Via ferrata - taster session

There are many reasons why you should join a guided hike rather than go it alone:

• Safety: a guided excursion is led by experienced guides who know how to behave in nature and what to do in case of an emergency. They can also give you tips on how to protect yourself from dangerous situations.
• Experience: a guided excursion gives you the opportunity to benefit from the experience and knowledge of the guide. You can ask questions and learn more about nature and the area you are hiking through.
• Relax: On a guided hike, you don't have to worry about where you're going or how you're going to get back. You can just follow the guide's instructions and relax.
• Community: a guided hike is also a great way to meet other people and socialize with like-minded people.

Overall, guided hikes offer many benefits and can be a great way to experience nature and relax.

Required equipment

• A backpack for stowing your belongings
• Appropriate hiking clothes (T-shirts, trekking pants, hiking socks)
• Possibly additional clothing (sweater, hat, gloves)
• Mountain or trekking shoes (no sandals)
• Water bottle with at least 1 liter capacity
• Rain protection
• Sun protection (headgear, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• Personal medication
• Snack (sandwiches, muesli bars, fruit, etc.) - if no stopover is planned

Additional recommended equipment

• Cash
• ID card
• Camera or smartphone
• binoculars
• Insect spray
• Flashlight, headlamp (for night hikes)
• First aid kit
• Hiking sticks

The most convenient and fastest way is online reservation.

Online registration allows you to make a reservation at any time from anywhere, without having to adhere to specific opening hours. Online registration is also usually faster than registering by phone. You can process your reservation in a few minutes instead of having to wait for a long time. In addition, you can see all the details of your reservation at a glance and check if everything is in order at any time. And also for us it offers the advantage that we can automate many processes, saving time and resources.

We are also happy to accept reservations for our hikes by phone.

You can call us anytime at the phone number provided to make your reservation. We will then discuss all the necessary details with you and confirm that your spot is reserved. We are looking forward to your call!

It happens from time to time that seats become available due to cancellations. If you are unable to make a reservation online because this function is blocked, but would still like to attend one of our events, you are welcome to call us. We will then be happy to review the current list of participants and let you know if there may be any remaining spaces available.

If the demand is particularly high, it is sometimes possible that we increase the number of participants to go in several groups. We look forward to hearing from you!

We offer several payment options so you can pay with us in the way that suits you best. Before we start the hike, you will be asked to pay the Geopark guide on site. You can do this in several ways:

• Cash: You can pay the costs in cash at the Geopark guide.
• ATM: If you have a bank card, you are also welcome to use the ATM to pay the costs.
• Credit card: We accept VISA and Mastercard credit cards.

We hope that one of these payment options is suitable for you and would be happy to welcome you soon on one of our guided hikes.

The difficulty level is represented with mountain boots and means as follows:

1 mountain shoe = EASY HIKES

Hikes that lead along well-kept forest, field and meadow paths or small side roads. For the most part, they are flat, with no major elevation changes.

- Pure walking time without breaks/stops between 3-4 hours.
- Distances up to approx. 15 km
- Differences in altitude up to approx. 400 meters

2 mountain boots = EASY TO MODERATE WALKS

The stages generally make low demands on physical fitness, a certain basic level of fitness is an advantage. The terrain may be somewhat uneven or hilly with a few climbs and descents. These tours are excellent if you have some hiking experience.

- Pure walking time without breaks/stops between 4-5 hours.
- Distances up to approx. 20 km
- Differences in altitude up to approx. 600 meters

3 mountain boots = MODERATE HIKING

Good physical condition and some hiking experience. As a rule, the stages lead along classic hiking trails with a low mountain character. The trail conditions are a bit rougher, steeper ascents and descents are possible. In the mountains, these are narrower hiking trails that run at medium altitudes. You should be sure-footed, free from vertigo and have no problem with heights.

- Pure walking time without breaks/stops between 5-7 hours.
- Distances up to approx. 25 km
- Differences in altitude up to approx. 800 meters

4 mountain boots = HIKES

The routes of a often include long hiking days for which you need a very good physical condition. Changing ground conditions in partly uneven, mountainous terrain as well as long ascents and descents on partly steep slopes make these tours ideal for experienced hikers with mountain experience. At higher elevations, the trails are mostly narrow and sometimes exposed. You should be absolutely sure-footed and free from vertigo in rocky and mountainous terrain.

- Pure walking time without breaks/stops between 6-8 hours.
- Daily distances up to approx. 25 km
- Differences in altitude between 1000-1500 meters

5 mountain boots = HEAVY HIKES !

Challenging hikes on paths and climbs in high alpine, rocky and very exposed terrain, partly rope-secured with climbing aids. Sometimes very long and steep ascents and descents. You are partly in remote areas without network coverage on the way. You must be absolutely sure-footed and free from vertigo in mountainous terrain, e.g. on demanding ridge and summit crossings. You may have to cross old snow fields. These hiking tours are suitable for very experienced hikers with alpine knowledge and excellent physical condition.

- Pure walking time without breaks/stops between 6-8 hours.
- Daily distances up to approx. 25 km
- Differences in altitude between 1500-2000 meters

Most of our guided hikes take us into the beautiful nature, which unfortunately is sometimes affected by bad weather. In cases where the weather is announced very bad, we unfortunately have to cancel our hike or after consultation also adjust. Do not worry, we have your contact information (email address and phone number) due to your reservation and will of course inform you.

Surefootedness is an important skill to have on any hike. It means being able to walk safely and confidently over uneven terrain without tripping or falling. Here are some important points to consider when it comes to surefootedness:

• The right footwear: surefootedness starts with the shoe. Walking shoes should fit well, be sturdy and slip-resistant. Sandals or sneakers are not suitable for hiking, as they offer little support. A good hiking shoe or boot is the basis for good surefootedness. It should fit well, provide adequate support and be well padded to protect the feet from impact and pressure.
• Attention: Always be alert and vigilant when you are out and about. Be on the lookout for possible risks or hazards and adjust your speed and footfall accordingly. You should watch out for rocks, roots and other obstacles and, if necessary, lower your gaze to avoid them.
• Good vision: it is important to have a good view of where you are stepping. Make sure you always have enough light or carry a flashlight in case it gets darker.
• Slow down and take it easy: Make haste. Take your time to assess the route ahead and walk slowly and carefully. It's worth taking a little longer, but getting to your destination without falling.
• Against the danger of slipping: always carry something to support yourself, such as a walking stick. On slippery surfaces, such as snow or wet leaves, bracing yourself with your hands can also help.
• Distribute your weight: to keep your balance, it's important to distribute your weight evenly on both feet. This helps prevent tripping and twisting.
• Posture: an upright posture with slightly bent knees can help maintain balance and improve surefootedness. Holding poles or railings can also help stabilize balance.