevention were an important part of our preparation. Rightly so, as a near-accident in the mountains in rain and stormy weather impressively demonstrated.

In cooperation with and written by Christoph Maretzek, Guide Academy Europe..

When something happens, you need to know what to do

If you want to go on a tour, whether by bike, ski, or on foot, with or without a guide, in summer or winter, in the mountains, on the water, or in the forest, there is always a lot to consider. But one question always arises, for everyone and on all occasions:

What is the most important Thing Outdoors?

The answer is quite clear: How can I ensure that I can help myself and others immediately and effectively at any time, even in serious situations? Especially when I have to wait for help to arrive... sometimes for days.

Between Theory and Reality: Outdoor First Aid Courses

Real outdoor first aid begins when you have to wait hours or days for help—and when you have to be able to act on your own.

This year's accident figures give pause for thought. Those who offer training and workshops in particular are called upon to take these figures into account and respond to them. This is because many so-called outdoor first aid courses do not actually reflect outdoor situations (further) off the beaten track, but rather first aid relatively close to paths and the rescue chain. It therefore makes sense to adapt to the current realities each year and to train and practice for precisely those areas where no one can help after an hour.

The trekking guide course in mid-July 2025 and the wilderness first aid course in Baden-Baden in May 2025, which was held for Arctic travelers, among others, once again went well and without any real emergencies. We practiced some new situations and realigned the course with developments in nature and society. This is because changing natural environments produces new dangers.

Reality instead of wishful Thinking

In reality, no YouTube video helps. No survival show. No app. What counts is what you have in your head and in your backpack—and what you can recall under stress.

To start with, a simple note: a few statements (based on many years of experience) may upset or annoy sensitive souls or those who believe that the fire department, forest rangers, and mountain rescue services are responsible for their well-being on tour (rather than themselves, first and foremost). Therefore, read on at your own risk...😊.

The lines are simply intended to make almost half a century of knowledge available to everyone outside of guide training courses and workshops. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide what to make of it. And whether to take advantage of offers or not. And since the writer, in his life as a long-time mountain infantry trainer/platoon leader and solo trekker, winter hiker in northern Sweden, Alaska paddler, and carpenter, has almost bitten the dust a few times, taken enough hits that could have been avoided, and experienced too many deaths along the way, there are now lines instead of bandages.

The fact is: when you go out there, you are on your own! Those who take others with them are responsible first and foremost for them and for themselves. 45 years outdoors have taught the writer that very often (far too often) there is nothing others can do for me if I cannot take care of myself during the first hour after an accident (the so-called golden hour) when I am seriously injured or ill. Then the helpers may arrive too late. It's as simple as that.

Take Responsibility for yourself

Mountain rescue is the icing on the cake...not the cake itself! Everyone either has that in their backpack or left it at home. Forests, water, and mountains are dangerous in themselves and often pose an obstacle to quick and safe access to the scene of an accident. Not thinking about this BEFORE the tour, not preparing, not practicing intensively again, and not equipping yourself with the appropriate material is like flying with unsecured wings. Only fools or people who are irresponsible towards themselves do that.

Or to put it more bluntly:

If you're not willing to prepare yourself properly, to learn and practice, to take care of yourself continuously, constantly, and comprehensively every second... what are you doing out there, assuming that someone will come to your rescue if you mess up? Everyone can answer that question for themselves.

How can you recognize experienced, good, and prudent trekkers, solo skiers, water sports enthusiasts, and mountaineers/mountain hikers? Quite simply: by the fact that they have grown old.

Attention and Respect for Nature are also First Aid

In addition to skill, knowledge, equipment, determination, and fitness, caution, foresight, and prudence are also important..

Many accidents are simply avoidable if you concentrate on what you are doing, listen to your gut feeling, and keep your eyes and ears open. This is normal for old soldiers, because it can ensure survival in difficult situations.

No one has to wait until disaster strikes; you can take precautions beforehand. So what's wrong with adopting the basic attitude of “I'm actively taking care” as a civilian and taking preventive measures for yourself? It's normal for police and firefighters, forest rangers, construction workers, and machine operators, because they are constantly exposed to danger. Unfortunately, very few people realize that when they go out there, they could end up lying there. They usually put on their backpacks without any training, have little experience, see YouTube as an educational channel, and view all the superheroes on ridiculous survival shows as reality. Perhaps these simple, honest lines will inspire you to do more (e.g., take a realistic course, get some training for yourself).

In addition, there is respect for the forces of nature, the recognition that you are responsible for yourself first and foremost, and respect for the constant danger outside: because there are no mountains without danger, no forests without danger, and no canoeing waters without danger. If you don't take care out there, the constant danger can quickly turn into an acute (and often avoidable!) threat. However, with a little luck, planning, skill, equipment, etc., you already have a good chance of success. This includes noting/making a note of places with cell phone reception along the way.

However, plans often have to be adapted quickly and frequently – failing to do so is a common cause of problems on various tours due to time pressure on vacation, overly tight planning windows without buffer days, and a simple lack of willingness to reposition oneself. In the end, nature always makes the rules. Your own condition and abilities must match what you have in mind, what you can do, and what you should avoid. Then you can come back next year and start the tour again. Ultimately, it's that simple. Because if just one thing is missing, if you hesitate too long, if you didn't take care of it beforehand, then it's often on the edge or already over the edge. And it's always just that one second.

Guide Training at the Guide Academy Europe

A Look behind the Scenes

Anyone who wants to lead others off the beaten track and away from rescue facilities must be able to help. From a standing position, still looking at the injured person, who is already silent or writhing on the ground. In all modules, training is proportionate and always surprising, even at breakfast if necessary. Because accidents don't work in shifts, there are no punch cards, and they don't announce themselves. From one moment to the next, if something goes wrong with the stove, not only can a face be changed forever, but simply the life of the whole family behind it. Rare, but always the case. The spurting bleeding because a tool has once again hit the “right” spot, or the bright shin bone that suddenly sticks out. No one has a guarantee, and therefore everyone must be able to do what is needed.

A wonderful training weekend with this year's trekking guide class in July 2025 showed that even simple exercises with unexpected situations can quickly cause you to falter. You're not a paramedic or a doctor. Damn, what was that about snake bites again? Damn it, what were the signs of shock again, and how do I distinguish the dangers of heat exhaustion from sunstroke? And so much more that suddenly becomes an issue. Often without any warning.

Practice makes you a better Rescuer

The weekend was packed with theory, focusing on details that come from a lifetime of experience out in the field and can't be found in any manual. Just like soldiers far away in the field, trekkers can suddenly find themselves in a nearly hopeless situation and have to react. As an experienced solo trekker, I've thought a few times: “That's it, I'm done.”

Sometimes with luck, sometimes with even more luck, and sometimes with unconditional quick reactions, things have gone well so far. The 12 deaths and serious injuries I have witnessed while on duty and on tours in the field have made me think. Twice, I was able to help in time. Things can often get rough out there, and sometimes you have to improvise. However, the basic rules of hygiene etc., apply there just as they do in the valley at the doctor's. But you don't always have that luxury. You don't have the professional equipment. Some of this can be compensated for with practice. But not everything. That makes the exercises all the more important!

Exercises – we started with bandaging. That sounds trivial, but the exercises (also blindfolded, behind your back, in the dark, with your weaker hand) showed that this important knowledge about proper wound care to prevent infections leading to sepsis or bleeding to death is anything but trivial! Bleeding to death is still one of the leading causes of death after serious accidents. We can do something about this, as well as the 10,000 fatal cases of sepsis resulting from an infected, possibly very small wound. But we need to know how and practice again and again. Just like paramedics. Because we are our own paramedics.

But under the following hypothetical scenario, it's a completely different story: we are with a group or alone, in cold, wet, windy weather, without a phone connection, somewhere in the Swedish mountains, at least six hours' walk from the nearest hut. Although we are on a well-travelled long-distance hiking trail, the conditions make it feel like we are on the far side of the moon! This is a completely normal situation on any hike there. No one can come to your aid quickly. It's that simple. Heavy bleeding, an abscessed tooth, an open fracture, even an infection/sepsis (unfortunately not uncommon) from a simple, “trivial” mosquito bite or a dog bite, because a hiker with a dog does not follow the leash rules. There are so many things that can happen. And as surprising as it may sound, well over 95% of all outdoor activities go well, but if an accident does occur, it can be serious, even fatal.

Starting in 2026, first aid training at Guide Academy Europe (GAE) will become more compact and remain in very small groups. The core topics will be: EH Outdoor Solo, EH Outdoor Trekking/Mountain, EH Outdoor Wilderness, EH Outdoor Compact. Special courses may also be available on request. The courses are currently in the final stages of development and description and will be ready by the beginning of the year.

An Example from the Kungsleden Long-Distance Trail

How much worse it was when I think of the Dutchman from last year who, with untreated, festering, open, and bleeding blisters, wanted to take just one day off to recover, as he said. No possibility of self-sufficiency due to lack of equipment (too heavy!!) and sitting in a small village at the end of the road in front of the Swedish fells. The next stages south would have taken him through deserted areas for days, with only chance encounters with other hikers, and very long stages between huts. Stoic, somehow disinterested, and apparently unaware of what an infection could quickly do to him – kill him. He had never been on such a hike before and had been inspired by a well-known “survival show” from Germany. Without further ado.

There was nothing left to do but intervene and talk him out of it. He finally let himself be persuaded and helped, and took the bus to the nearest hospital. I received a text message from him in late fall, thanking me. The doctor, but even more so the old nurse who examined him first, also set him straight. Intervening may have saved his life.

More on the topic of providing first aid for blisters can be found on the Guide Academy Europe website.

A Christian duty and a matter of honor. But unfortunately not for everyone. So many people are afraid to help, fearing they will be sued. Nonsense and bullshit. It's that simple. Many believe that a phone call is enough – far from it. You have to do what is reasonable. In addition, there is the applicable state law. Who cares about the local rules before departure? In Sweden, according to the official figures for 2024, first aid is provided in over 65% of cases! In our country, the figure is far below that; sad, shameful, and disgusting. Because everyone needs help at some point.

