Panoramaweg Südalpen: Stage 11 from Bad Eisenkappel to Gasthof Rogar

Safety instructions

10 Recommendations from the ÖAV

As an outdoor sport, mountain hiking offers great opportunities for health, community, and adventure. The following recommendations from alpine clubs are intended to help make mountain hikes as safe and enjoyable as possible.

1. Stay Healthy in the Mountains
Mountain hiking is an endurance sport. The positive physical challenges it poses for the heart and circulatory system require good health and a realistic assessment of your own abilities. Avoid rushing and choose a pace that ensures no one in the group gets out of breath.

2. Careful Planning
Hiking maps, guidebooks, the internet, and experts provide information on distance, elevation gain, difficulty, and current conditions. Always tailor your route to the group! Pay special attention to the weather forecast, as rain, wind, and cold increase the risk of accidents.

3. Complete Equipment
Tailor your equipment to your outing and keep your backpack as light as possible. Protection against rain, cold, and sun should always be in your backpack, as should a first-aid kit and a cell phone (European emergency number 112). A map or GPS will help you navigate.

4. Proper Footwear
Good hiking boots protect your feet, reduce strain, and improve your footing! When choosing boots, look for a perfect fit, a non-slip treaded sole, waterproofing, and a lightweight design.

5. Sure-footedness is key
Falls resulting from slipping or tripping are the most common cause of accidents! Keep in mind that walking too fast or being tired can severely impair your sure-footedness and concentration. Watch out for falling rocks: Walk carefully to avoid dislodging rocks.

6. Stay on marked trails
In unmarked terrain, the risk of getting lost, falling, and rockfall increases. Avoid shortcuts and return to the last known point if you stray from the trail. Often underestimated and very dangerous: steep old snowfields!

7. Take regular breaks
Timely breaks allow you to rest, enjoy the scenery, and socialize. Eating and drinking are necessary to maintain performance and concentration. Isotonic drinks are ideal for quenching thirst. Granola bars, dried fruit, and cookies satisfy hunger while on the go.

8. Responsibility for Children
Keep in mind that variety and playful exploration are the top priorities for children! In sections with a risk of falling, one adult can supervise only one child. Highly exposed routes that require sustained concentration are not suitable for children.

9. Small Groups
Small groups ensure flexibility and allow for mutual assistance. Inform trusted individuals of your destination, route, and return time. Stay together as a group. Warning to solo hikers: Even minor incidents can lead to serious emergencies.

10. Respect for Nature and the Environment
To protect the mountain environment: Do not leave trash behind, avoid making noise, stay on the trails, do not disturb wildlife or grazing animals, leave plants untouched, and respect protected areas. Use public transportation or carpool to get there. 

Equipment

Packing list - multi-day hike

Tips

The Obir dripstone caves, a fascinating journey millions of years back in time.
More info at Bad Eisenkappel Info.

Literature

Compass - Panorama Trail Southern Alps No. 218