For Comfort and Safety, Choose Proper Walking Footwear

Whether you are an avid hill walker or thinking of taking your first walking holiday, what you wear on your feet is crucial. It can mean the difference between an enjoyable experience and an uncomfortable nightmare. Wearing unsuitable walking shoes or boots can lead to a range of injuries, from throbbing blisters to a serious fall. You would be surprised how many people purchase the first pair of walking footwear they see. This should be avoided. Below are some guiding tips to help you select the right pair outdoor shoes or boots, whether you are going walking in Germany,Switzerland, Austria, Italy and elsewhere abroad, or right in your own backyard. 

What Kind of Hiker Are You?

Before choosing your outdoor footwear, ask yourself if you prefer walking gentle rambles or treacherous trails; if you plan on taking long trips carrying a pack on your back or walking shorter paths; if you plan on covering rough terrain; if you will be walking all year round, rain or shine or just on beautiful summer days…The answer to these questions will reveal to you the footwear make and style, perfect for your feet and outdoor pursuits.

Style and Materials

Generally low-cut walking shoes are suitable for more leisurely walkers who enjoy well- groomed paths with little to no weight on their backs. These types of walking shoes are usually lighter weight and more flexible than the higher cut models. Mid to high-cut walking boots are geared towards those who complete more challenging walks, in terms of length, terrain and/or weight carried, as they provide more support to the ankle region; since they are less flexible, they often need to be broken in. Nowadays, most walking boots come with water-resistant inserts, such as GORE-Tex or e-Vent membranes. These are especially useful for walkers going out for several hours or even multiple days, as the membranes work to keep feet dry. (Wet feet can lead to discomfort, blisters and more serious infections.) The soles of walking boots are also significant for the avid walker and hiker. Ideally soles should have the perfect balance of flexibility, support and durability to suit the walker’s needs. Additionally the sole’s patterning or treads should be designed to grip and protect the walker from a particular terrain. Within the hiking and walking world, Vibram soles are an example of well-respected traction-grip bottoms in the outdoor footwear world.

Fittings

Ideally, you should try on several pairs of walking footwear before purchasing. If you are going to a shop, ask one of the experienced staff to help you. If you are purchasing walkingshoes or boots online, ensure there is a return policy just in case they don’t fit. (You can also contact the online retailer’s customer service line to help you choose your footwear based on your needs and interests). When trying on hiking shoes and boots, you should be wearing the socks you plan on wearing on the trails; ideally they should be walker-friendly, meaning they wick away moisture and provide proper support and padding. For a proper fit, your feet should not slide back and forth within the shoe as you walk, the top of your foot should not be touching the top of the shoe and you should still be able to wiggle your toes.

Can You Guess? Which European city is one of the best Christmas destinations in the world?

In 2010, CNN GO ranked this city among the world’s top 10 Christmas destinations and NEWSMAX classed it among the top five places to spend yuletide. Last year, Sympatico.ca Travel included the city among its top five places for a traditional Christmas experience and over the years, Travel + Leisure magazine has, at least three times, recommended visiting this city during the festive season. Can you guess which city we’re talking about? While London, Vienna, Munich and Prague are all wonderful places to visit this time of year, the particular city we have in mind is Salzburg located in Salzburger Land! 

And for those who enjoy walking, this Austrian city is especially pleasing to explore on foot during the Christmas season. You can stroll around Altstadt (Salzburg’s Old Town, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site) decorated with gorgeous ornaments and lights, discover the various nativity scenes around the city, walk among the surrounding hills for stunning snow-clad views of the town and then take a rest while enjoying one of Salzburg’s many Christmas concerts (or at the “Silent Night” museum in nearby Oberndorf). But perhaps what is most special about Salzburg’s Advent season are the numerous Christmas markets that set up all around the city. The oldest, dating back to the 15^th century, and probably the most frequented, is the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt (Salzburg Christmas Market) located in the Domplatz (Cathedral Square). Upon arrival, you’ll instantly notice the pleasing smells of mulled wine and roasting chestnuts, hear the music from a live choir or brass band and see almost 100 vendors set up in traditional wooden stands against a backdrop of beautiful yuletide décor. 