What matters on Tour

In northern Sweden, Scotland, Iceland, etc., it's not like in the Alps, where, on the one hand, the mountain rescue service makes exciting films about themselves and their work, and on the other hand, people are increasingly setting off and, like this year, dropping like flies from the mountains. Help is not always available, or quick, or even available at all. Anyone who is unfamiliar with the country's rescue services is flying completely blind. The figures are alarming. So are the figures for drownings in this country. It's the same in all areas – and there's no point in beating around the bush: no (sufficient) knowledge, too little ability to cope with stress, overconfidence, showing off, lack of experience, no (sufficient) knowledge of the weather, unprepared, poorly trained, incorrect or missing basic equipment, inability to use it under stress, no maps, no adequate first aid kit, no adequate first aid knowledge. Above all, blind trust in apps and “I have a phone.” As if it could bandage the deep leg wound after a failed axe blow, fix the dislocated shoulder, cleanly treat the open fracture, or solve one of the frequent internal medical problems.

Note: If you only have a phone, it's your own fault if something goes wrong. It's always worth taking care of things in advance: yourself, your equipment, and any conceivable emergencies. An unpleasant but unfortunately all too often (avoidable) true statement. Nobody likes to hear that. But that's the way it is. And yet help is provided. And hopefully, then it will be clear to everyone how expensive such a rescue can be. It's always worth taking care of things BEFOREHAND.

As sorry as everyone is for the dead and maimed...the mountain rescuers, who volunteer their time, struggle and all too often have to abandon their efforts because it is a fundamental principle not to put themselves at undue risk during a rescue operation. A cell phone full of pictures but with no battery, and a battery-draining “orientation app” will then finish off the cold cell phone battery in a matter of seconds, taking away the accident victim's last chance. Then, unfortunately, they will bleed to death, freeze to death, or die of shock after the fall. Unfortunately, this happens time and time again.

A well-equipped first aid kit (not just two old bandages and a plaster!), training, practice, and, if necessary, a refresher course at home before the tour could have tipped the scales in the event of an accident. The accident victim would have gained valuable time and could have easily extended his own “golden hour,” staying alive and avoiding further damage. But instead, mountain rescuers too often arrive at the scene and find, if the injured person has remained where they were able to communicate their location (if they were able to orient themselves), only a miserable corpse. Someone who knew that it would be the end if they were unlucky. And who may only be found by chance months, sometimes years later. Does it really have to be this way? No. Quite simply.

Review of a Training Weekend

Since such a weekend is short, we practiced some basic elements here; the mountain/cold-specific topics will then be taught and practiced in the fall during the mountain module. We already covered the basics in the 10-day spring course of the 2025 compact course (with three of four possible participants) and then kept the training going over the months with accident reports from the internet, which we worked through by asking questions.

Knowledge, Skills, Decision-making – an Overview of the Training Topics

Early situation recognition is often neglected. Far too often, the frightened helper rushes to the injured person too quickly without pausing for a moment; therefore, take a deep breath and look around briefly. Anyone who approaches an accident in this way can take a close look as they approach and, if necessary, gain valuable time for the injured person:

• Do I see a large pool of blood?
• Is a bone sticking out?
• Is a limb noticeably twisted?
• Are the parties involved in the accident (animals, weather, trees, tools, people, equipment, cars, etc.) clearly visible to everyone?
• How is the person behaving?
• Are helpers already at work?
• What dangers do I need to keep an eye on?
• Am I putting myself at risk?
• What details are apparent at first glance?
• What is my immediate impression of the situation?

Assessing the situation is my responsibility for my own safety. I may not even be able to help the injured person until I have ensured that it is safe for all helpers to approach, or until I have guided my group to safety. So don't rush in blindly, and don't let others rush in blindly either. It doesn't help if someone else needs to be treated at the same time... And as bad as it is, I may have to accept that I can't get the last five meters to the injured person and can only talk to them while they whimper silently in front of my eyes, scream in real pain, continue to put themselves in danger, or simply bleed to death. Or I can only throw first aid supplies to them. Nasty, but a possible reality.

The following always applies: sufficient self-protection against (too) quick rescue attempts!

Exercises that make a Difference

Other topics we cover in the training course include:

• Principles and options for actively preventing accidents. Without prevention and care, I expose myself to danger.
• The tour first aid kit – without it, you are completely exposed.
• The little booklet “First Aid in the Mountains” by experienced expedition doctor Walter Treibel, with 50 years of experience, is worth its weight in gold!
• Problems with treating multiple people – not everyone may make it.
• Problems with multiple injuries – “Treat first what kills first.”
• Splinting and immobilization with SAM splints or improvised splints – there's always something you can do!
• Principles of safe wound care. Avoiding sepsis is one of the most important issues outdoors. One of the participants from the weekend had just narrowly survived sepsis! Because sepsis can kill in a short time without quick help.
• Wound care over several days. Anyone who still has to walk or wait for help must also take proper care of any wounds.
• Treatment of objects stuck in the body – principles and special considerations far away from trails and aid stations.
• Lifting and picking up with several people.
• Working as a team – untrained and inexperienced helpers mean well. But someone has to be in charge and, if necessary, take the lead on their own initiative.
• Exercises in the dark. At night or in poor visibility, outside and exposed to the weather, it is even more difficult.
• Dealing with animal bites – climate change means you have to think twice before stepping into or reaching into any bush.
• Hypothermia – if left untreated, it kills.
• Keeping warm – injured people need their warmth.
• Get them out of the wind and out of the wet – both can be real killers.
• Binding and compression – unlike in road traffic, it is often necessary to resort to extreme measures when far off the beaten track. Because blood that is lost is gone forever. Losing more than a liter can be life-threatening – at the latest.
• Shock treatment – worsening shock can be fatal.
• The triangular bandage – an old friend and faithful helper for hikers.
• Scalding and burns – this is often the worst-case scenario.
• Muscular injuries – a society that has become comfortable or simply untrained is quite susceptible to this. This is especially true as the age of mountain hikers etc. continues to rise.
• Dental problems – the Romans said: Toothache is the little brother of death. Having to pull your own tooth is no fun (personal experience in 2009).
• Dealing with stress and worries – if you want to help, you will be stressed if you are not trained.
• Leading the group. It's always about language, appearance, and approach.
• Dealing with onlookers – without ending up in court afterwards.
• EH Solo – Help yourself, then God will help you.
• Limits of backpack capacity – Where do our possibilities end?
• Alerting – Providing important information fluently and effectively.
• Principles of decision-making – Which parameters influence me?
• Care – What can I do, what does the accident victim need?

Lesson 1: Story from the Forest Cabin

Exciting...and straight out of real life:

It's July 22, 2025, 10:25 a.m., and I'm sitting in a small cabin on a stormy, rainy day, writing instead of doing my work for the forestry office (Cleaning up the forest in this weather, alone in a remote area with no cell service???? No way!). The same applies to me: I have to be careful, because no one is coming by today, and there is no phone! Depending on the route, the way to the village is 5-7 km of forest trails. The forest restaurant above is closed today. And then, while I'm concentrating on my writing topic, the following happens to me in real life:

Next to the chair, shoes are scattered wildly across the room, and fresh vegetable soup is simmering on the spirit stove. I stand up, turn to the right, don't look down as I usually do, stumble over the shoes, stretch out, and just manage to catch myself. My arms brush past the stove with the boiling broth and hit the shelf. Five centimeters further to the right, and I would have scalded my arm and everything below my waist! Boiling hot! Jackpot in the idiot lottery! It couldn't be worse out here on my own. Because with a scalded arm (guaranteed third degree), I can't drive a car myself anymore. And why? Just one second of inattention, not clearing stuff out of the way, and breaking all the rules that I mercilessly drill into the guide trainees until they become habit. Damn! But that's only human.

Therefore: caution, foresight, prudence... even when staying in a hut! Tripping hazards may be small. Shoes left lying around in the room mean: it's your own fault.

Always take your well-stocked, refreshed, and correctly filled first aid kit with you on tour! No matter how often it has gone well in the past. One day, you will need it unexpectedly, often from one second to the next. For yourself or someone else. All it takes is one step to stumble, one fainting spell, one deep cut, one small inflammation. One blown-out stove, one fallen branch, one dog or mouse bite, etc.

Lesson learned 2: A Story from the Field

Things get tight in the next side valley, where radio waves cannot propagate due to the topography, as no masts were allowed to be built in the extensive forest area or because loud public opposition claimed that the “ugly masts on the surrounding hills would have spoiled the beautiful landscape.” After a stupid fall while jogging on a summer evening, you could end up lying there with broken bones. There is no one around, because apart from the careless runner, no one is outside with the approaching thunderstorm! The unfamiliar screamer's cries quickly turn into pitiful whimpers, 6 km away from the car, in the middle of a forest road on Sunday evening. No forestry office car, no cyclist, no hunter – they have all been smart and are sitting by the warm stove at home.

The accident victim is lying there, wearing only his thin running shorts and an even thinner jacket. A running vest with a piece of chewing gum and a small bottle of water, an almost empty cell phone with no reception, so no emergency call. All this on a steep slope, surrounded by dense forest, on a sunken path. That was it for this person. The thunderstorm soaks him, the ground cools down abruptly, the injury—an open tibia fracture with tissue and vascular injuries—bleeds from the wound and the bone, and so one thing leads to another:

• Blood loss with shock, which, if left unchecked, will prove fatal.
• Similarly, the onset and progression of hypothermia (which further reduces the blood's ability to clot!) takes full effect.
• No bandages at hand, no pressure bandage, pressing down on your own femoral artery is not feasible.

It doesn't look good at all. Only a few kilometers from Bad Reichenhall on a wide hiking trail. The poor devil doesn't know about the pressure points on the back of the knee, in the popliteal fossa. And even if he did and he managed, despite the excruciating pain, to apply pressure and slow or even stop the bleeding (very unlikely!), he would have to figure out how to bandage himself with nothing. The T-shirt is the only thing he has, but the developing hypothermia is clouding his mind, and so it doesn't occur to him to tear his running vest into strips (our teeth can do a lot!).

It's Saturday evening. Severe weather is forecast for Sunday. The accident victim was on the best path to simply perishing. In 2007, in the Berchtesgadener Land region, he was simply lucky that another reckless bird, who was running quickly to the safety of his car during a raging thunderstorm, stumbled over the accident victim, who was a soldier in the mountain troops, well-trained and immediately sprang into action. He also had bandages in his jacket (the familiar little old Bundeswehr packet) and knew what he was doing. Medically as well as on the trails. He drove his car over, picked up the injured man, and took him to the nearest hospital.

No... it wasn't the writer himself, but it could have been. In traffic, he would probably have called for help and stayed until the rescue services arrived. There, however, the helper decided to react differently. Maybe the paramedics are now shouting “Help, dangerous” – sure. But out there, away from the rescue chain, things very quickly turn out differently than under “normal conditions.”

