Nordic Walking – Lose Weight and Get Fit the Fun Way

Nordic Walker

Nordic Walking was originally invented for top cross-country skiers, enabling them to train during the summer months. However, the sport grew in popularity and it is now regarded as one of the healthiest activities in the world.

Nordic Walkers often look as if they are simply taking a leisurely stroll with the help of two poles. First impressions, however, can be wrong: the poles help to give the upper body a serious workout, strengthening the arms and tightening the shoulder and chest muscles. At the same time, the motion releases tension in the neck and shoulder areas.

Nordic walking is, in fact, a great fat burner – with 46 percent more calories burned than through regular walking. This is one of the main reasons why doctors recommend Nordic Walking to those wanting to lose weight. No other endurance sport can help condition the body in such a gentle fashion - all the while boosting the circulatory system and improving overall body tone. Nordic Walking is therefore also an ideal exercise for senior citizens and people with weight issues.

Whereas joggers, over time, often experience problems with their knees, ankles, meniscus or Achilles tendons, the Nordic Walker will rarely encounter these, as brisk walking with two poles is quite gentle on the joints (30% better than jogging, according to the experts). The poles offer 5kg of relief with every step.  Therefore, in 30 minutes, the body has been saved roughly 9000 kilograms of impact, compared with ordinary walking.

Besides decent footwear, the poles are your most important piece of Nordic Walking kit. To ensure optimum natural motion, it is important that they are the right size for you. To calculate the length you need, simply multiply your height (metric) by 0.66 – this will give you the correct pole length, in centimetres.

Hiking from Lake Karersee to the Latemar Rock Labyrinth

Lake Karersee, Dolomites

A wonderful, extended hike from Lake Karersee to the Latemar rock labyrinth with glorious views of the Rosengarten (another Dolomite massif). This walk is particularly recommended during early summer when the snows have melted and the Karersee’s water has been sufficiently replenished to reflect the unique beauty of the Latemar.

The magical Rosengarten Mountain, once the domain of the legendary dwarf king Laurin, and the Latemar mountain range are amongst the most popular attractions in South Tyrol. Hikers may have to extend their holidays to explore everything the region has to offer. The trail network alone extends to more than 530 km, through mountain pastures and forests and up to the pale mountains themselves: the Dolomite Alps. It offers varying degrees of difficulty, catering for the novice as well as the experienced hiker.

The trail leads us to the Rosengarten-Latemar, the most westerly range of the Dolomites. The Rosengarten-Latemar resembles a craggy wall, consisting of a spectacular array of shapes such as rock banks, pointed pillars and spires.

Located between the two formations – Rosengarten and Latemar – is the Karerpass (the Karer mountain pass). The Karersee, a stunningly beautiful small lake, nestles between dense forests and appears to be crowned by the spikes and peaks of the Latemar-Rosengarten mountains. It’s just a short stroll around the lake, even suitable for children, but we want to make it up to the Latermar rock labyrinth. An exceptional hiking trail, where one has to climb over majestic rocks or squeeze through narrow gaps.

Trail Description

Starting point is the Karersee car park. The Karersee (1561 m) itself is accessible via the ‘Groβe Dolomitenstrasse‘, the SS241, east of Bolzano in Italy.

From the car park, we cross the ‘Dolomitenstrasse‘and the take forest path No. 11 in the right-hand direction around the Karersee, up to the tall spruce forest. After approx. 1 hour, the path branches off to the ‘Sagenwanderung‘, which we ignore and instead continue on path No. 11 until we reach the ‘Mitterleger‘, where a small brook invites us to take a short rest. Here, surrounded by massive rocks, we take path No. 20 to the left. About 30 minutes later, after leaving the beautiful larch forest, we reach the rock labyrinth at the foot of the Latemar. The labyrinth is a group of large boulders, caused by a rockslide, dating back a long time ago. The path now leads through an interesting rock landscape, where we occasionally have to crawl through some tight spots, down to the Latemar meadows. In early summer especially the meadows are strewn with gentian and many other wild flower varieties. After another short rest, we continue slightly uphill on path No. 20. About 10 minutes later we stay on the right on path No. 18 and shortly after we turn left onto path No. 13 in the direction of the Latemar mountain pasture. Through a wonderful meadow (offering spectacular views of the Latemar) we continue on path No. 13 to the next crossroads. From here we follow path No. 17, first down the meadow and then through the forest in the direction of the Karerpass. We reach the Karerpass through yet another meadow and then take a left on path No. 21 back towards Karersee. We now hike mostly through the forest. At the crossroads with path No. 18, we continue to the right until we reach the ‘Dolomitenstrasse‘. Here we take the parallel path No. 10 back to the Karersee.

