Long distance hiking trails

Long distance hiking trails are supra-regional and often meander through nature for several hundred kilometres. They can be discovered on several daily stages. All signposted hiking trails are to be classified as "long distance hiking trails" if they are at least 185 miles long and uniformly marked.

Since there is a large number of long distance hiking trails, particularly attractive trails are being awarded with seals. Classification is based on criteria such as the quality of the path, the route, the signage, the destinations and the variety.

Camping

The easiest way to find a place to spend the night is to carry it with you. A tent offers the greatest possible flexibility with regard to the place and time of the night's rest.

But there are some things to consider, because camping is not allowed everywhere where you could camp. In principle, most countries prohibit wild camping – i.e. camping overnight in tents outside signposted campsites.

However, camping is often tolerated. The prerequisite is that you don't set up your tent until dusk and pack it up again in the morning, don't make a fire and don't leave any rubbish behind.

If houses or huts are in the immediate vicinity of the selected campsite, you should ask the residents for permission.

And of course, instead of taking a warm shower after a strenuous day's hiking, you often have to do with an icy mountain stream. And anyone who has ever spent a stormy, rainy or even snowy night in a tent will certainly raise their objections here.

Nevertheless: There is nothing like the feeling of waking up with the first rays of sunshine, only having to open a zipper, and already having the whole, beautiful nature in front of your eyes.

Of course, the type of overnight stay determines the luggage fundamentally. Those who decide for a hut or even a hotel can do without ballast in the backpack. If you want to camp, you will carry at least twice as much with you.

That's why it's essential to consider exactly what you really need. For tours from hut to hut, up to 8 kg rucksack weight are normal. For self-sufficient trips, it can get up to 20 kg including tent, stove and food.

Basically, the body can carry a quarter of its weight over long distances – and here you really should set the upper limit.

Rations

When staying in a hut, you only need to take a small lunch – preferably made from durable products such as salami, hard cheese, pumpernickel, chocolate or muesli bars.

If you camp, you will of course also have to carry your food yourself. Couscous, pasta, red lentils or potatoe mash can be cooked quickly and without great loss of fuel; muesli or porridge made with milk powder and dry fruits are suitable for breakfast.