München.
With rising temperatures and the awakening of nature, the wanderlust comes back. Tours in spring require particularly good preparation, especially in the mountains. And extra baggage.
The meadows and alpine pastures are in bloom again: the hiking season begins with spring. However, if you have hardly done any sport during the winter, you should not start with a high mountain tour right away: if you are still in good shape, the best way to get your ligaments, tendons and muscles used to exercise is with a moderate hike, advises the German Alpine Club in Munich.
The DAV recommends short tours on easy trails that at most lead to flat peaks at medium altitudes. Once you’ve warmed up, you can gradually increase the length and difficulty.
Regardless of fitness level, hikers should expect changeable conditions. Even if the sun warms up some valleys to 20 degrees – if you go into the mountains, you will still find snow and ice in the forest or in other shady areas. Paths are muddy due to dew water. According to the DAV, good hiking shoes with a deep profile sole to prevent slipping are therefore advisable.
additional clothing and sunscreen
Warm additional clothing belongs in the hiking backpack because the temperature differences can still be particularly large – for example, when the descent leads from a sunny south-facing slope into a shady forest: gloves, hat, rain jacket, a shirt to change and an additional warm jacket.
Changes in the weather are particularly typical in spring. Therefore, a good tour preparation also includes a look at the weather report. The DAV provides information on the mountain weather in the Alps and low mountain ranges on its own Website. Because the sun’s rays become more intense with altitude, sun protection with a sun protection factor of 30 and above should be applied. And sunglasses with UV protection are also part of the hiking equipment. (dpa)
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