Don't underestimate hiking in the Swiss Alps
A hiking trip needs preparation. And once you're on your way, hiking will be a pleasant and safe experience for everyone if you stick to a few basic rules.
Hiking is not an extreme sport, but hiking in the mountains is not to be underestimated. High-alpine terrain is easily accessible in Switzerland: anyone can get there and start hiking.
Unprepared and inexperienced hikers are more likely to run into trouble. Every year, this results in many injuries and even casualties.
The rules
- The main advice is not to underestimate the hiking trail, terrain and weather circumstances. And don't overestimate your own physical shape, stamina and hiking experience. Choose trails you're comfortable with and that aren't too challenging. Better be safe than sorry.
- Do not leave the marked route. There are signposts and marks on rocks, fences, etc. that help you to find your way.
- Trails may cross fields with cattle. You're expected to close the fence once you have passed. Do not enter fields unless they're clearly marked as part of the a trail. Cows, in particular when accompanied by calves, can act aggressively when disturbed. Pass them quietly, without sudden moves or hard sounds, and keep at a distance of at least 20 m (65 ft). Do not position yourself between calves and their mother. Do not ever pet or feed cows. Dogs should be kept on the leash when cattle is around. It's even better to avoid cows altogether when walking your dog. If a cow licks your hand that's usually a friendly gesture. Still, it's best to avoid getting close to cows unless there's a fence between you and the cattle.
- Trails are mostly not paved. They're rocky, full of tree roots or steep. Concentrate on the trail while walking. Stop to look around and admire the view.
- Do not pause at places with lots of loose rocks on a slope. A stone avalanche might have taken place here and it can happen again.
- Do not pause very close to brooks. They can transform into a lethal torrent of water due to heavy weather conditions elsewhere. This can occur even quicker if the brook or river is also in use to drain away water from a hydro-electric power station. These kinds of power plants can be found a lot in Switzerland. The amount of water can increase dramatically in no time.
- Do not throw rocks down a slope. Even small stones can be dangerous if they land on lower situated hiking trails. They may even cause stone avalanches.
- Keep an eye on the weather and adjust your plan if the weather turns bad. If necessary, take the shortest route back to a nearby village. A pocket-size barometer seems to come in handy. But the weather forecasts provided by such devices (without height correction) become useless when taking it into the mountains, since air pressure varies with altitude. Forecasts on a mobile phone are more useful.
- Have the phone numbers of rescue services at hand, and contact them in case you need immediate medical assistance. Provide clear information about your location. If your phone does not work at your location, go and get help in the valley or the nearest mountain hut. Keep trying whether your phone can be used again while you are on your way down. Don't hurry too much to prevent more accidents. Leave someone with the victim if possible. Provide the victim with food, drink and a rescue blanket.
- Make sure that someone who's not hiking along knows which route you'll take that day.
- Do not wave to helicopters unless you need help. This will prevent rescue helicopters from making an unnecessary landing. If you do need help, then wave with two arms (shape your body like the letter Y).
- Names of (mostly small) locations may be spelled differently on maps and signposts. Even signposts along the way may use a different spelling for the same location. Some examples are Eggeschwand versus Eggenschwand, Usser Üschene versus Aeusser Üschene and Bussalp versus Büössalp.
- Do not throw away trash. That includes food. Trash and food scraps are harmful to wildlife. Take it along and dispose of it in the next village or your accommodation.
- Hikers greet each other. If you want to greet like the locals do, you would say "grüezi" (Swiss German), "bonjour" (French) or "buongiorno" (Italian), depending on the region you're hiking in.