Conclusion: If you go out, you have to know what you're doing

And so we come to the end and realize:

• If you go out, you have to know what you're doing, have what you need, and take action.
• If you need help, you have to help yourself first.
• If you have something, you're better off than someone who needs a pharmacy.
• Doing nothing is always wrong.

In summary, it can be said that ONLY those who are absolutely familiar with and observe the pillars of outdoor first aid mentioned in the text are really doing everything they can. Then they add a dose of good luck, choose reliable companions, check in, eat well, don't drink alcohol, don't take drugs, and get enough sleep. If they then thoroughly consider all of the above aspects and pause to reflect from time to time, they will be able to sit by the stove as an old codger and tell their grandchildren about their adventurous hikes or one day write and publish their tour diary.

I already have the title for my tour diary, without being really old and without having grandchildren:

“A (long) Life in Boots”

And now, I wish you all enjoyable trips, reliable companions, and a safe return home. And don't be lazy, folks. Take care and know what to do if someone suddenly sees the world from a horizontal perspective and turns pale around the nose.

Happy Trails!

Recommendations for further Reading

Want to know more about health and safety on tour? Then take a look at my articles Poisonous Animals in Germany: What you need to know and Staying healthy on a Trekking Tour: Preparation, Behavior and First Measures in the Event of Illness .

Der Beitrag Outdoor-Erste-Hilfe: Draußen hilft nur, was du kannst erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

After weeks of planning and preparation, the time has come: the trekking tour is just around the corner, and suddenly... you're ill. A cold or other infection can quickly put you out of action for days. Fever, diarrhea, dizziness, or simply a lack of energy and strength can thwart your meticulously prepared plans without mercy. And now what? To help you stay healthy on your trekking tour, I have put together my best tips for you in the following article.

Trekking tours take us into nature, far away from pharmacies, and often to climatically challenging regions. To ensure that the tour remains an unforgettable experience and is not marred by health problems, good preparation is essential. In addition to the right equipment, including a first-aid kit, nutrition, hygiene, and generally prudent behavior play a key role. If you also have a few basics about tried and tested home remedies to hand, you can act quickly if necessary. This is what it's all about:

• Staying healthy while trekking: the right Preparation
• Staying healthy on the Trail: Behavior when hiking and in Huts
• First Measures on the Trail

A Word in Advance

I wrote this article following my one-year sabbatical from my job. During this time, I worked on a husky farm in Finland, went hiking and trekking in Scandinavia and New Zealand, went diving and paddling in Indonesia, and embarked on a Japanese food adventure in Japan. I spent a lot of time in adverse weather and extreme climates and gained a lot of experience over the year on how to stay healthy while traveling and how not to do it.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or anything like that. But I am sure that my tips for staying healthy on a trekking tour will be useful to you at some point. However, you have to check and decide for yourself whether the following tips are suitable for you and your body in the respective situation. Enjoy reading and stay healthy!

Unassigned, unpaid advertising. The article contains affiliate links.

“Leisure Sickness” - Why do you get sick at the Start of your Vacation?

A topic that I'm sure all of you are familiar with: the vacation begins and on the first day of your vacation you catch a cold right on time. How unfair the world can be, because after all, you've earned your vacation after all that stress at work...

There is a name for this: “Leisure Sickness”

Langanhaltender Stress schwächt das Immunsystem, da der Körper vermehrt Stresshormone wie Cortisol produziert, welche die Immunabwehr unterdrücken. In der Erholungsphase, wenn der Stress wegfällt, kann der Körper die Produktion von Abwehrzellen herunterfahren, Krankheitserreger haben nun leichtes Spiel. 

What helps? I pay particular attention to my diet during the work/holiday transition period and try to reduce my exposure (e.g., wearing a mask on public transport, working from home...). If possible, I try to reduce my stress levels before I go on vacation. If that's not possible, I try to deliberately keep the stress level high at the start of the vacation...;-)

Staying healthy while trekking: the right Preparation

Preparation for a trekking tour usually consists of route planning, putting together your equipment and provisions, and, if necessary, training specific skills such as navigation and orientation, paddling techniques, or climbing knots. To stay healthy before and during your trekking tour, the following points should also be part of your preparation:

Fitness and Training

The best basis for a healthy trekking tour is solid preparation. This includes a realistic assessment of your own physical fitness. Trekking often requires hours of hiking with luggage, sometimes at high altitudes or in rough terrain. Targeted endurance and strength training a few weeks to several months before the tour helps to prepare the body. The more ambitious the tour, the earlier you should start training.

TIP: Get out into the fresh air! Especially if you are out and about in winter, it helps to get used to the cold ambient air. Stimulate your circulation with cold showers or alternating showers.

Make sure your training is similar to the physical activity of the planned tour. For example, before my trekking tours, I walked up and down a small hill in the city park with a fully loaded rucksack, went jogging, and practiced with various training videos.

Check up at the (Dental) Doctor

Who has ever had a toothache on the road? Who has even had to see a dentist on the road? I know someone who had to pull a tooth himself on his tour in the Swedish fells. That was certainly no fun. Ever since I heard this story, I always go to the dentist for a check-up before I travel, preferably with an all-round x-ray.

If you are going on tour in remote areas or are planning a strenuous undertaking, you should also visit your family doctor for a check-up. When was your last ECG? Are you going to the mountains at high altitudes? Then, you should seek advice from an altitude doctor beforehand.

Equipment

Your equipment also has a direct influence on your health when trekking. Well-worn hiking boots, possibly with insoles, prevent blisters and joint problems, while functional clothing protects you from wind, cold, moisture, mosquitoes, and strong sunlight. Research what kind of weather you can expect and adapt your equipment accordingly. Look after your equipment. Your rucksack must also fit, be packed, and adjusted properly so that the trekking tour does not become a burden.

Travel Medicine Kit

In addition to a first-aid kit with bandages and disinfectant, a first-aid kit should also be in your luggage. In addition to personal medication (e.g. for allergies), this should also contain painkillers and antipyretics, ointment for wounds and ailments, cold medicine (nasal spray), vitamin C+ zinc tablets, as well as remedies for gastrointestinal complaints, and, if necessary, a broad-spectrum antibiotic. I also like to take something for gingivitis, cold sores, and soothing eye drops, as my eyes get irritated quickly by the wind.

How you equip your first-aid kit depends, among other things, on your planned tour and activity, your personal health conditions, the general medical care in the destination country, the remoteness of the area, and other regional particularities. The following should be considered:

• How far away is the nearest pharmacy
• How over-the-counter are the medicines? Are doctor's prescriptions necessary? In Sweden, for example, I couldn't get an Aspirin Complex or similar cold remedy without a prescription, whereas in New Zealand you have a good selection even in the smallest store.
• Are imported medicines legal in the destination country? Up to what quantities?
• Do I need a doctor's certificate for prescription medicines to avoid any questions or problems at customs? What do I have to declare when entering the country?
• How do I store the medication en route so that it does not spoil?

ALSO HELPFUL ON A HOLIDAY: earplugs against snoring fellow hikers or noisy rivers; compression stockings if traveling by air; medication against motion sickness/seasickness.

Insect Repellent

Mosquitoes are the most dangerous animals in the world, as they carry a large number of human pathogens. These include malaria, yellow fever, Zika fever, and dengue fever. Tropical mosquito species such as the Asian tiger mosquito, which can also transmit dangerous diseases, are also spreading in Germany. Anyone who is also sensitive to bites (swelling of the bites) or even allergic has even more reasons to protect themselves from insects:

• Insect spray, itch-relieving ointment
• head net
• Mosquito net over the bed/in the tent
• Impregnated clothing
• Choice of destination / season
• Medicine for allergy sufferers
• Mosquito repellent to eat? Yes, there really is such a thing. Garlic, lemons, and ginger contain substances that make you unattractive to mosquitoes.

In addition to mosquitoes and wasps, special attention should be paid to ticks, as they can transmit Lyme disease and TBE viruses:

• Better visible on light-colored clothing
• Tuck your trouser legs into your socks
• Brush off clothing before getting into the tent
• Use insect repellent
• Check your body for ticks every(!) evening: After a bite, it takes up to 1 to 2 days for borrelia to be transmitted. TBE viruses, on the other hand, are transmitted within a short time after the bite. Removing ticks in good time reduces the risk of infection with Borrelia bacteria.
• Have a tick card with you and be able to use it

Vaccinations and Malaria

You can find out about recommended vaccinations in the travel and safety information from the Federal Foreign Office or on the website of the Robert Koch Institute. Is there malaria in the destination country and what is the recommendation (prophylaxis or tablets for emergencies)? Bear in mind that malaria tablets taken as a prophylaxis can also have side effects (e.g. tiredness, diarrhea). Ask your doctor for advice on which medication is best suited to your type of travel. You may also want to take a digital clinical thermometer with you.

TIP: Vaccinations, especially those with live vaccines, can have side effects that put you out of action for a few days. Sometimes the side effects only appear up to a week after vaccination, as is the case with dengue fever, for example. So plan your vaccinations well in advance of your trip. I had my dengue fever vaccination one day before departure and got a fever exactly one week later. Good thing I had canceled my trekking tour into the mountains due to bad weather.

Food

Another important point is nutrition. A trekking tour consumes a lot of energy, so you should plan for high-calorie but easily digestible and long-lasting food. Keeping food cool en route by wrapping it in wet cloths helps to keep it fresh and digestible. Muesli bars, nuts, and dried fruit are ideal companions.

My provisions always include

• Chamomile or sage tea for inhalation
• Fresh ginger and garlic
• Honey, preferably Manuka honey

Do you eat a vegan diet? Then find out whether you can get protein-rich plant-based foods locally or take some bars with you. You know better than anyone that simply cutting out meat, fish, and dairy products won't work. Your hosts or the corner store at the camp may not know this. That's what happened to me in the Andes in Ecuador, where I quickly realized that I wouldn't get very far with my vegan diet and lack of alternatives to meat.

Drinking Water

Zudem muss die Wasserversorgung sichergestellt werden. Je nach Region muss das Trinkwasser aus Oberflächengewässern aufbereitet werden. Das kann durch Abkochen, durch Wasserfilter oder Wasseraufbereitungstabletten passieren.

Wasser aus dem Oberlauf von fließenden Gewässern ist in der Regel von besserer Qualität als Wasser im Unterlauf von Flüssen oder von stehenden Gewässern. Achtet auf Viehzucht, Weidehaltung oder Camps in der Umgebung und entnehmt euer Wasser im Wasserlauf oberhalb etwaiger Verschmutzungsquellen.

