FAQ - Frequently asked questions

HERE YOU WILL FIND ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) ABOUT A THRUHIKE ON THE NORTH SOUTH TRAIL.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO START THE NORTH SOUTH TRAIL THRUHIKE?

A really good time to start your hike is in the beginning or middle of April. As early as mid-September, snow can fall at the end point in the Alps. Based on the time I needed for the entire route, it can then be risky due to weather conditions, if you start only a week later. Of course, it also depends on your pace. If you start earlier (January-March) you should think more about your equipment, because it can be very cold especially in the north at this time of year.

HOW MUCH TIME DO I USUALLY NEED FOR A THROUGH-HIKE?

Of course, this depends on your personal fitness and motivation. Normally, the entire route can be completed in six months.

WHAT DOES A THRUHIKE OF THE NORTH SOUTH TRAIL COST?

This also depends on your preferences. Do you like to stop at restaurants for a good meal? How often do you treat yourself to a hotel, campsite or hostel on the trail? We would suggest a budget between 4500 and 6000 €. You should also keep in mind that you will have to replace or buy new equipment, such as new shoes, etc., throughout the tour.

ARE THERE ENOUGH OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS IF YOU PLAN TO TRAVEL MAINLY WITH A TENT?

There is a tight network of campsites, trekking sites or shelters throughout the NST. You can find a list of all “legal” campsites <<here>>

IS THE ENTIRE NORTH SOUTH TRAIL MANAGEABLE FOR NORMAL HIKERS OR BEGINNERS?

Yes, the main route of the NST is doable even for absolute beginners. There is an alternative route in the Allgäu over the Nagelfluhkette and the Heilbronner Weg. However, these trails require surefootedness and an absolute head for heights. For these high-altitude trails, a little alpine experience is helpful but not absolutely necessary..

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED ON THE NORTH SOUTH TRAIL?

The rule of thumb is: “The lighter, the better”. Of course, this does not mean that you should leave out everything at the expense of safety. In principle, you should only take the most important things and rather do without “bells and whistles”. Think about what is indispensable for the tour and leave out what you might need. A good and healthy total pack weight is between 8 and 12 kg (18-27 Pf) If you are not sure if you have chosen the right equipment, A list of essential equipment for the NST can be found here.

AN YOU ALSO RUN THE NORTH SOUTH TRAIL UL (ULTRA-LIGHT)?

Yes, at any time of the year.

DO YOU NEED A WATER FILTER IN GERMANY?

Yes, we definitely recommend a water filter. Germany is very densely populated and you pass towns regularly, but still that is not enough for a Thruhike. Many communities save the money for a regular check of their fountain. These fountains are more and more often marked with the sign “No drinking water”. Basically, all water should be filtered, otherwise a tour can be over faster than one would like. Good and lightweight water filters are for example the Sawyer MINI or the Katadyn BeFree.

CAN I NAVIGATE ON THE NORTH SOUTH TRAIL EXCLUSIVELY WITH GPX NAVIGATION SYSTEMS?

Yes, actually the smartphone with an app like GPX-Viewer, OSMAnd or Komoot is enough. However, when navigating with a cell phone, it is important that the map material is available offline, otherwise too much battery is consumed. A classic hiking map is not absolutely necessary, but there is nothing to be said against it.

``WILD CAMPING`` IS PROHIBITED IN GERMANY. SO WHAT TO

Normal” wild camping is not a criminal offense in this country, but a misdemeanor. That is already a difference. Who is caught, can be punished with a fine, the amount of which varies from state to state. From my own experience with the police, however… exactly, nothing happens! If you follow the following rules of conduct, you will 99.9% never get in trouble:

  • never camp in nature reserves
  • never make fire
  • no noise or loud music
  • do not leave garbage
  • do not enter private property
  • pitch the tent late and take it down very early
  • amping in or around shelters is tolerated in most cases.

Should you still be “caught”, be friendly and polite to your counterpart and explain calmly what you are doing there.

Basically, we do not call here to wild camping and who is unsure in the situation, can always ask residents and farmers politely, whether camping on their property for one night is possible. I have also had very good experiences with this.

DON'T PEOPLE IN GERMANY HIKE MAINLY ON CONCRETE AND GRAVEL PATHS?

No, that is a widespread myth. Of course, in Germany we no longer have true wilderness due to dense settlement, but we do have incredibly beautiful trails and natural landscapes. Of course there are sections on concrete paths, roads and forest trails, but the percentage is lower than most would assume (15%). Since the NST is mostly on top trails and premium hiking trails and through nature reserves and national parks, the proportion of natural trails and single trails predominates.

IS THERE A UNIFORM TRAIL SIGNAGE ON THE NORTH SOUTH TRAIL?

The North South Trail is 70% signed, with further negotiations with the authorities ongoing. However, the NST follows the system of “cautious signage”. The goal is to always keep the local character of an established long-distance trail in the forefront. The NST Thru-Hiker therefore continues to follow the local trail signs of e.g. the Rheinsteig, but every now and then encounters a trail sign of the Nord Süd Trail. Similar to the St. James Way

For more detailed questions and answers, here’s another interesting Q&A video on my Soultrails channel. Soultrails.(German only)