Sights along the Danube: The Wachau Valley in Lower Austria

Melk Abbey

Melk Abbey

For more than 900 years, Melk Abbey has been regarded as Austria’s foremost spiritual and cultural center. Its walls house a fascinating museum, informing visitors of its history and present-day use. The Abbey’s interior includes a number of highly impressive features such as the marble hall and the library. The views across the Danube valley are spectacular and the Abbey’s late baroque church is an extravagant edifice, built to glorify God. The Abbey grounds, featuring a baroque pavilion, the ‘Benediktusweg’ (St. Benedict’s Walk),’talking stones’ and the ‘Little Paradise’ garden, invite the visitor to relax and re-energize.

Göttweig Abbey

Owing to its magnificent location, this baroque Benedictine monastery is often referred to as Austria’s ‘Monte Cassino’. Particularly impressive are the monumental ‘Kaiserstiege’ (Emperors’ Stairs), adorned with Paul Troger’s famous fresco, the Abbey church and the former imperial rooms, which now house alternating exhibitions. At the foot of the Göttweiger mountain, the visitor can admire 125 year old giant redwoods and other exotic trees. The educational nature trail to the arboretum displays over 50 species of trees and other flora rarities from all over the world. The restaurant offers wonderful views over the Danube valley.

Artstetten Castle

This magical castle, with its seven distinguished onion domes, is the imperial family’s former summer residence. The heir apparent, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and his wife are buried in the castle grounds. The Archduke Franz Ferdinand Museum provides additional information. Impressive ancient trees, such as copper beech and white cedar, are some of the castle garden’s attractions.

Schallaburg Castle

Schallaburg Castle is not only one of the most beautiful renaissance castles north of the Alps, it is also widely known for its first-grade, annually changing cultural, historical and archaeological exhibitions.

The Ruins of Castle Aggstein

The castle ruins are majestically situated at about 300 metres altitude above the Danube. Legend has it that this is where robber baron Jörg (Georg) Scheck von Wald (Jörg Scheck of the Forest) held his captives hostage in the ‘Rosengärtlein’ (the little rose garden). Today’s visitors are captivated by the romantic ambience of the castle ruins.

A Swiss Holiday is a Nature Walker’s Ideal Destination

Mt. Säntis (the one in the clouds...)

Switzerland is a natural paradise for those looking for either a peaceful walking holiday or an adventure hiking experience. The country’s terrain is wonderfully diverse, making each trail you take seem completely different. Switzerland is also culturally rich, as it surrounded by Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Italy and France. And through most of your Switzerland holiday, the Alps mountain range will loom as an enchanting constant.

Let’s delve a little deeper into some Switzerland walking opportunities:

Lake Geneva is found in western Switzerland on the French border. In this area, you can walk alongside wine terroirs, cross the Tsanfleuron Glacier, walk through the lush Forêt du Roud, climb to the top of the Geteillon mountain peak (2015 metres) and walk along ancient paths to view archaeological sites from the Roman Empire. You can spend your nights in Geneva, the culinary capital of Switzerland, to dine at a Michelin star restaurant, attend a wine tasting or visit one of the local markets. Switzerland accommodations are available in Geneva, Montreux and Lausanne; Switzerland chalets are scattered throughout the Lake Geneva/Lake Léman area.

The Bernese Oberland is a natural oasis that will constantly make you exhale with pleasure. Its landscape is a mixture of rolling hills, alpine lakes, rocky terrain and striking mountain peaks. You can take a train from the town of Interlaken to Jungfraujoch (3450 metres) and hike amongst the peak’s glaciers all the way to the alpine shelter Moenchsjochhuette. Also in this area is the Lauterbrunnen village that lies at the bottom of a valley of the same name. To many alpine hikers and walkers, it is the most breathtaking valley in all of Europe as is surrounded by lush green, bluffs and waterfalls. Various mountain resorts and Swiss chalets are found within the valley or nearby in the towns of Grindelwald, Wengen and Mürren.

In and around the town of Zermatt there lies over 400 km of walking and hiking trails. You have the option of a leisurely stroll throughout the valley or to challenge yourself on one of the mountainous hikes. Take a train to the Matterhorn glacier, the highest railway station in all of Europe (3,883 metres), and enjoy a panoramic view that includes France’s Mont Blanc peak, the highest of the Alps, plus the highest of the Swiss Alps, Monte Rosa (4634 metres). When in this area of the country, you must also visit the town of Brig, in the Valais canton. Only a 60-minute cogwheel train journey between the two towns, Brig has a captivating historic quarter, the Stockalper Palace and over 150 km of Switzerland walking trails.