Is your water supply based on melted snow or ice? Remember to add electrolytes.

In many countries, drinking tap water or even brushing your teeth with tap water is not recommended. Also be careful with ice cubes or fruit juices, which often have water added. Find out beforehand what the situation is in your destination country.

Don't forget Travel Health Insurance

No matter how well prepared and careful you are, something can always happen on the road. To avoid being stuck with expensive medical bills, you should take out travel health insurance. Good travel health insurance also covers repatriation home if you are unable to continue your trip for health reasons.

Be careful: Depending on your planned plans, supplementary accident insurance may be advisable. Check whether your health or accident insurance also covers “search and rescue”. Often very little money is provided for this.

Outdoor First Aid and Wilderness First Aid

You should also brush up on your first-aid skills before every tour! Can you apply a pressure bandage yourself? Or build a makeshift forearm splint? Practice makes perfect.

The best first aid lessons for your trekking tours or winter / solo tours are provided in the Outdoor First Aid Basics and Wilderness First Aid courses from the Guide Academy-Europe. This training quickly gives you the basic confidence to act and enables you to take first aid aspects into account when planning camps and tours or, if the worst comes to the worst, to help yourself until help arrives.

Staying healthy on the Trail: Behavior when hiking and in Huts

How to act while Hiking

During the trekking tour, your behavior naturally plays a decisive role for your health. The right pace is important: overexertion not only leads to exhaustion but also weakens the immune system. Regular breaks help to regenerate the body. In high temperatures, it is essential to drink enough and use sun protection (sun cream and headgear), while in cold regions, care must be taken to keep warm and dry. Avoid getting too warm and sweating. Throw something warm on during breaks, or change your sweaty shirt for a dry one.

Tip: Your feet also need air. However, this is often only possible to a limited extent in modern GoreTex shoes. Feet sweat and are then more susceptible to blisters. So let your socks air dry or change them. Allow the shoes to air by removing the insoles.

Hygiene and Washing on Tour

It's easy to work up a sweat carrying your rucksack up the mountains. Even if it is not always easy on the way, freshen up at least a daily cat wash of the most important areas: Faces, hands, armpits, between the legs, and feet. Wet wipes are practical for on-the-go. Also, wash your clothes.

Also, read my separate blog article “A full bath in the stream? Washing on a trekking tour - here's how”.

Unfamiliar Dogs

A separate topic: strange dogs, “trail dogs” and street dogs are better not to be petted...not like me here in Georgia. But these two trail dogs had already kept me company for three days, walking with me on my day trips and sleeping next to the tent...so they were almost mine...;-) Nevertheless, they could have had fleas or whatever. It doesn't always have to be dog bites.

If the dogs belong to someone and there is an owner nearby, ask beforehand if you can stroke the dog. Also, check whether the dog wants this. Because not every dog wants to be petted.

Risk of Infection in Group Accommodation

In hiking huts or on group treks, the close-knit community can increase the risk of colds or gastrointestinal infections. Good hygiene is therefore essential. This includes regular hand washing or the use of disinfectant gel, especially before eating. When staying overnight in huts, it is advisable to use your own hut sleeping bag and not to stay in crowded rooms if it is avoidable. Keep your distance from people who appear to have a cold. The same applies if you have a cold yourself. Communicate this, behave considerately, and wear a face mask (FFP2 mask).

Diet and Nutrition

Unfamiliar food, especially in foreign food cultures, can put a strain on the stomach. Caution is advised with raw food or unfiltered water to avoid infection. In many places in Asia or Central/South America, the motto is: “Cook it, boil it, peel it, or leave it”. So be careful with anything that is not cooked, freshly peeled or fried.

Finding berries or mushrooms along the way? Only eat them if you are sure they are edible.

First Measures on the Trail

Common Cold

Despite all precautionary measures, health problems can occur along the way. One of the most common complaints on trekking tours is the common cold. The combination of physical exertion, changing temperatures, and a possibly weakened immune system makes the body susceptible to infections. When the first symptoms appear, it's time to shift down a gear. Even if you are still able to move around, it is by no means healthy. Spread colds drag on, coughs take hold, and, in the worst case, heart muscle inflammation can occur.

If possible, find a place where you can stay for a few days or leave your tent pitched. Get plenty of rest, keep warm, and, above all, protect your traveling companions.

• Rest and get plenty of sleep
• Warmth (clothing, hot water bottle), fresh air (regular ventilation), sun on your face
• Protect your fellow travelers: Keep your distance, separate beds or rooms (insulation); wash/disinfect hands; keep garbage with used handkerchiefs well closed and empty more often
• Vitamins, honey, ginger, garlic and invigorating food
• Drink a lot - preferably warm teas such as ginger or camomile tea
• Inhale (camomile, sage or fennel tea)
• Nasal rinsing with salt water
• Medication from your first-aid kit if necessary

TIP: Prepare a turmeric, pepper, lemon, and ginger oil mix. The ingredients have an anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effect and reinforce each other.

Are you healthy again? That's great. Then take it easy and don't overdo it 😉 Maybe an alternative program with a rental car, a boat tour or a visit to a museum isn't bad either.

Gastrointestinal Complaints

Gastrointestinal complaints are also a common challenge on trekking tours. Unfamiliar food, contaminated water or stress can cause the stomach to rebel. A tried and tested home remedy is cola and black tea with a pinch of salt and sugar, which has a calming effect on the stomach. Grated apples, herbal teas, or a light broth can also help to stabilize the stomach. If you have diarrhea, it is important to consume sufficient electrolytes to avoid dehydration. Also, if you vomit until your stomach is completely empty and beyond, you need to drink plenty to prevent dehydration...even if it doesn't stay in for long.

In the summer of 2023, I heard that some huts in northern Sweden were closed due to an increase in gastrointestinal infections. It was suspected that hikers had not used the plum toilets and had done their business in the surrounding area...unfortunately too close to the drinking water source. Do it better! You can read how to shit in nature properly in my article Shit happens! A little guide to doing big business in nature.

Mosquito Bites

Home remedies such as cooling with ice or moist compresses, placing onions or lemon on the bite site or applying aloe vera can help with the itching caused by mosquito bites. Vinegar water, honey or toothpaste with menthol is also said to help. Always remember: scratching makes the itching worse and can lead to infections. 

Herpes on the Lips

Cold sores have various causes. I occasionally get herpes when I drink from inadequately cleaned cups or glasses. In group accommodation with communal kitchens, I therefore use my own cup for drinking if possible. Honey, which I apply to cold sores, has proven to be a good home remedy for me. Zinc creams or ginger, which you gently press onto the blisters, are also said to help. Cooling helps against swelling and relieves pain.

Sunstroke and Heatstroke

Sunstroke is caused by prolonged exposure to direct sunlight on the head and neck. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and possibly even unconsciousness. The best prevention is to wear a hat or cap and stay in the shade whenever possible. If sunstroke does occur, the person affected should be moved into the shade, their head and neck cooled with wet towels, and plenty of fluids administered.

During my trekking tour on the Kungsleden in July 2024, I saw many people walking in full Goretex gear, including gloves, mosquito net and hood. It was warm and I was already sweating in my shorts and T-shirt. Some time later, I heard about a hiker who collapsed with heatstroke. Prolonged heat and physical overexertion in summer temperatures can lead to heatstroke, which can even be life-threatening...When was your last first aid course?

Sunburn

Sunburn can also be a serious problem on trekking tours. You can easily get sunburn on tours on the water, in the snow or at high altitudes. Regularly applying sun cream with a high sun protection factor, wearing protective clothing and avoiding the direct midday sun are essential. Once the skin has been burnt, aloe vera gel or curd compresses can help to cool and regenerate it. If nothing else is available, cool water will also help.

Blisters on the Feet

Here too, prevention is better than suffering afterwards. Wear suitable, well-worn boots and socks. Keep your feet dry. Tap or pad pressure points at the first noticeable irritation. Do not pierce water-filled blisters, as the skin over them protects you from infection. If the blister has already burst and the raw flesh is visible, your tour is unfortunately over. There is a risk of inflammation, which always carries the risk of sepsis. A detailed article on first aid for blisters can be found on the Guide Academy website.

TIP: Take a pair of light shoes with you for the camp so that your feet can relax.

Mycosis of the Feet

Prolonged moisture on the feet can lead to athlete's foot. I caught it while paddling in Indonesia because my feet were constantly damp and warm... Of course, I didn't have anything with me. I treated myself with wound disinfectant spray, foot baths in black tea, and garlic rubbed between my toes. Don't forget your fellow travelers: athlete's foot is contagious, so don't walk barefoot in communal areas/showers. This is also a good way to prevent infection in showers when you are out and about.

Altitude Sickness

Many trekking tours take hikers into the mountains. The first symptoms of altitude sickness can occur at altitudes of 2000 meters or more in people who are not used to the altitude. The body cannot adapt sufficiently to the lower oxygen content. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness and shortness of breath. It is essential to adapt slowly to the altitude, drink enough and take breaks when climbing. At the first signs of altitude sickness, you should descend immediately to avoid more serious consequences. More information on symptoms and how to prevent them can be found here at DAV.

Remedies from Nature

Our nature is full of interesting things. Many of them can help us with minor aches and pains along the way. The only catch is that you first have to know the regional plants with the respective active ingredients, you have to know how to use them and then you also have to be there at the right time of year. A topic that would go beyond the scope of this article. But maybe I've just made you curious. Then you can get smarter with the help of these books (affiliate links):

Rest Days and off to the Doctor

If an illness is more serious or lasts for several days, it is advisable not only to take one or more rest days but also - if possible - to seek medical advice. Your own health should always take priority over continuing your hike.

The more severe the infection, the longer you need to take a break. Even mild infection symptoms such as a sore throat, cold, or cough require the body to rest. If you have aching limbs or a fever, you need to take it easy and your hike is unfortunately over. Use the rest time in bed and think about an alternative program for the following days.

Conclusion: Stay healthy while trekking

Staying healthy on a trekking tour requires well-thought-out preparation, prudent behavior along the way, and the knowledge of simple home remedies for minor ailments. If you prepare well, know your limits, and take care of your body, you can enjoy an unforgettable tour and stay fit and healthy in the wilderness.

Book recommendations for Household Remedies

Would you like to know more about home remedies that might help you to stay or become healthy on your trekking tour? Then I can recommend these books*.

