{"id":5204,"date":"2021-02-11T20:01:43","date_gmt":"2021-02-11T19:01:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/thru-hike\/faq-frequently-asked-questions\/"},"modified":"2023-01-22T06:54:42","modified_gmt":"2023-01-22T05:54:42","slug":"faq-frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.xn--nordsdtrail-xhb.de\/en\/thru-hike\/faq-frequently-asked-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQ – Frequently asked questions"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n \n FAQ<\/span>\n \n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <\/span> - Frequently asked questions \t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column el_class=”bg-image-over” css=”.vc_custom_1613070233559{margin-top: -7% !important;}”]
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\n \t HERE YOU WILL FIND ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) ABOUT A THRUHIKE ON THE NORTH SOUTH TRAIL. \t\t\t<\/h6>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_content_width=”grid”][vc_column]
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\n \n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\tWHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO START THE NORTH SOUTH TRAIL THRUHIKE?<\/span>\n<\/h5>\n
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\n\t\t[vc_column_text]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.[\/vc_column_text]\t<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n \n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\tHOW MUCH TIME DO I USUALLY NEED FOR A THROUGH-HIKE?<\/span>\n<\/h5>\n
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\n\t\t[vc_column_text]Of course, this depends on your personal fitness and motivation. Normally, the entire route can be completed in six months.[\/vc_column_text]\t<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n \n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\tWHAT DOES A THRUHIKE OF THE NORTH SOUTH TRAIL COST?<\/span>\n<\/h5>\n
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\n\t\t[vc_column_text]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 \u20ac. You should also keep in mind that you will have to replace or buy new equipment, such as new shoes, etc., throughout the tour.[\/vc_column_text]\t<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n \n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\tARE THERE ENOUGH OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS IF YOU PLAN TO TRAVEL MAINLY WITH A TENT?<\/span>\n<\/h5>\n
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\n\t\t[vc_column_text]There is a tight network of campsites, trekking sites or shelters throughout the NST. You can find a list of all “legal” campsites <<here<\/a>>>[\/vc_column_text]\t<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n \n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\tIS THE ENTIRE NORTH SOUTH TRAIL MANAGEABLE FOR NORMAL HIKERS OR BEGINNERS?<\/span>\n<\/h5>\n
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\n\t\t[vc_column_text]Yes, the main route of the NST is doable even for absolute beginners. There is an alternative route in the Allg\u00e4u 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..[\/vc_column_text]\t<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n \n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\tWHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED ON THE NORTH SOUTH TRAIL?<\/span>\n<\/h5>\n
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\n\t\t[vc_column_text]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<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text]\t<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n \n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\tAN YOU ALSO RUN THE NORTH SOUTH TRAIL UL (ULTRA-LIGHT)?<\/span>\n<\/h5>\n
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\n\t\t[vc_column_text]Yes, at any time of the year.[\/vc_column_text]\t<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n \n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\tDO YOU NEED A WATER FILTER IN GERMANY?<\/span>\n<\/h5>\n
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\n\t\t[vc_column_text]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.[\/vc_column_text]\t<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n \n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\tCAN I NAVIGATE ON THE NORTH SOUTH TRAIL EXCLUSIVELY WITH GPX NAVIGATION SYSTEMS?<\/span>\n<\/h5>\n
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\n\t\t[vc_column_text]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.[\/vc_column_text]\t<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n \n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\t``WILD CAMPING`` IS PROHIBITED IN GERMANY. SO WHAT TO<\/span>\n<\/h5>\n
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\n\t\t[vc_column_text]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:\r\n