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Stay safe in the Wildkogel Arena

How to behave when hiking

In these hectic, restless and stressful times in which we all find ourselves, our magnificent mountain landscape and its beautiful valleys offer you a wonderful opportunity to leave the drudgery of everyday life behind for a while. Here, surrounded by the crisp, healthy mountain air, you will be able to do just that, and you will find great joy and relaxation.

10 basic rules for safe hiking

  • Before every mountain hike, assess your own fitness and accurately gauge your own strength and that of your companions – particularly that of your children. The length of the hike should be determined accordingly.
  • Plan each hike carefully. Information from hiking maps, accommodation providers and mountain hut owners can be very helpful.
  • Make sure you have the necessary equipment, plenty of provisions and check the weather forecast.
  • Always let your landlord or friends know your destination and when you plan to return. Enter your destination and route in the hut and summit logs. In an emergency, this will help people find you quickly and easily.
  • Adjust your pace to match your own fitness level and that of your companions. The pace should always be set according to the least fit member of the group. Walking too fast will lead to premature exhaustion. Remember: you will usually have to make the return journey as well.
  • Please stay on the marked paths. Walking on steep grassy slopes (especially when wet), snowfields or glaciers is always dangerous.
  • Watch out for falling rocks, which are often dislodged by animals such as chamois, sheep, etc., and do not kick stones yourself. Doing so puts other hikers at risk.
  • If you are not fit enough or if bad weather is on the way, turn back in good time. There is no shame in this; it is simply a sign of caution.
  • Stay calm if an accident should occur! Please follow the rules set out separately.
  • Keep the mountains clean!
Vier Menschen entspannen auf einer Berghütte bei sonnigem Wetter. Im Vordergrund trinkt eine Frau aus einer pinken Flasche. Sie trägt Sportkleidung und eine Sonnenbrille.

Essential hiking gear

It’s best to take the following equipment with you on every hike, as having the right basic gear is sure to make every hike an experience:

  • Sturdy footwear with a treaded sole
  • Rucksack
  • Sunscreen
  • Windproof outer layer, warm clothing
  • Sufficient drinks and provisions
  • Small first-aid kit (gauze bandage, adhesive tape, plasters, scissors or knife)
  • Navigation aids such as a hiking map, etc.
  • A mobile phone is also helpful (especially in emergencies), although it may not work everywhere


10 rules for the proper care of grazing animals

  • Avoid contact with grazing livestock, do not feed the animals, and keep a safe distance!
  • Do not tease or stroke the animals – particular care should be taken with young animals – mothers will try to defend their young out of a protective instinct!
  • Mother cows protect their calves. Avoid encounters between mother cows and dogs!
  • Always keep dogs under control and on a short lead. If an attack by a grazing animal appears imminent: Let them off the lead immediately!
  • Do not stray from the footpaths on mountain pastures and meadows!
  • If grazing livestock are blocking the path, go around them keeping as much distance as possible and don’t show any fear!
  • If grazing livestock approaches: stay calm, do not turn your back, and move out of their way!
  • Leave the pasture immediately at the first sign of the animals becoming restless!
  • Please be aware of fences! If there is a gate, use it, then close it properly and cross the pasture quickly!
  • Please treat the people who work here, the natural environment and the animals with respect!
Eine braune Kuh grast auf einer saftig grünen Almwiese vor einer wunderschönen Bergkulisse mit schneebedeckten Gipfeln unter einem klaren blauen Himmel.

How to behave around grazing livestock

This applies in particular to walkers accompanied by their dogs. Always keep your dog on a lead and under no circumstances allow it to chase animals. However, if an animal attacks your dog whilst it is on a lead, do not try to restrain it; for your own safety, simply let it run free.

What to do during a thunderstorm

If, despite careful planning, you find yourself caught in a thunderstorm whilst in the mountains, avoid staying in the following places:
  • At the summit
  • On ridges
  • Under isolated trees
  • Near watercourses
  • At the foot of rock faces
  • At the entrance to caves
  • Near high-voltage power lines
Instead, look for valleys and low-lying areas. However, only a safe shelter or a car offers real protection.

A thunderstorm does not arrive within a matter of minutes. There are warning signs and alarm signals that appear beforehand. Please take note of these and turn back if you notice such signs:
  • Warning signs of a thunderstorm: muggy air, cumulonimbus clouds
  • Alarm signals: cumulonimbus clouds with dark undersides, ragged edges, distant rumblings of thunder

What to do in an emergency

Stay calm if an accident occurs! Try to call for help using your mobile phone or by making signals such as shouting, whistling or waving large items of clothing. When doing so, state who you are, what has happened and where you are. Seriously injured people should, if possible, remain in a clearly visible spot at the scene of the accident, but outside any potential danger zones. Never leave injured people alone!

Important telephone numbers:
  • European emergency number: 112
  • Mountain rescue: 140
  • Ambulance: 144

Recognising and correctly assessing weather hazards in the mountains