You can order the books with a click on the pictures on Amazon. If you buy a product via an affiliate link, I get a small commission, and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you, and you will do me a huge favor.

Want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I am also very happy if you share my article with your friends.

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Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love long hikes as much as I do? Then you might also be interested in my articles about the Laugavegur in Iceland or about the The 9 most beautiful Hikes on the Isle of Skye.

Der Beitrag Gesund bleiben auf Trekking-Tour: Vorbereitung, Verhalten und Erste Maßnahmen bei Erkrankung erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

New Zealand. Do you like walking in ancient forests? Then you've come to the right place. This forest is, believe it or not, over 170 million years old. Dinosaurs lived here and probably ate the leaves off the trees: the fossilized forest of Curio Bay. Dating back to the Jurassic period, this subtropical forest is the geological treasure of the Catlins Coast in the south of New Zealand's South Island and offers a unique journey into the past.

Unassigned, unpaid advertising. The article contains affiliate links.

Why is the Curio Bay Petrified Forest unique?

• These are not fossil fragments, but clearly recognizable tree structures.
• The fossils date back to the Jurassic period, when dinosaurs ruled the earth.
• The forest is one of the best preserved fossil forests in the world and offers a rare insight into the subtropical ecosystem of Gondwana.

A subtropical petrified Forest

First things first: the petrified forest can only be seen up to two hours before/after low tide. Click here for the tide table.. If you stand at the viewing platform at the right time, you will first see a large area of rocky seabed. I only saw the petrified tree trunks and stumps when I went down the stairs and stood right in front of them. But then my eyes got bigger and bigger. I recognized several lying tree trunks as well as tree stumps and roots. I could even see the wood fibers and sometimes annual rings.

Around 170 million years ago during the Jurassic period, the region around Curio Bay was part of a subtropical, warm climate. At that time, the current location was close to Antarctica and the continents were still part of the supercontinent Gondwana. The forest consisted of primeval conifers, ferns and palm-like plants. These plants grew in a swampy, volcanically active area. Grass and flowering plants did not exist at that time.

Destruction of the Forest by volcanic Eruptions and the Fossilization Process

A series of volcanic eruptions in the region buried the forest under volcanic ash and sediment. This process happened several times, with each new eruption depositing fresh ash and lava over the vegetation. The trees and plants were thus preserved.

The actual process of fossilization took place over millions of years:

• Deposition of minerals: water seeping through the volcanic deposits was rich in silica and other minerals.
• Replacement of organic matter: Minerals were deposited in the cells of the trees and gradually replaced the organic materials.
• Preserving the structure: This process preserved fine details such as annual rings, bark and roots - but in a stony form.

Over millions of years, the overlying rock layer was removed by erosion, finally exposing the petrified forest on the coast.

“Forest Creatures" - Yellow-eyed Penguins in Curio Bay

In Curio Bay, where the petrified forest is located, you have a good chance of spotting yellow-eyed penguins (hoiho). These rare penguins come ashore in the late afternoon or evening. Be quiet and keep at least 50 meters away so as not to disturb the penguins. Seals and sea lions can also often be observed on the rocks.

Practical Information for your Visit

The nearby Tumu Toka Curioscape Visitor Centre offers an interactive exhibition about the petrified forest of Curio Bay and the history of the Catlins. You can also find information about the wildlife and nature conservation in the region. There is a café and a souvenir store. There is a campsite right next to the visitor center.

A short, paved path leads from the parking lot to a viewing platform with a view of the fossilized remains of the ancient forest. Information boards at the viewing point explain the history and significance of the petrified forest. At low tide, access to the petrified forest is via the steps of the viewing platform.

Book Recommendations for New Zealand

You want to know where the journey goes? Then I can recommend these books*.

You can order the books with a click on the pictures on Amazon. If you buy a product via an affiliate link, I get a small commission, and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you, and you will do me a huge favor.

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Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love forests - whether petrified or alive - as much as I do? Then you'll definitely be interested in the Fanal laurel forest, which you can find out more about in my article Photographing Madeira – the best Photo Locations for Nature Lovers and my article Leave No Trace! Principles for Nature-friendly Outdoor Life.

Der Beitrag Versteinerter Wald von Curio Bay: Spaziergang durch die Jurazeit erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

NorwayBlåisvatnet (“Blue Lake”) is one of the highlights of the Lyngen Alps in northern Norway. Even on a gloomy rainy day, it shines in a bright turquoise blue and puts the icing on the cake of this scenic and varied hike.

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Stony Path to the Blue Lake, Lyngen Alps

But as is so often the case, you first have to work for the view of the beautiful Blue Lake. The 4.2 kilometer long path (one way) leads over the stones of a dry river bed. You can't walk fast here, every step has to be taken carefully. I was glad to be wearing ankle-high, sturdy hiking boots and to have trekking poles with me.

Shortly before the lake, the stones turn into rocks and a bit of climbing is required. But it's worth all the effort! The Blue Lake is the most beautiful thing I've seen in the Lyngen Alps in Norway

The trail starts off easy and comfortable. It goes through a small forest past a river. Even here I can hardly make any progress because of all the photo stops. On the way back, I even see a bunch of reindeer roaming along the riverbank.

Why is Blåisvatnet so blue?

Blåisvatnet is fed by meltwater from the Lenang glacier. Silt particles of quartz and feldspar are carried into the lake with the water and deposited at the bottom. These particles reflect the blue light components of sunlight particularly well, while absorbing other light components.

The “Blue Lake” hike in the Lyngen Alps at a glance

• Length: 8.4 km round trip
• Elevation gain: 189 m
• Duration: 5 to 6 hours
• Best time: In the afternoon and at the beginning of the evening light
• Nature: The path is largely stony.
• Marking: Red markings on cairns and rocks
• Parking: At the trailhead there is a large, paid parking lot “Lyngsalpan” in Sør-Lenangsbotn with WC and information boards. There are barbecue areas and the possibility to camp.

Yes, my pictures are all edited in Lightroom / Photoshop. But the water is really that blue, I didn't do anything to it. I took the darker photos with a gray filter. The blue has become particularly strong in these.

Alternative Route via Aspevatnet

A signposted path leads to the Aspevatnet lake, which does not have such blue water. From there, there is also a path to the blue lake. I have not walked this path, but I want to mention it for completeness.

Are you still looking for accommodation? Then I can highly recommend the old Solhov school in Lyngseidet . It's not around the corner (about an hour's drive) but the accommodation is extremely cozy and conveniently located near the ferry to Olderdalen.

Book recommendations for Norway

You want to know where the journey goes? Then I can recommend these books*.

You can order the books with a click on the pictures on Amazon. If you buy a product via an affiliate link, I get a small commission, and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you, and you will do me a huge favor.

Do you want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends.

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Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love the north as much as I do? Then you might also be interested in my articles about my Husky Guide Training – Two Months with Hetta Huskies in Finland or about Trekking on the Laugavegur in Iceland.

Der Beitrag Wanderung zum Blåisvatnet “Blauer See” in den Lyngenalpen, Norwegen erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

Finland. The summit of Otsamo is a popular hiking destination in Inari. The 418-meter-high mountain offers a great view over the Inari lake area and a cozy shelter, which used to be the fire warden's hut. The Jäniskoski rapids, which are spanned by a suspension bridge, are another highlight of the hike.

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Hike to the summit of Otsamo at a glance

There are two hiking trails leading up to Otsamo: one starts in the nearby village of Inari and another at the Vasatokka Youth Center. I walked the route from Inari to Otsamo, which I describe below. In winter, there is a ski slope marked with blue pegs up to the summit.

• Start / Finish: Inari; north of the bridge over the Juutuanjoki, opposite the Siida Museum
• Length: about 19 km (there and back)
• Ascent: 300 m (mainly a steep ascent in the last 2 km before the summit)
• Marking: red wooden posts
• Shelter: two lavvus and a hut on the summit, each with a dry toilet and wood supply

What makes the hike from Inari to Otsamo peak so worthwhile?

Jäniskoski rapids and suspension bridge

The hike begins rather unspectacularly. The trail leads along wide paths through a pine forest and boulders. The route is part of the Juunta Trail, where information boards tell you about life by the river in the past.

After about 3.3 kilometers, you reach the Juutuanjoki River with its raging rapids Jäniskoski, over which a suspension bridge is spanned. It gets even wilder when you stand in the middle of the suspension bridge and look down through the grid floor. What you can also see is that there are wooden planks on the edge of the bridge for our four-legged friends.

At the suspension bridge, the Jäniskosken Lavvu invites you to take a break. After another 2.1 kilometers there is another lavvu, called Laurin Lavvu. Both have a fireplace, a woodshed and a dry toilet.

To the summit of Otsamo

After the rapids, the wide path becomes an easily accessible trail that winds through the mixed pine forest and follows the rushing Juutuanjoki River. Only the last two kilometers before the summit are steep. The vegetation changes, the trees become smaller and birch trees and rocks dominate the surroundings. If you turn around, you can see the lake landscape far below. From the small wooden hut on the summit, you have a 360-degree panorama that you don't find everywhere: far below, the lakes Inarijärvi and Muddusjärvi spread out and you have a view of the Juutuanjoki River and the Muotkatunturi and Joenkielinen fells.

After enjoying the view in all directions, I also went into the hut. A cool wind was blowing up there all day and I could see the rain coming in the distance. I unpacked my provisions and coffee and sat down by one of the large windows of the old fire warden's hut.

Fire warden huts

At the beginning of the 20th century, the forest wardens in northern Finland were responsible for around 90,000 hectares of forest. Their duties also included fire watching. More and more of these fire lookout huts with integrated observation towers were built. Around 1970, there were around 40 fire lookout huts like this one on Otsamo near Inari. In the 1980s, surveillance aircraft were increasingly used. Many of the huts were then converted into overnight or day cabins.

There was once a walk-on viewing platform on the roof of the hut. In the summer of 2024, the ladder leading up to it was unfortunately dismantled. But you can still go inside the hut and warm up or take a break sheltered from the wind and rain. There is a stove and a gas stove. Instructions for use are pinned to the wall in various languages.

The hut is only intended for daytime use and not for overnight stays.

Book recommendations for Finland

You want to know where the journey goes? Then I can recommend these books*.

You can order the travel guides on Amazon by clicking on the pictures. If you buy a product via an affiliate link, I get a small commission, and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you, and you will do me a huge favor.

Want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I am also very happy if you share my article with your friends.