Whether you are looking for some Christmas gifts for your loved ones (such as toys, jewellery, clothing and handcrafted items), some seasonal décor (such as wreaths and incense) or traditionally delicious treats (such as chocolates, pretzels and “lebkuchen” aka gingerbread), this market will meet your needs. Salzburg boast numerous other Christmas bazaars, including ones at Hellbrun Palace, Waldif Anif park, with artistic installations surrounding its lake, and Mirabell Palace, to just name a few. (Christmas market season kicks into gear at least four weeks before the 24^th of December. 

For a completely unique Christmas experience that will make you feel that same magic you felt as a child, visit Salzburg and discover its wonderful music, ambience, décor and enchanting open air markets.

A Stroll (or Trek) through the Allgäu Alps

Hiking in the Allgäu Alps, Germany

The Tourist Boards of Munich – Upper Bavaria and Allgäu describe the Allgäu Alps as “a place where all is still right with the world”.

Perhaps it is fitting then that we end our series of Bavarian blogs with this idyllic and mesmerizing mountain range. Those who enjoy exploring an area on foot will especially like this region hugged by Austria, Upper Bavaria and Lake Constance. “Go hiking or cycling through unspoilt nature, to calm fens and hidden lakes ideal for bathing, past neat farmhouses whose balconies are laden with flame-red geraniums…go from one mountain hut to another, climb famous peaks, enjoy fantastic panoramic views and conquer the remote world of the chamois, the ibex and the marmot,” add the Tourist Boards.

The Allgäu Alps boast 7,000 km (4,350 mi) of walking and hiking trails. Although mountain climbers may be used to higher ascents, the region’s biodiversity and landscape variety are rarely surpassed. There are also plenty of unique cultural opportunities as well, from indulging in renowned local cheeses to visiting historical landmarks like Neuschwanstein Castle and St. Mang Abbey.

Here are just some of the hiking highlights of the Allgäu Alps:

Eastern Allgäu: Eastern Allgäu is home to Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein (King Ludwig’s fairytale castles). While there you can climb up to the top of Tegelberg (1,881 m) to see stunning views of the royal fortresses, Lake Forggensee and the surrounding Alps. Although it takes approximately 3.5 hours each way, the hike is not overly strenuous. You can also choose to take the Tegelberg cable car for the ascent or descent. Also from the town of Füssen alone, there are 200 km of countryside trails.

Upper Allgäu: Oberstdorf located within Upper Allgäu is often dubbed the “hiking village”. The village’s 220 square kilometres is made up of a multitude of mountains (including the ten highest peaks of the Allgäu Alps) and valleys. Seventy-five percent of the area has conservation or nature reserve status. You may choose to hike up one of the many mounts, such as Nebelhorn (2,224 m) where on a clear day you can observe up to 400 neighbouring peaks. (You can also take a cable car and enjoy more leisurely strolls at the top). Alternatively, you may opt for a more relaxing ramble, such as at the nearby Breitachklamm gorge, a trek fun for all ages.

Western Allgäu: Western Allgäu is known for its serene and pristine landscapes of lush forests, rolling hills and vivid lakes. Boundless kilometres of both leisurely and challenging trails await you. For example, the Nagelfluhkette nature park alone offers 300 km of short and long distance trails. While navigating the paths you may see a wealth of wildlife including capercaillie, mountain apollos and golden eagles.

We hope you have enjoyed our series on the Bavarian Alps. Now it is time for you to experience this German wonder for yourself!

Fall in Love on Foot



Lake Eibsee and Mt. Zugspitze

Bavaria is a region where individuals either fall in love or renew their love for walking and hiking. “Hiking is Bavaria's favorite pastime,” states Frommer’s.

"Locals believe firmly in the emotional and spiritual benefits of walking and mountain climbing and tend to hit the trails the moment the snows melt”. Some of Europe’s best trekking opportunities are found in the Upper Bavarian Alps. (If you have read our previous blog posts, the Ettal Abbey, the town of Oberammergau, Neuschwanstein Castle, the Romantic Road and other attractions are located in this area).

