The hut 1x1
The most important tips for your overnight stay in a hut....
Into nature with mindfulness and responsibility
04.07.2024
More and more people are being drawn to the mountains. Many people ask themselves how to behave properly and what does nature-friendly actually mean? We asked someone who should know: Gottlieb Schwaiger, Head of Operations and a member of the Tyrolean Mountain Rescue Service for 36 years.
The mountain wardens work with great commitment on a voluntary basis for nature conservation in Tyrol by monitoring compliance with the provincial laws (e.g. Nature Conservation Act, Camping Act, Mushroom Protection Ordinance, ...). They do a lot of educational work and try to persuade people to behave carefully in nature. Despite all the tasks of a mountain ranger, the joy of discovering nature together with their comrades is never neglected. There are 12 mandatory missions per year, which are often far exceeded due to the good camaraderie.
(Note: there is a clear difference here to Germany, where the mountain rescue service has the status of the Austrian mountain rescue service).
More and more people are moving to the mountains, what is changing as a result?
Nature, especially the animal world, is getting fewer and fewer rest periods due to new activities, both in summer and winter. In the quest to reach a summit in a certain amount of time, we sometimes lose sight of nature.
What should you generally bear in mind when hiking in nature?
In order to really appreciate and get to know our beautiful nature, which is worth protecting, we should carry out all hikes on the marked and signposted hiking trails or forest paths. You should never go cross-country, as this disturbs nature even more and the dangers for people off the beaten track are even greater (risk of falling, losing your bearings, etc.).
One current topic is the trend towards twilight hikes, which require a certain amount of sensitivity. What points need to be considered?
Sunrise and sunset tours are a special experience in the mountains. If you climb the mountain early in the morning or late in the evening, be a considerate guest in nature. Respect the silence and tranquillity so that you don't disturb the wildlife around you.
Instead of a headlamp with white light, you can use LED headlamps with red light, for example. The red light is perceived by fallow deer and red deer as a grayish tone. Supplemented by slow movements and an appropriate volume, you have already made a very good contribution here.
Our common goal should be to respect nature and its creatures and to preserve it as the place that gives us so much strength.
In addition to the mountain rescue service, the German and Austrian Alpine associations, nature lovers, tourism associations and, of course, mountain and hiking guides who are constantly out and about in nature can provide further tips on nature-friendly behavior.
Our second major topic: garbage and waste on the mountain.
We are already on the right track when it comes to waste. More recyclable bottles and lunch boxes are being used, which means that packaging material has been significantly reduced in recent years.
As a general rule, all waste - including organic waste - must be returned to the valley. Of course, an apple peel rots much faster than a cigarette butt or even a can, but it still does not belong in the natural food chain of wild animals.
Another concern: If you spend many hours on the mountain, it is inevitable that you will need to go to the toilet - but where? Please avoid hay barns, streams, lakes and ponds. If possible, cover the toilet with earth/stones/twigs and, if necessary, swap tissues for toilet paper.