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Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love Scandinavia as much as I do? Do you fancy Norway? Then you might be interested in my articles about a Winter in Tromsø - the Gateway to the Arctic or about the Lofoten and Vesterålen - Winter Highlights.

Der Beitrag Hike zur Brandwächter-Hütte auf dem Otsamo bei Inari erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

Finland. What's the story behind the lonely church in the wilderness on Lake Pielpajärvi? Well, it wasn't quite as lonely here as it is today. The church was located in the middle of the winter settlement of the Inari Sámi. The Sámi gathered here and spent the cold, dark winter months. They were joined by traders and tax collectors...and occasionally a priest. The Wilderness Church on Lake Pielpajärvi near Inari is one of the oldest buildings in northern Lapland, beautifully situated and accessible via a 9 km hike.

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A small Church with a long History

After the Christian faith spread in the Inari region in the 16th century, a church was built in the winter village of the Inari Sami in the middle of the 17th century. The church was completed in 1647, but with a floor plan of 6.8 m x 5.5 m, it was too small from the start. It was also difficult to find a priest who wanted to preach in this remote location. As a result, the priest only appeared once or twice a year and the service lasted one to one and a half weeks in winter. In summer, on the other hand, it was only two to three days. During this time, judgments were also pronounced and children were taught. Many old traditions disappeared with the Christian mission. Some shamans were executed for witchcraft.

One of the oldest Buildings in Northern Lapland

Due to its infrequent use, the small church was neglected and fell into disrepair. A new church was built. The current church was completed in 1760, making it one of the oldest buildings in northern Lapland. In the first half of the 19th century, there was also a rectory and a bailiff's house as well as several market stalls and church parlors. In 1837, the church was even given its own priest by decree of the Tsar. He was obliged to hold a service every second Sunday and to use the Sami language.

From the middle of the 19th century, however, the buildings were barely maintained and repaired. In 1888, a new church was finally completed in the newly developed settlement of Inari and the Wildmark Church on Lake Pielpajärvi was no longer used. It was only after the new church in Inari was destroyed during the Winter War in 1940 that the wilderness church was visited again. Since then, services have been held here every year at Midsummer and Easter. The Wilderness Church near Inari is also a popular venue for weddings.

Hike from Inari to the old Wilderness Church

In summer, the church can be reached via a 9 km hike (there and back). The starting point is the Sarviniementie parking lot, which is about 3 km northeast of the famous Siida Museum Inari.

The trail first leads through pine forest and later past birch-lined lakes. There are no gradients worth mentioning. However, the path is crisscrossed with stones and roots, making progress a little slower. Swampy areas are bridged by boardwalks. The trail is marked throughout and easy to find.

The church is always open to visitors. Please make sure to close the doors after your visit to minimize the effects of the weather. There is a barbecue area, picnic shelters, a dry toilet and a small hut in the square by the lake in front of the church.

In contrast to most other Sámi groups, the Inari Sámi did not historically engage in large-scale reindeer husbandry. Instead, the Inari-Sámi culture was characterized by fishing and hunting. Fishing became less important because Lake Inari was overfished in the 20th century. Finnish forest reindeer were the most important game for hunting, but their numbers declined in the 18th century. Nevertheless, I encountered a reindeer on the road on my way to the parking lot and there are two reindeer fences to cross during the hike.

There are information boards along the way. On the way there, spiritual texts adapted to the eight seasons are intended to encourage you to reflect. On the way back, there is information about the surrounding nature on the back of the boards.

The hike to Wilderness Church Inari can be shortened to 2.6 km (one way) by boat. The excursion boats on Lake Inari will drop you off at Pielpavuono Bay on request. In winter, the church can be reached by ski and snowmobile.

Book recommendations for Finland

You want to know where the journey goes? Then I can recommend these books*.

You can order the travel guides on Amazon by clicking on the pictures. If you buy a product via an affiliate link, I get a small commission, and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you, and you will do me a huge favor.

Want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I am also very happy if you share my article with your friends.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love Scandinavia as much as I do? Do you fancy Norway? Then you might be interested in my articles about a Winter in Tromsø - the Gateway to the Arctic or about the Lofoten and Vesterålen - Winter Highlights.

Der Beitrag Wilderness Church Pielpajärvi – Wanderung zur Sámi Kirche bei Inari erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

In cooperation with the Guide Academy Europe and TREKK'N Guide. Advertising..

Sweden. Only in retrospect, as I look through the photos and write this article, do I realize how many topics we covered during the Wilderness Guide Training in Vindelfjäll. Much of it was integrated into the course in a very natural way, so I picked it up almost incidentally and rather unconsciously. Christoph Maretzek, the founder of the Guide Academy Europe, explained other things in detail in individual steps and had me practise them again and again, such as making a fire. Even with wet wood! Other important topics for us were nature conservation on tour, intercultural competence and the responsibility you take on as a guest of a country or as a guest in nature.

I'll show you a few things we did during our wilderness guide training tour in this article. I'll stick to the surface because Christoph can better explain the exact details and procedures, tricks, and tips in his courses. Click here for the Guide Academy Europe (GAE) courses and here for TREKK'N Guide..

With Christoph Maretzek and the opportunities he offers through the GAE in terms of training and with TREKK'N Guide for leisure activities, I have come across a treasure trove of knowledge, skills, and (training) experience from a whole lifetime of touring. A treasure that has enriched me personally. Especially nature conservation on tour and the combination of modern outdoor life and traditional handicraft techniques, as every farm boy, every indigenous person, and every wilderness traveler used to know. Be it making a new handle for the axe on the road, repairing a rucksack, building a pack board, or a knife with the simplest of tools.

What is Wilderness Guide Training about? Why am I doing this at all?

Nothing is easier than closing the door behind you and simply setting off. Even from Berlin, it's not far from the great outdoors. And if you like it a bit more secluded, you can just get on the train and drive a little way. So far so good. When it comes to taking the right equipment with you, knowing how to use a map and compass, or predicting the weather based on the clouds, it gets a bit more challenging. But thanks to my previous Trekking Guide Training at the Guide Academy, that and much more that goes with a trekking tour also works.

Anyone who knows me knows that I love the remote areas of northern Europe with treeless landscapes and mountains, such as Greenland, Iceland, and northern Scandinavia. Areas where only a few people are still out and about and there are only narrow paths. Areas where nature makes the rules and doesn't care whether the tent is waterproof, whether you can get the fire lit, or whether you've twisted your ankle. Areas where there are no general terms and conditions and where it is better not to rely on a prompt rescue in an emergency.

Welcome to the wilderness! In a world that most of us first have to get to know again. We have forgotten how to observe and interpret the natural world around us. We are also rarely born with manual skills and creativity. But these are essential on wilderness tours and need to be learned and practiced. Only those who can improvise along the way and repair their equipment if necessary will make progress. This is exactly where the Guide Academy's Wilderness Guide Training comes in.

Preparation for Work and Tours in the North

And then there's something else: I'm planning to work on a husky farm in Finland for a few months from April 2024 and then hike long tours in Sweden. The Wilderness Guide training is part of my preparation for this. As I will also be doing a lot of manual work on the farm, the training also includes three craft/bushcraft modules for me. But there will be a separate article on this later. However, there is already a small foretaste at the end of this article.

First things first: Nature Conservation on Tour

Every year, the right of public access attracts numerous nature lovers, outdoor sports enthusiasts and adventurers to Scandinavia. However, in the belief in boundless freedom, boundaries are repeatedly crossed. If you don't find out beforehand what you are allowed to do and what you are not allowed to do, you can quickly put your foot in your mouth. "Don't disturb and don't destroy anything" is the motto. Quite simple really, isn't it? If everyone sticks to it and takes responsibility, then not only nature is preserved but also everyone's rights. Because the fact that we are allowed to use nature so freely in Scandinavia - especially as guests of a country - is by no means a matter of course.

Here you can read about Everyman's Right..

At the Guide Academy Europe, Conservation on Tour is taught and practiced with the "10 Golden Rules for Guides". Those who adhere to these rules show professionalism and responsibility towards our nature and help to preserve what we love most.

The 10 Golden Rules for Guides

#1 Do not leave paths unnecessarily
#2 Cook on the stove if feasible
#3 Fire and camp only in safe places
#4 Avoid protected areas, spawning and breeding grounds
#5 Avoid garbage and take it back with you
#6 Protect animals and plants
#7 Know and observe local rules
#8 Respect the local way of life
#9 Pass on your own knowledge
#10 Guiding by example

©TREKK’N Guide 2018

We spent a lot of time on the trail dealing with responsible campfires and washing on tour and also filmed short clips about it. I was particularly amazed at how much water you need to put out a campfire. When we thought it was extinguished, we still found pockets of embers under the stones surrounding the campfire. We needed a good three liters of water in total!

A Word about the Weather

Up in the fjell, the weather rules the world. It decides where we go or whether we go at all. Many tough guys and gals say "there's no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes", but that's only half the truth. The other truth is that bad weather is often the reason why some hikers have fatal accidents. Or that rescue teams have to be called out and the rescuers themselves become drawn into risky activities.

Sound skills, training and good equipment are essential. Just like common sense and sensible consideration of the conditions. We therefore changed our route planning on the way and did not go into the mountains of the Ammarfjäll, far away from any paths and shelters, due to the forecast of heavy rain and storms. Instead, we continued on to Rävfallsstugan. A good choice!

Craftsmanship on Tour

Knife sheath, saw handle, wobbler, and float

If you are traveling away from supermarkets, DIY stores, or Amazon prime, you are well served with a sharp knife, a well-thought-out repair kit, a little imagination, and dexterity.

During our Wilderness Guide training and the subsequent stay at Värdshus Ammarnäs, we made two plugs, two fishing floats, a knife sheath and a simple handle for a saw blade. We tried out the wobblers in the water. With a little extra lead, one of them submerged well. The other had a little more buoyancy and swam in a sideways position just below the surface. Almost like a real injured fish. We hadn't fitted any hooks during the tests as our fishing license had expired in the meantime - yes, that's right, you need a fishing license for many waters in Sweden too. You can find more information here or at the local tourist information office.

Lost your Map? Let's make a Sketch

Has the hiking map flown away? The smartphone and GPS batteries are flat? And now what? The only thing you can do now is to hope that the next hiker passing by will have a coffee with you and let you copy their map. And this is how it works:

Did you grow up without a smartphone, scanner, or photocopier? Then you're probably still familiar with tracing. A blank piece of paper is placed on the image to be copied. The translucent contours are then simply traced. If the translucency is not sufficient, you can help yourself by placing the card and paper against a window or even using a flashlight to provide light from behind.

