Munich (dpa/tmn)
Today you don’t necessarily need an analogue map for hiking – there are also many routes on the Internet. Often free. But: What is online can be very different in reality.
On many hiking tours, the analogue map now stays at home. Why carry the paper with you when tour descriptions are available online and you can use apps on your smartphone to guide you?
That’s all correct, only: Tour descriptions from the Internet are not without pitfalls. The German Alpine Association (DAV) therefore advises not to rely blindly and solely on them.
Because that can be dangerous – as the example of a group of 99 students and eight companions last June who had to be rescued in the Alps showed. The teachers found the tour online, but the information was misleading: the route turned out to be much more risky than described.
So that something like this doesn’t happen to you, he gives DAV Five tips for using digital tour portals:
1. The tours can be described very differently on different portals and in hiking guides. That’s why you should definitely check and compare several sources.
2. Pay attention to the tour author and consider their experience and fitness level. Because: A tour that a pro considers rather easy can push beginners to the limit on the mountain.
3. Check current local conditions and adjust your tour accordingly. Keep your eyes open on the mountain itself and don’t just trust the information in the hiking app.
4. This also applies in another context: because smartphones can break or the battery can run out. In the end, it’s always better to also have analog tools like maps, compass and altimeter in your backpack. And a power bank – for weak batteries.
5. Nothing works on the mountain without a realistic self-assessment. So: When in doubt, turn back rather than take unnecessary risks.
