Hiking tips & Emergency numbers
Tips & information for a safe mountain experience
Breathtaking mountain landscapes, fresh mountain air and peace and quiet away from everyday life await you in our region. To ensure that your hiking day remains safe and relaxed, we have put together important tips and emergency numbers for you.
Important emergency numbers
- European emergency number: 112
- Rescue/mountain rescue Vorarlberg: 144
Write down these numbers or save them directly in your cell phone so that you can act quickly in an emergency.
Well planned is half the battle
Check the route: Find out about the length and difficulty of your tour. Tell relatives or your host your destination and your planned return time.
Current weather report: Mountain weather is unpredictable. Find out about the forecast and get local tips from locals. This way you can avoid unexpected weather surprises.
Plan a time buffer: Start early in the morning and plan enough time reserves so that you can return safely before dark.
The right equipment counts
Pack sturdy shoes, warm clothes, food, sunglasses, sunscreen, a raincoat, a hiking map and a cell phone in case of emergency. A well-packed backpack makes all the difference.
Listen to your body
Assess your fitness realistically: Set the pace according to the weakest in the group. Take breaks and don't overexert yourself - enjoy nature at your own pace.
Drink enough: Drinking lots of water will help you stay fit. However, you should avoid alcohol as it impairs your performance.
Always on the right track
Follow the markings: The hiking trails are uniformly marked - stick to these orientation aids.
Always close pasture fences behind you.
Turn back in good time: If in doubt, it's better to go back earlier. Better safe than sorry!
Enjoying nature with respect
Be considerate: Avoid making noise, don't leave any rubbish behind and follow nature conservation rules. Respect your limits and those of nature - for yourself and for other hikers.
Read more about the "Respect your limits" initiative here.
Security to the Point
Use the location number: All hiking trails in Vorarlberg are marked according to the hiking trail concept and divided into three levels of difficulty. In an emergency, the location number helps to transmit your exact location and enable quick help.
Fair travel: Enjoying nature together
Our region offers you many opportunities to experience nature in your own way. Whether you prefer to hike slowly and unfiltered or enjoy the flexibility of mountain biking to collect as many impressions as possible - one thing remains the same: you want to have a great time in the mountains and are looking for relaxation in your own way. And with a clear thought in mind, everyone can get along well together: sportsmanship!
In our region there are areas where hikers and bikers meet more often. With a conscious approach to one another and a sportsmanship spirit, your time in the mountains will be a real pleasure for you and others!
Sportsmanship: respect for all hikers and bikers
Sometimes you wish you were alone on the trail. Or you would prefer to take the next bend with momentum. But on some trails you share nature with others. With a few simple ideas and a smile, being together becomes pleasant for everyone.
Sportsmanship for hikers on shared paths with bikers
- If there is enough space, move aside with a smile.
- Don't hinder bikers without reason.
Sportsmanship for bikers on shared paths with hikers
- Hikers always have the right of way.
- Use a bell to alert people in good time.
- Pass hikers at walking pace or dismount briefly.
- Brake gently to protect the paths.
Safe on the pastures: Friendly encounters with animals
Like you, cows, sheep, goats and horses also enjoy life outdoors. Thanks to the farmers in our region, they can follow their natural instincts and lead a species-appropriate life on pastures and alpine pastures. But just like us humans, they defend themselves if they feel threatened or their offspring. To avoid misunderstandings when encountering grazing animals, you should follow a few important rules of conduct.
Rules for respectful interaction:
- Keep your distance! Avoid contact with grazing animals, do not feed them and keep your distance.
- Be calm! Do not scare the animals.
- Watch out for mother cows! They protect their calves. Keep dogs away!
- Keep dogs on a short leash! If an attack threatens, take your dog off the leash immediately to get him out of the danger zone.
- Stay on the paths! Do not leave the marked paths on pastures and alpine pastures.
- Grazing animals on the path? Walk past at a great distance.
- Animals approaching? Stay calm, don't turn your back on them, and move out of the way slowly.
- Are animals restless? Leave the pasture quickly but quietly.
- Respect fences! Use existing gates, close them carefully, and cross the pasture quickly.
- Respect people, animals, and nature! Treat everything with respect and caution.
With these simple rules, your encounters with the grazing animals will remain peaceful - and the "moo" friendly!