But what if you don't have blank paper but just a piece of cardboard or fabric? Then there's no more tracing. Then you can transfer the map using a grid. It is best to use the grid of the coordinate system in the map as the grid. The individual elements of the map are then transferred one by one: the paths, trails, bodies of water, peaks, contour lines, vegetation and prominent points such as huts or ruins.

A little Hut Etiquette

There are mountain stations, mountain huts, shelters and windskyds along the hiking trails in Sweden. I'll group them all together here under the term "hut", even though there are of course major differences. What they all have in common, however, is that sometimes more, sometimes fewer hikers pass and use the huts every day. Some hikers do this because they want to be comfortable, others because they are in need or - without a hut - would be in need. Mutual consideration and respect should be a matter of course in such a confined space with several strangers from different cultures. In this context, Christoph liked to quote the famous philosopher Immanuel Kant: "Would I like all other people to act in the same way?" Here are three examples:Möchte ich, dass alle anderen Menschen auch so handeln?” Hier drei Beispiele:

• Do I want all the people to spread out their wet clothes and all their luggage in the hut and claim all the seats for themselves?
• Do I want everyone to scribble loudly early in the morning while others are still asleep?
• Do I want everyone who visits a mountain hut to burn the winter wood for emergencies in summer without being in need and turn the hut into a sauna?

All clear, right? 😉

Learning from Nature - Shoe Care

What the little plant can do so easily, my hiking boots can do too... But only after thorough and regular care.
Nature shows us how to do it:

In order for the water to roll off the leaves so nicely, it has to be as water-repellent as possible, for example with a thin layer of wax. A shoe wax is therefore part of my standard equipment on trekking tours. GoreTex membrane in the shoes or not ... how often have I had wet feet even with GoreTex (no, it wasn't sweat). A thin(!) layer of wax on the upper leather of trekking shoes provides additional protection and prevents the leather from becoming brittle. You can rub muddy shoes with a tuft of grass or juniper before waxing. Then apply the wax with your fingers to the cleaned / preferably dry shoes and massage it in gently. Then leave them in the sun for a while to allow the wax to soak in.

Tip: Shoe wax is also easy to make yourself from beeswax and a little wool grease. Without any additional chemicals, the shoe wax also ensures velvety soft hands on tour.

Culinary Highlights on the Trail - it doesn't always have to be bagged Food

Homemade Trekking Food

Quick, easy and convenient: this is how the outdoor industry advertises freeze-dried trekking food in bags at peppery prices. Just pour hot water on it and you've got a one-size-fits-all product that nobody really knows what's in it.

Until recently, I took exactly this kind of food with me on tour. Supplemented by other, cheaper instant noodles from the supermarket. Of course, I knew from other blogs that many hikers make their own trekking food. There are countless recipes on the internet. But somehow the spark just wouldn't ignite. I then acquired a taste for it during my training as a trekking guide. Christoph had brought some things for us to try: dried vegetables, fruit, meat, fish, and homemade pemmican. This was the first thing I made as a veggie variation for my trip to Greenland. My variation was not lightweight, but it was delicious and soooo filling! What was in it? Magarine, oat flakes, corn starch, chopped dried fruit, nuts, and honey.

For our Wilderness Guide training tour in Sweden, I dried a wide variety of ingredients, packed them in airtight containers and then mixed them together on tour as the mood took me. The tour cuisine was definitely not boring and monotonous. What was on the plate? There was, for example, dried sauerkraut or red cabbage with mashed potatoes and dried beef, pre-cooked red lentils with colorful vegetables, or, as a snack between meals, fruit leather made from a pureed mixture of apple sauce, peach, ginger, and lupin protein powder with pumpkin and sesame seeds, chia and psyllium seeds.

Picking Mushrooms and Berries

Almost every day we also had berries and mushrooms on our plates, deliciously sautéed with onions and garlic. In the wet August there were so many mushrooms growing in the birch forests that we no longer said "I'm going out to look for mushrooms" but rather "I'm going out to pick mushrooms". Birch mushrooms were the most common. But there were also porcini mushrooms and butter mushrooms.

Fishing

We also had fishing gear with us and had each bought a fishing license for seven days in Ammarnäs. But even with the license, fishing is not allowed in all waters. As we had changed our original route due to the weather, we didn't get to the planned fishing waters.

Getting wet at the End: over Hill and Dale with the Packraft

Last but not least, we inflate the packrafts on our last sunny day of our Wilderness Guide training. We put our paddles together, tie our rucksacks to the bow of our rubber boats and strap on our life jackets. Into the boat and off we go. But after a section where the Vindelälven flows wide and calm, the river changes its face. We get out of the boats, take a look at the rapids, and decide to tow the boats along the banks. We work our way along in sections, sometimes in the boat, sometimes on foot. Exactly as we had estimated before the tour using satellite images and existing maps. The white, foaming rapids were clearly visible on the Google Earth satellite images and I added a few details to our hiking map by hand on this basis.

Our day with the packraft on the wild river left a deep impression on me. Shortly afterward, I gave a talk on the subject of nature conservation and packrafting and also wrote a blog article on the subject. In May/June, an abridged version of my article will also be published in Kajak Magazine. You can find the long version "Nature Conservation on Tour – nature-friendly Packrafting" here.

Further Modules of the Wilderness Guide Training at the Guide Academy Europe

Crafts and Bushcraft

The training tour in Vindelfjäll was just one part of the Wilderness Guide training. Other modules I have completed include bushcraft, survival, handicrafts, and cabin life. There will be another article on this soon. But here is a little foretaste:

On the self-built (!) bench made of ash wood you can see forged pot hooks, blanks for knife blades, a forged arrowhead, two built knives, tinder, a carved bowl made of Swiss stone pine, flat bread, cakes from an improvised mold, smoked meat and Swiss stone pine schnapps (also homemade by Christoph, but not on this weekend) with improvised schnapps cups made of tea lights. In front of the bench, there is a self-made pack board with a pack sack (right) based on an old model with an old Romanian army rucksack (left), as well as prepared wood for tool handles and two can stoves. Not in the picture are our improvised kerosene lamp, our landing net, two tool handles and a self-made drill.

Wilderness Guide Course - Nothing of the Peg

I completed the newly developed Wilderness Guide course as a pilot course in solo training. This allowed me to prepare specifically for my planned year in the north and to practise and gain experience with all the tools and their handling with my own hands. In addition to the fixed modules such as Wilderness Basic Training, Emergency Training, First Aid or Canoe/Packraft, the Wilderness Guide training also includes some optional modules such as carpentry, old tools for camp, and hut or knife making. This means that everyone can deepen their Wilderness Guide training according to their own needs/interests. This distinguishes the Guide Academy training from all other wilderness guide training courses available on the market.

In 2025, GAE will be in its 10th year! The training potential is huge and there is something for everyone. With Christoph and a team of experienced freelancers, participants will get their money's worth. Christoph's outdoor experience, his technical training as a carpenter, his leadership skills learned in the mountain troops and as a mountain hiking guide, and his knowledge of human nature and helpfulness, which he also lives as an experienced social worker and educator, are complemented by craftsmanship and attention to detail. Christoph is characterized by thoroughness and a far-sighted approach, as well as his ability to conjure up something in an emergency in the blink of an eye with little equipment. I hope I'll be able to do the same in the future, whether on tour, at the husky farm or at home in the kitchen...:-)

Want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I am also very happy if you share my article with your friends.

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Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love long hikes as much as I do? Then you might also be interested in my articles about the Laugavegur in Iceland or about the The 9 most beautiful Hikes on the Isle of Skye.

Der Beitrag Wilderness Guide Training in Schweden mit der Guide Academy Europe erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

In cooperation with SportFits. SportFits.

How can recycled PET bottles be so soft? Nordisk demonstrates it with the Norguard Eco synthetic filling in the Oscar -2 sleeping bag. At just 940 grams, the 100% recycled fiber sleeping bag is a lightweight 3-season sleeping bag with a comfort temperature in the low single digits. But is the very thin and tightly cut three-season sleeping bag functional and warm enough?

I was on tour with the Oscar -2. First, it went two weeks through the mountains of the Lofoten and then two weeks over the Kungsleden in Sweden. In July and August, the night temperatures here were between 12° and 4° Celsius. And because the sleeping bag is always only a part of the heat insulation and sleeping comfort: for this I use the NeoAir sleeping pad from Therm-a-rest and a 3-season tent.

Why did I choose the Oscar -2 from Nordisk?

It should be light, sustainable, and in any case with synthetic filling. On my tours, the backpack easily weighs between 23 and 26 kilograms. So I'm happy about every gram I can save. Usually, down sleeping bags are always a nose ahead of synthetic fiber sleeping bags in terms of weight. But if you like to travel in rainy regions like I do, you'll appreciate the synthetic fibers that are insensitive to moisture. I was also specifically looking for a three-year sleeping bag that didn't have to be quite so warm. The 4° Celsius in the comfort range should be enough. And if it should be colder on tour, then an additional silk ticking is used. And for the even colder tours, the winter sleeping bag is at home on the shelf.

My first Impression of the Sleeping Bag

When I unpacked it, I immediately noticed how wonderfully soft the material was. Especially on the inside, the sleeping bag is so soft that I was afraid I would break it just by touching it.

The outer and inner material is made of the ultra-fine Nortech Style S-NY 7D fabric. The micro ripstop construction makes it tough and durable. On the outside, the sleeping bag is protected by a DWR coating so moisture can't get in. In fact, I never had any problems with moisture. Condensation that condensed on the sleeping bag due to my breathing I could simply wipe off and there was no soaking of the material.

Nach vier Wochen Einsatz ist der Oscar  immer noch fast wie neu. Aber eben nur fast: außen gibt es trotz sorgsamer Benutzung leichte Abnutzungsspuren.

Fit and Comfort of the Nordisk Oscar -2

In addition to the material, the shape of a sleeping bag is crucial for its weight, thermal performance, and sleeping comfort. Thus, a sleeping bag with a mummy cut is usually warmer and lighter than one with an egg shape. With the "Curved" cut, Nordisk goes one step further. This shape is described by Nordisk as the "optimal balance between insulation and space". There is no unnecessary empty space that needs to be heated. For me, as a slimly built person, this cut also provides enough space to still carry a ticking as well as my camera batteries and cell phone in the sleeping bag. There is even a small internal pocket in the chest area for batteries or other small stuff. I was also able to comfortably turn from one side to the other in the completely closed sleeping bag. But for one or the other the curved cut may be too tight.