The Upper Bavarian Alps offer a selection of trails for both rookie and veteran hikers to choose from. One popular hiking region surrounds Garmisch-Partenkirchen, dubbed Germany’s top “walker’s hub”. From this alpine resort town you can access several mountains in the Wetterstein Mountains. Those looking for leisurely hikes will enjoy the lower slopes of Mt. Eckbauer. Then you can take a cable car to its 1,240m (4,070ft.) tall summit to enjoy fresh buttermilk in an authentic Berggasthof. Famous Mt. Zugspitze (2,962m or 9,718ft) is also a part of the Wetterstein Mountains and is Germany’s tallest peak. Those most seasoned hikers take several hours to several days to climb to the top depending on the route they take. You can also take a cable car to the summit, where you can see over 400 mountain peaks on a clear day. On your way to the top, you can stop for some beautiful walking opportunities, such as a two-hour stroll around the deep blue, glacial waters of Lake Eibsee.

Another hiking region in the Upper Bavarian Alps is Berchtesgadener Land. The area, surrounded by six distinct alpine ranges, boasts well-marked trails for all ability levels. One recommendation is a two to three-hour hike up through Almbach Gorge which passes by a series of vibrant waterfalls and natural pools. You can also visit the only national park located in the German Alps - National Park Berchtesgaden – which offers a plethora of trails from those accessible to wheelchairs and hikes that are two-to-three hours long to eight hour treks and steep climbs.

This does not even scratch the surface of the walking and hiking opportunities in the Upper Bavarian Alps. Whether you want to stroll through a meadow in full bloom, mix culture with the great outdoors or challenge yourself to the ultimate climb, this region has it all. For more information, visit TouchingNature.co.uk.

Fire, Folk & Fare - Bavarian Alps Upcoming Events

There are numerous festivals and activities that take place all year round throughout Bavaria. And if you’ve read our previous blog posts on the region’s history, culture and attractions, you will have an even deeper understanding of the significance or lure of these top events. Here’s a sneak peak of just some of the happenings taking place in the Bavarian Alps for the remainder of the calendar year.

August 10 – 20, 2012 – The Gäuboden Folk Festival (Straubing)

This world renowned festival, founded by King Maximilian I Joseph of Bavaria, is celebrating its 200^th anniversary this year. Attending the festival will allow you to go back in time and experience carnival rides, beer tents and cuisine representing traditions 100 or more years old. Bavaria’s largest, temporary shopping market will coincide with the festival and will consist of 700 exhibitors and vendors.

August 24, 2012 – King Ludwig II’s Mountain Fire (Oberammergau)

Since 1888, Oberammergau, a town with a thriving arts and culture scene, has been hosting a celebration to honour the fairytale king’s birthday. Local musicians march up the surrounding mountains while playing traditional tunes. Then spectators are treated to the lighting of bon fires that create wonderfully, luminous designs.

September 14 – October 13, 2012 - Bad Füssinger Kulturfestival

Bad Füssing is known for its spa resort with its natural hot spring pools and saunas that make for an immensely therapeutic and relaxing experience. The town has also been hosting an annual cultural festival since 2000. It is comprised of talents from all over the world showcasing operas, cabarets, orchestral numbers, theatre, exhibitions, films and more.

September 22 – October 7, 2012 – Oktoberfest (Munich)

Join millions of people and attend Oktoberfest in Munich, the city where this traditional festival was born. Partake in local beer (only beer brewed within Munich’s city limits is served) along with music, food, rides and sideshows inside the various tents set up along Wirtsbudenstraße.

December 2012 – Many Bavarian cities and towns have Christmas markets that operate seven days a week and well into the evening. Most begin setting up on November 29^th or 30^th and run until December 23^rd. The town square set-ups will put you into the holiday spirit as stalls are decorated in true Christmas style, vending toys, crafts, gingerbread and other baked goods, mulled wine and other traditional specialties. Christmas carollers and performers often add to the festive atmosphere.

These are just a sample of the events set to take place during the remainder of 2012. Whether you plan on visiting soon or next year, the Bavarian Alps offer occasions every month that appeal to practically every kind of passion.