Panoramaweg Südalpen: stage 14 from Bleiburg to Lavamünd

Safety instructions

10 recommendations from the ÖAV
As an outdoor sport, mountain hiking offers great opportunities for health, community and experience. The following recommendations from the alpine associations are designed to make mountain hikes as safe and enjoyable as possible.

1. healthy in the mountains
Mountain hiking is an endurance sport. The positive stress stimuli for the heart and circulation require good health and a realistic self-assessment. Avoid time pressure and choose a pace that ensures no one in the group gets out of breath.

2. careful planning
Hiking maps, guide books, the internet and experts provide information on length, altitude difference, difficulty and current conditions. Always tailor tours to the group!
Pay particular attention to the weather forecast, as rain, wind and cold increase the risk of accidents.

3. complete equipment
Adapt your equipment to your undertaking and make sure your rucksack is light. Rain, cold and sun protection should always be in your backpack, as well as a first aid kit and cell phone (Euro emergency number 112). A map or GPS will help you find your way.

4. suitable footwear
Good hiking boots protect and relieve your feet and improve surefootedness! When making your choice, look for a perfect fit, non-slip tread sole, waterproofness and low weight.

5. sure-footedness is the key
Falls as a result of slipping or tripping are the most common cause of accidents! Be aware that excessive speed or tiredness can severely impair your surefootedness and concentration. Watch out for falling rocks: by walking carefully, you can avoid falling rocks.

6. stay on marked trails
In pathless terrain, the risk of losing your bearings, falling and falling rocks increases. Avoid shortcuts and return to the last known point if you lose your way. Often underestimated and very dangerous: steep old snowfields!

7. take regular breaks
Timely breaks help you to relax, enjoy the scenery and socialize. Eating and drinking are necessary to maintain performance and concentration. Isotonic drinks are ideal thirst quenchers. Muesli bars, dried fruit and cookies satisfy hunger along the way.

8. responsibility for children
Make sure that the focus is on variety and playful discovery for children! In passages where there is a risk of falling, one adult can only supervise one child. Very exposed tours that require prolonged concentration are not suitable for children.

9. small groups
Small groups ensure flexibility and enable mutual help. Inform people you know about the destination, route and return. Stay together in the group. Beware of lone hikers: even minor incidents can lead to serious emergencies.

10. respect for nature and the environment
To protect the mountain environment: do not leave any waste behind, avoid noise, stay on the paths, do not disturb wild animals and grazing animals, leave plants untouched and respect protected areas. Use public transport or form car pools to get there.

Equipment

Packing list - Multi-day hike

• Breathable hardshell jacket Fleece or softshell jacket
• Hiking pants, zip-off
• Hiking boots
• Backpack (approx. 35 liters)
• Functional T-shirts
• Functional underpants
• Pair of hiking socks
• Sun headgear
• Rain pants
• Thin hat and gloves
• Maps & tour description
• Water bottle or hydration bladder
• Hut sleeping bag/silk inlet
• Trekking poles
• GPS device
• LED headlamp
• Cell phone & alpine emergency number
• Sunglasses
• First aid kit
• Blister plaster
• Small pocket knife
• Sunscreen
• Toiletries
• Travel towel
• Tour provisions

Tips

The Lavamünd climbing garden/climbing route, with challenging sections, was built on the Dreifaltigkeitsfelsen and is free to use. More information about climbing at Climbing center Wolfsberg.
A visit to the Wernerberg Museum on the main square in Bleiburg.

Literature

Compass - Panorama Trail Southern Alps No. 218