Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Trails are usually well signposted, sometimes with symbols quaintly painted on tree
trunks. To find a route matching your fitness level and timeframe, pick the brains of local
tourist office staff, who can also supply you with maps and tips. Many offer multiday
'hiking without luggage' packages that include accommodation and luggage transfer
between hotels.
The sky-scraping peaks of the Bavarian Alps are Germany's mountaineering heartland.
Here you can pick between day treks and multiday hut-to-hut clambers, though you'll
need to be reasonably fit and come equipped with the right gear and topographic maps or
GPS. Trails can be steep and narrow, with icy patches lingering even in summer. Before
heading out, seek local advice on routes, equipment and weather. If you're inexperienced,
ask tourist offices about local outfitters offering instruction, equipment rental and guided
tours.
The
Deutscher Alpenverein
(DAV; 089-140 030;
www.alpenverein.de
)
is a gold-
mine of information on hiking and mountaineering, and has local branches in practically
every town. It maintains hundreds of Alpine mountain huts, where you can spend the
night and get a meal. Local DAV chapters also organise courses (climbing, mountaineer-
ing etc), as well as guided treks. If you're planning multiday treks, becoming a member of
the organisation can yield a 30% to 50% discount on Alpine huts and other benefits, in-
cluding insurance.
For climbing routes, gear, walls and more, visit
www.dav-felsinfo.de
,
www.klettern.de
and
www.climbing.de
(all in German).
