Eine Wanderin auf einem schmalen Pfad im Gebirge. Man sieht ein beeindruckendes Bergwelt-Panorama.

Long-distance hiking: Travel blogger Lisa about her adventurous hiking trips

 "Discovering the world on foot is like a journey to yourself." Lisa (35) is an experienced hiker and outdoor enthusiast and shares her passion in her blog and on Instagram with tens of thousands of fans. Under the title " Adventure Moments", the globetrotter publishes her experiences, documents successes and recommends various routes for beginners and advanced hikers . In an interview with Dextro Energy*, Lisa presents this special sport in more detail. She talks about her motivation to take on the extensive hiking trips while long-distance hiking, describes her greatest challenges and reveals the best tips .

Hi Lisa, you regularly go on long hiking trips. Can you briefly explain what makes long-distance hiking so special?

Long-distance hiking involves covering long distances on foot over several days or even weeks - often on clearly defined routes. There is no exact definition of when long-distance hiking is, but it is usually between five and 30 daily stages. The focus is not only on the sporting challenge, but above all on the experience of intensively discovering the world step by step. The special thing about long-distance hiking is the unique combination of experiencing nature, physical exercise and mental deceleration. You notice details that are often overlooked in everyday life and experience the world at a pace that has become rare in the age of social media and the like.

How did you get into long-distance hiking and what motivates you to keep going on new trips?

My introduction to long-distance hiking began with a special experience: climbing Kilimanjaro. I was on the road for eight days and was able to experience what it really means to connect with nature. Although I had already hiked many day trips before, this tour was a completely new experience. A year later, I went on my first solo hike with a tent in Patagonia, also for eight days. Setting off every morning, experiencing the constantly changing landscape, exploring your own limits and being on your own - that was indescribable and had a profound impact. This long-distance hike showed me how much strength and peace there is in the simplicity of hiking. I rarely experience this feeling of freedom and can leave everyday life behind me like this. At the same time, I always face new challenges and manage to grow beyond myself.

 

Why long-distance hiking? That's why: During her adventures in nature, Lisa experiences the here and now.

Which long-distance hiking trails are particularly well-known and which hiking trips would you recommend?

From Austrian or Italian long-distance hiking trails in the Alps and Dolomites to pilgrimage routes such as the Way of St. James: There are numerous official hiking trails throughout Europe and beyond. The European Ramblers' Association (ERA), for example, coordinates 12 marked routes. These long-distance hiking trails E1 to E12 offer the opportunity to experience European countries and cultures in a unique way. From guided hiking tours to hikes for solo travelers, beginners and advanced hikers can choose between different levels of difficulty.

      The 12 routes are [1] :

     E1 from the North Cape to Sicily

     E2 from Galway to Nice

     E3 from Santiago de Compostela to Nessebar

     E4 from Cape St. Vincent to Cyprus

     E5 from Pointe du Raz to Verona

     E6 from Pointe du Raz to Venice

     E7 from Kipisjärvi to Dardanelles

     E8 from the Canary Islands to Ukraine

     E9 from Dursey to Istanbul

     E 10 from Cape St. Vincent to Narca-Joesuu

     E 11 from The Hague to Poland

     E 12 from Spain to the Adriatic Sea 

Lisa's tips: 

     Crossing the Alps: Long-distance hiking trail from Tegernsee to Sterzing, about 100 km, about 7 days, moderate → Lisa's experience

     Kungsleden (King's Trail): approx. 440 km through the Swedish wilderness in the north of the country, 15-20 days, moderate to challenging

     Lechweg: Relaxed, approx. 125 km long route along the Lech from Austria to Germany, 6-7 days, easy to moderate → Lisa's experience

     GR 20 in Corsica: Challenging, approx. 180 km long route across the mountains of Corsica, about 15 days, one of the most difficult long-distance hiking trails in Europe

     West Highland Way: approx. 154 km through the Scottish Highlands from Glasgow to Fort William, 6-8 days, moderate with challenging sections

What physical and mental benefits does long-distance hiking offer compared to other outdoor activities?

Long-distance hiking puts your stamina and resilience to the test over several days: you are constantly moving, often over different types of terrain and under changing conditions. This challenges the body in many different ways, strengthens the muscles and promotes endurance in the long term. The immune system benefits from the fresh air and sunlight that you are exposed to in nature. Long-distance hiking is also an extraordinary experience for the psyche - mental resilience and general inner strength are promoted. You are often alone with your thoughts for long periods of time, have time to look within yourself and reflect. At the same time, nature is a great way to clear your head and the minimalist equipment teaches you to appreciate the important things in life again.