Even though Switzerland is a landlocked country, you can still experience some Mediterranean flair in Ticino where all the locals speak Italian. In the southernmost portion of Switzerland, Ticino is near the Italian-Swiss border and offers opportunities for palm-tree lined promenades around Lake Lucano or over 3,000 km of walking trails up mountains and through forest. You can also cycle or mountain bike on a slew of specialized paths. When your stomach grumbles, you will not be disappointed with the traditional cuisine and fine dining the region has to offer.

Lucerne is regarded as the true capital of Switzerland and can act as your base camp for the central region of the country. You can explore the gorgeous Lake Lucerne by paddle boat or on foot. You can also take a boat from Lucerne to access “The Swiss Path”, a thematic trail that was collaboratively created by all of Switzerland’s 26 cantons. A myriad of alpine excursions are easily accessible from Lucerne that involve travel by cable car, cog wheel train or on foot. Don’t forget to explore the city of Lucerne itself to take in the remarkable architecture, museums, shops and restaurants.

In the south-eastern part of Switzerland, the Graubunden canton is a more pristine, rustic setting and is less touristy than other parts of the country. As you stroll around this part of the country, you will see some of the most impressive views of mountains, cosy towns nestled into valleys, deep blue alpine lakes and a national park that straddles the Italian-Swiss border. In this canton you may also visit the health resort in the car-free town of Arosa; 200 km of walking trails lie within Arosa’s vicinity. North of Graubunden you can visit some walking Switzerland destinations that will access the deepest depths of your imagination. Appenzellerland consists of flower-filled meadows, lush green hills and mountains, such as the Alpstein range (2,503 metres). The area boasts 1,200 km of walking trails. Appenzellerland is also known as a cultural hub for painting, music and producing cheese. Toggenburg is known as the “land of Heidi”. With 300 km of trails to choose from, you can take gentle strolls as you view the setting that inspired Author Johanna Spyri. Appenzellerland and Toggenburg are only about an hour’s drive from Zurich and close to the border of Liechtenstein, a country that also offers many magical walking opportunities.

TouchingNature.co.uk can help you plan the ultimate walking Switzerland holiday suitable to your desires and comfort level. We can personally refer you to walking highlights and routes, Switzerland accommodation or Swiss Alps hotels and to specialist walking tour operators.

Best Hiking Trails in Austria

Beautiful Hallstatt

Austria’s majestic mountains offer a brilliant backdrop to walking and hiking holidays, making this country a great destination for fans of the outdoors. While UK hikers will know that there are plenty of spectacular walking routes on offer at home, such as the beautiful Scottish borders, if walkers are going to travel to indulge their passion then why settle for flights to Edinburgh when Austria is also just a short hop away?

Travelling to Austria: Visitors heading for the amazing hiking spots Austria has to offer, can choose to travel by air, road or rail – with self drive holidays one popular option allowing the visitor a higher level of independence on arrival.

Popular Hiking Areas in Austria: The Austrian countryside offers a plentiful supply of stunning scenery, which is criss-crossed by a number of well trodden walking routes, with something on offer to suit all skill levels. Popular areas for walking holidays in Austria include:

Alpbach Valley – Surrounding the picturesque alpine village from which it takes its name, the Alpbach Valley, just three quarters of an hour’s journey from Innsbruck, offers a great selection of well sign-posted routes for all walking levels taking in some stunning traditional alpine scenes, from snow fed streams to valley pastures – a must see area for the dedicated walker.

Hallstatt – The area around this village, that sits on the shores of the Hallstatter See in the popular Salzkammergut region offers a great combination of hiking and history. Now designates as a Unesco World Heritage Site the village offers great access to the Dachstein Mountain as well as nearby ice caves and salt mines.

Innsbruck – The Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck is a great base for those looking to discover Austria on foot. With a funicular railway on the doorstep offering speedy access to the great outdoors, Innsbruck is a real gem on the Austrian walking map. Hike the mountainside Pine Tree Trail for a true taste of the Tyrol.

Salzburg – Made famous by the classic Julie Andrews film, the hills that surround Salzburg are alive with more than just the “Sound of Music”. This area offers selection of amazing mountain lakes including the Fuschlsee and Wolfgangsee where a steam boat carries hikers across the waters to begin their adventures. The Salzburg area also offers easy access to the popular Saalach Valley.

Seefeld – sitting at more than three and a half thousand feet above sea level, Seefeld offers clean mountain air and amazing vistas over the surrounding area. Trails in the region are well marked and graded for difficulty and length, making it easy for all visitors to find a route that suits.

Vorarlberg – a lesser known treat for those wishing to travel off the beaten track, the region of Vorarlberg offers ample Austrian charms, with traditional mountain architecture and a high level of local hospitality this is a great destination for walkers of any level.

Wherever travellers choose to explore in Austria they can expect to uncover an amazing unspoiled outdoors as well as countryside that has been sympathetically signposted in many places to cater specifically to the hikers’ needs.