Walking with children is fun! To ensure that you and your children return back home safe and sound, you can find the best and most important tips for family mountain tours here, without putting yourself in any danger. The tips have been kindly compiled by the ‘Du und die Gefahr’ child safety association!

Route planning

• Plan your tour in detail and adapt the route to suit the weakest in the group.

• With children, routes need to offer plenty of variety and be neither too long nor too steep.
• Take regular breaks, ideally at the mountain huts, viewing platforms, lakes and other attractions.
• A playground, animal enclosure, stream and couple of climbing rocks are available to keep children amused while you take a break.
• Motivate your children en route with games, walking songs and short competitions (e.g. who can find the best walking stick?).
• Stick to the marked trails for your own safety and out of respect for the plants and animals.

The right equipment is essential

• Sturdy walking shoes with a good profile are essential. They ensure you have a good grip even on uneven and slippery ground.
• Waterproofs or water-tight footwear can be an advantage if you need to cross a stream.
• Make sure you always break new shoes in beforehand to avoid blisters forming and spoiling the fun.

• Clothing should be adapted to the weather. Wearing several layers means that you can react quickly to changes in the weather.
• Even in good weather, it is important to take waterproofs with you. The weather can change quickly and unpredictably in the mountains.
• Sun protection is an important part of any basic kit. The intensity of the UV rays increases with altitude.

• If you have small children, it is important to be able to carry them, if need be. There are some great baby carriers about. Pushchairs and buggies are only suitable for solid and less steep terrain.

Your rucksack should contain:

• Plenty of fluids, and ideally warm fluids in a thermos flask
• A light and healthy snack, e.g. fruit, vegetables, bread, muesli bar, biscuits
• Emergency kit with a torch, matches or lighter, first aid kit
• Blanket
• Mobile phone – you can summon help by calling 140 (mountain rescue) or the European emergency number 112
• Walking maps
• For the youngest walkers: spare clothing – even in sunny weather, paddling in a stream can result in damp clothes
• For the youngest walkers: a cuddly toy suitable for mountain adventures!
• For the youngest walkers: sweets - for emergency consolation!