What tips do you have for people who want to start long-distance hiking?

Many long-distance hiking trails are far from good infrastructure and civilization as we know it. That's why I recommend that beginners start easy so they can slowly get used to the sport.

Lisa's tips:

     Start small: Begin with shorter hikes and slowly increase the length and weight of the pack.

     Turn a long-distance hike into your long-distance hike: take friends with you or go solo, choose a route and a time that suits you.

     Train regularly: Improve your endurance and supplement with strength exercises.

     Plan breaks and recovery: Give your body time to get used to the strain.

     Prepare yourself mentally: Be ready for long periods of time alone and be flexible in changing conditions.

     Invest in proper footwear and equipment: Good hiking boots and a suitable backpack are essential. What do you think should be taken into account when planning a route and navigating?

What do you think should be taken into account when planning a route and navigating?

Thorough preparation is the key to a successful long-distance hike. I like to use apps like Komoot, Outdooractive or Strava for planning and navigation.

Lisa's tips:

     Plan early: Find out about the route, terrain, elevation changes and weather conditions.

     Set precise daily stages: Plan realistically and based on your fitness level.

     Use navigation apps or GPS: An offline map app or GPS device is essential.

     Create a contingency plan: Plan alternate routes for unexpected difficulties (such as weather and road closures).

What training can best prepare you for long-distance hikes?

Start by training your basic endurance: start with shorter hikes (e.g. first 10, then 20-30 km day hikes) or running sessions and increase them over time, for example by incorporating more and more elevation gain. Train with luggage every now and then so that your body and back get used to the additional strain. When hiking, the legs, torso and back are particularly stressed. Targeted strength training can strengthen the necessary muscles and prevent muscle soreness.

Lisa's tips:

     Squats: Squat down as if you were going to sit on a chair, upper body upright, weight on heels, then straighten up again.

     Lunges: Take a big step forward, bend your front knee at a right angle, lower your back knee almost to the floor, then return to the starting position.

     Planks: Support yourself on your forearms and toes, keep your body straight like a board, and tighten your torso and core.

     Mountain Climbers: In push-up position, alternately pull your knees quickly toward your chest as if you were running.

     Bridge: Lie on your back, place your feet and hands on the floor, lift your pelvis and tighten your gluteal muscles.

     One-legged stand: Stand on one leg, build body tension, maintain balance.

     Calf raises: Stand on your tiptoes, stay there for a moment, then slowly lower yourself again.

What are the biggest challenges and dangers for long-distance hikers?

Even with a lot of experience and good preparation, this extreme sport is always a little unpredictable. The biggest dangers include bad weather (rain, snow, cold), overestimating your abilities, exhaustion or injury, and lack of water or dehydration. This makes it all the more important to listen to yourself, have emergency plans and get all the information you need: During my trip to Patagonia, I had to cross a pass and it was storming so hard that I could hardly stand on my feet - I was very grateful for my hiking poles, which I had always described as old-fashioned.

Lisa's tips:

     Build a good basic fitness

     Listen to your body, take breaks and stretch

     Think positive and focus on the little things along the way

     Be prepared for sudden changes in the weather, especially in the mountains

     Plan regular meals and snacks to keep energy levels stable

What is the essential equipment for a long-distance hike?

Your equipment should be perfectly tailored to you and withstand a wide range of conditions. So pay particular attention to good quality and try out clothing and hiking aids before you decide. Plan your food accordingly depending on your long-distance hiking route and the circumstances of your trip (guided/alone/group, etc.). Are there places to stop for refreshments along the way or do you provide for yourself? It is important that you consume enough carbohydrates - and proteins for regeneration. I like to take nuts and dried fruit as well as chocolate as a reward. And something that is always in my backpack on day trips and multi-day hiking trips: a glucose cube from Dextro Energy* . For an additional carbohydrate boost in between meals, there are either practical Energy Gums* , a quick Liquid Gel or a delicious Energy Bar* for a small hunger pang. [2] 

Lisa's tips:

     Well-fitting backpack

     High-quality hiking boots, comfortable socks

     Clothing according to the onion principle, including windproof jacket and rain jacket

     navigation system or power bank for the mobile phone

     first aid kit

     Sufficient water and snacks

Are you now interested in long-distance hiking or other outdoor adventures? On Lisa's blog and on her Instagram profile you will find exciting travel destinations, routes and inspiration - take a look.

“Sometimes it’s worth it to just go out, leave everyday life behind, let nature work its magic on you, to feel again what is often far away: the here and now.” – Lisa from Abenteuermomente

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* contains carbohydrates

A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important.

 

 


according to europas-fernwanderwege.com