In November, planning a walk is best started with a time: what is the latest you should finish while there is still daylight? Only then is it worth looking at the distance. Breaks, wet or slippery paths and a slower pace can all delay your return. The German Hiking Association recommends taking the earlier onset of darkness in autumn and winter into account when planning.
Set your return time first
Check when it gets dark at your destination and allow a generous safety margin for your return. For winter walks, the German Alpine Club advises allowing one to two hours to spare before darkness falls. This is particularly important when navigation or ground conditions make walking times difficult to estimate.
Do not base your calculation on walking time alone: add breaks, a possible delay and the journey from the finish back to the railway station, car park or starting point. Use the time given by the trail operator or the relevant tourism organisation as a guide, and check it against your fitness, the elevation profile and the current route description. A route that works well in summer may be too long in November.
Plan your turnaround point too
Before setting off, decide where you will turn back if you are behind schedule. This could be a distinctive waypoint or a junction mentioned in the official route description. Also plan a shorter option in case the weather or path conditions deteriorate.
Use your schedule to guide decisions along the way: if you are running late, take a shorter route or turn back. Your schedule should not depend on stopping at a particular place for refreshments, visiting a viewpoint or reaching a summit. In protected areas, stay on marked paths; wildlife is particularly sensitive to disturbance at dusk.
Check the weather and the route
Check the weather forecast the day before and again shortly before setting off. As well as precipitation, pay attention to wind, temperature, fog and potentially slippery conditions. The German Hiking Association points out that cold, darkness and slippery ground can occur together in winter. If the forecast is unfavourable, adjust the route and distance or postpone the walk.
Do not rely solely on a saved route map: check with the relevant authority for closures and current path conditions. At higher elevations, snow and ice can make a walk considerably more demanding. A head torch belongs in your rucksack as a backup, but it is no substitute for planning to return in daylight.
Pack with purpose
Most short walks do not require extensive specialist equipment. Sensible choices include sturdy footwear suited to the route, layered clothing, an extra warm layer, protection against rain or wind, and a hat and gloves. Add enough water and a small snack, a charged mobile phone and a map or reliable navigation aid. A head torch with a charged battery is your backup in case of delays.
What you can leave out depends on the walk: new equipment is no substitute for suitable clothing, navigation and a realistic schedule. Walking poles can be helpful on slippery or uneven paths, but are not essential for every walk. Grödel (lightweight walking crampons) or other equipment for icy conditions should only feature in your plans if they suit the path conditions and your own abilities.
At a glance
Set your return time, including a safety margin, before choosing your route. Allow for breaks and the return journey, and decide on a turnaround point and a shorter alternative. Check the latest weather and path conditions; pack warm layers, water, navigation aids and a head torch.
Original reviewed by the editors · 11 November 2026