The cords of the hood and the thermal protection collar can be easily operated from the inside. Likewise the 2-way zipper. What I found very helpful was that the construction of the zipper avoids accidentally opening it too wide and then having to fumble the two sides of the zipper back together laboriously, or even in the dark, while you slowly but surely cool down.

In addition to the side two-way zipper, there is another zipper on the right shoulder and one on the shark fin foot area. These can be used for thermoregulation and also allow the use of both arms even with the sleeping bag pulled up, for example for breakfast coffee in the sleeping bag.

Thermal Performance

The Oscar -2 is a 3-season sleeping bag with a comfort temperature of up to + 4°Celsius and a limit temperature of -2 Celsius (tested according to European standard EN 13537). The insulation is made from 100% recycled PET bottles, which was a contributing factor in my selection. The hollow fibers of the Norguard Eco filling and the two-layer H-chamber construction ensure not only good thermal performance but also optimal moisture transport and a comfortable interior climate. But does Oscar deliver what it promises?

During my two tours in Norway and in Sweden, the nightly temperatures were between 12° and 4° Celsius. During the cold nights, it was not only cold but also damp and the wind blew through the mesh fabric of my tent. With a T-shirt and shorts, the sleeping bag was too cold for me on those nights. A tightly pulled thermal protection collar and the hood, which left only my nose free, helped. However, the warmth gained was not enough for me. Only my silk sleeping bag ticking and a Merino long sleeve drove away the chill and I could snuggle up relaxed again.

Overall Conclusion on the 3-season Sleeping Bag Oscar -2 from Nordisk

The Oscar -2 from Nordisk really kept me amazingly warm with its thin synthetic fill and was very comfortable for me to sleep in.

However, at temperatures around the comfort range of 4° Celsius, I found it not warm enough and used an additional silk ticking. For tours in, for example, northern Scandinavia, far from sheltering infrastructure, I can therefore only recommend it with an additional ticking, bivy sack, warm sleeping clothes, or bed bottle with hot water. In these areas, temperatures can quickly be in the low single digits even in summer. Combined with wetness, wind, or even physical exhaustion, you would otherwise have no more thermal reserves.

Together with the lightweight and small pack size, the Nordisk Oscar -2 definitely competes with down sleeping bags. For those who are looking for a warm, lightweight sleeping bag and want to go without down and rely on recycled material that is insensitive to moisture, the Oscar -2 is a good choice.

Note: This review was written in cooperation with SportFits. My test verdict was not influenced by this.

Do you have any experience with the Oscar -2 from Nordisk on your trips? What is your favorite sleeping bag? I look forward to your comments!

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Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love trekking tours and long hikes as much as I do? Then you might also be interested in my articles about the Laugavegur in Iceland or about the The 9 most beautiful Hikes on the Isle of Skye.

Der Beitrag PET-Flaschen zum Kuscheln! Schlafsack Oscar -2 von Nordisk im Test erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

Jeder kennt es, jeder kann es und jeder macht es in der Regel einmal am Tag. Es ist also etwas ganz natürliches. Doch in der Natur, fällt es uns plötzlich schwer. Es fängt mit der Suche nach einem stillen Örtchen an, geht mit einer unbequemen Hockstellung und gar fehlendem Klopapier weiter und endet meist mit einer deutlich erkennbaren Hinterlassenschaft in der Natur. Shit happens! Damit ihr das nächste Mal in der Natur euer großes Geschäft wie ein Profi abwickeln könnt, hab ich euch einen kleinen Guide geschrieben. Viel Spaß beim Lesen und nachmachen!

Unassigned, unpaid advertising. The article contains affiliate links.

Main Goals when doing the "Big Business" in Nature

Your big business should remain hidden and it should secretly provide the desired relief. Other hikers should not notice anything; they should not see or smell any of it; nor should they step into it or get sick from it. Nature itself, i.e. the forest, the meadow, or the lake, should also not be affected. Because, unlike the hiker, who quickly disappears from the minefield, nature has to live with your piles. Usually one month. In cold areas longer. In ice forever. See also the rotting table from the Austrian Alpine Club.

Fair play to nature! Here's how it works:

Everything centers around four main points:

1. Minimize pollution of water bodies by additional nutrient input.
2. Maximize decomposition rate
3. Minimize social disturbance
4. Minimize insect or wildlife contact.

By following these four points, you will help nature and avoid disease transmission.

How do you shit in Nature without shitting on Nature?

There are basically two strategies to avoid shitting on nature:

Variant 1: Bury your poop in a 15 to 20 cm deep hole, called a cat hole.

Variant 2: Pack it up, take it with you, and dispose of it after the tour.

I'll get to the details in a minute...

Find out if there are regulations for handling feces in the area where you are touring. In some high altitude, (sub)arctic, sensitive, or heavily used areas it is advisable or even required that you pack your shit and take it back with you.

A Calculation Example

On a summer day, there are 20 tents in Kvalvika Bay, a beautiful bay in Lofotodden National Park, Lofoten. With one or two people per tent, that's about 30 overnight guests and up to 30 piles per day. Let's assume optimistically that the toilet paper is collected in the garbage bag and the number of overnight guests is only half as high at the beginning and end of the season (June and August) as in July. Then there are still about 1,845 (half-decomposed) piles at the end of the Friluftsliv season. If each pile weighs about 400 grams, that's almost a ton of droppings at the end of the season. That's about the weight that two to three Icelandic horses weigh. Nature has to cope with that first. In the cold north, it's not so easy; the decomposition time is much longer than in Central Europe. The remains will probably not disappear completely into the sea until the snow melts next spring.

By the way: due to the many toilets in the bay, the water from the streams is no longer drinkable without prior treatment. Signs warn visitors accordingly about germs.

Cat Hole - Bury your Poop in the Cat Hole

The strategy behind the cat hole is simple: give nature a chance to clean itself by placing your business thoughtfully. Cover your pile afterwards to minimize any negative impact. Cats know and do this instinctively.

How good is your instinct? Take the Quiz: What is the best place for a cat hole?

The answer at the end of the article.

Step by Step to Number Two with the Cat Hole

1. Find a suitable place:
   • Be 60 yards (about 70 steps) away from bodies of water and not in a drainage channel where the water flows when it rains or the snow melts. If you are above a body of water, then pay special attention to sufficient distance here. Otherwise, the next rain will carry the dissolved feces directly into the water.
   • Not within sight of trails or camps.
   • No ground saturated with water
   • Preferably a sunny, warm spot because that's where decomposition rates are best
2. Dig a hole 15 to 20 cm deep
   • Use a small shovel, branch, or other improvised object for this purpose.
   • Trying to dig a hole with a trekking boot usually just compacts the soil, which is counterproductive.
   • Lifting out the top layer is best done in one piece, especially in grassy soil.
3. Increase the rate of decomposition by mixing your business and some soil with a stick.
4. Fill in your hole, trying to restore the soil surface exactly as it was before. What's not so good and why: putting a large rock directly on top of the pile. This will reduce the risk of someone stepping in it, but it will slow down decomposition by reducing the area of attack and ventilation.
5. Put your toilet paper in a garbage bag. Other hygiene products such as wet wipes, tampons, and sanitary towels should also be put in there.

Shit to go! Pack and go

The gap in the market has long been recognized and retailers offer various types of shit bags.

There are for example the Biffy Bags from America, which I was able to try out on my last hike in Lofoten. Lofotodden National Park has provided the bags free of charge as part of a project for campers in the popular bay of Kvalvika. The bay is visited by many day guests and also by overnight guests in the summer. Toilets are available at each of the parking lots... a good two hours away.

Die Biffy Bags haben innen einen grünen Plastiksack, der als Hilfe zum Eintüten des Haufens gedacht ist. Dieser landet dann in dem silberfarbenen Beutel mit einem Absorptionsmittel. Das grüne Plastik wird dann ebenfalls in den silberfarbenen Beutel gesteckt der dann luft- und geruchsdicht verschlossen wird. Ein bisschen Klopapier und ein Handdesinfektionstuch sind inklusive. Ein Rundum-Sorglos-Paket? Kommt drauf an, aus welcher Perspektive man drauf schaut: erstmal schön für die Natur. Aber es entsteht dadurch natürlich zusätzlicher Müll (das Biffy Bag selbst), der über den Hausmüll zu entsorgen ist. An den Parkplätzen im Nationalpark stehen große, blaue Container für die Entsorgung bereit.

Of course, there are also simpler methods: you can also do your business in a normal garbage bag and then put it in another tightly sealable bag. Climbers have for example the Poop Tubes. There are no limits to your own ingenuity.

Tips for the "Small Business" in Nature

For those who just want to pee in nature, the following applies:

• Move away from trails and camp or unpleasant odors may develop depending on the weather.
• Do not pee in or too close to small bodies of water such as pools, streams, or ponds. Move away about 60 yards.
• You can, however, pee directly into large rivers or the sea, as the urine is quickly distributed sufficiently in the volume of water.
• Animals can be attracted to the salt in the urine. To get at the salt, they may then dig up sensitive vegetation. It is therefore recommended to pee on rocks, stones or leaves, and needles and not on moss and flowers.

Special Tip for all Ladies

With a special pee funnel, you can pee standing up and leave your pants up in cold or rainy weather. After practicing a few times, you won't miss a thing.

For beginners and advanced: the book* on the subject and the associated tools*.

Solution of the Quiz

The marked spot in picture 3 is best for a cat hole. Why? It is more than 60 yards from the body of water, off the trail, and there is likely to be enough organic material on the ground near the trees in which to dig a hole. In addition, the small trees also give some privacy.

First picture: This place is unsuitable, because it is too close to the water.

Second picture: This place is also only conditionally suitable, because it is obviously in the direct inflow of the brook in the valley. Here it helps to increase the distance to the stream.

Fourth picture: It is easy to dig holes in the sand. But unfortunately, the microorganisms involved in the decomposition are missing here. Moreover, digging would destabilize the slope of the small dune and promote erosion.

Book tips for sustainable Camping

You want to know more about nature-friendly and sustainable camping? Then I have three book recommendations* for you.
If you buy a book or another article via an affiliate link, I get a small commission and you help me to keep filling Wanderweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you.

Do you want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends.

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Recommendations for further Reading

You are still looking for an idea for your next camping trip in nature? Then take a look at my two following articles:

Der Beitrag Shit happens! Kleiner Guide für das große Geschäft in der Natur erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.