A ranger explains something to a visitor and takes her hand. In the background is a lake and lots of large fir trees.

Outdoor Etiquette GuideTravelling Respectfully in Nature

24.11.202410 min. read timeby Hirsch & Greif

#respectfornatureMindfulness in Nature

Get out of the daily grind and into nature. Leave the stress behind and enjoy nature in a variety of ways. This is particularly easy to do in the natural landscapes of Baden-Württemberg. To keep it that way, considerate behaviour is crucial. Nature is a precious treasure and the home of many wild animals. In our outdoor etiquette guide, you will find helpful tips and advice on how to behave responsibly in nature. Together, we can help to preserve the beauty of the landscape and respect the habitat of animals. Let's enjoy nature without disturbing or destroying it. Discover how a respectful approach to the environment leads to better coexistence.Good to know:

Special rules sometimes apply in protected areas. It is best to inform yourself before travelling and read the signs on site.

Check for ticks after your visit. The diseases borreliosis and TBE transmitted by ticks pose a health risk to humans that should not be underestimated.

In the Living Room of Wild Animals9 Tips for your next Trip into Nature

Climate-friendly to your destination

Noise, exhaust fumes and wild parking are just some of the side effects of our motorised guests. We therefore recommend that you use public transport or a bicycle to get here if possible.

Wild camping

Wild camping is generally prohibited. The trekking camps in the Black Forest and Odenwald offer a legal alternative for spending the night in the forest.

Consideration and respect

A friendly greeting and a step to the side are just as easy as braking early and driving with foresight. This way, everyone gets home without arguments and frustration.

Stay on the path

Baden-Württemberg's impressive network of hiking trails measures around 50,000 kilometres. If you stay on the paths and respect the closures and signs, you not only protect nature but also yourself from avoidable accidents.

Take rubbish with you

Thermos flasks and snack boxes are an environmentally friendly alternative. If you can't manage entirely without packaging, take your rubbish back with you. This is because some waste has a lifespan of centuries, decomposes into toxic substances or proves to be a deadly trap for wild animals.

Watch out for forest fires!

In Baden-Württemberg, there is a general ban on smoking in the forest from March to October and you should also refrain from smoking in other areas. Campfires may be lit at designated fireplaces, but only as long as there is no acute risk of forest fires. It is particularly important to ensure that the fire is completely extinguished when you leave the site.

Collecting & picking in moderation

Mushrooms, berries and edible plants may be collected for personal use. National parks, nature reserves and the core zones of biosphere reserves are excluded. The plants must always be washed thoroughly before consumption and it must be ensured that they are of an edible variety.

Dogs on the lead

Keep dogs on a lead. The wild animals and other visitors will thank you for it. And keep your distance from wild and grazing animals and stay calm. Report injured animals to the forestry authority or police.

Better stay at home during storms and thunderstorms

Forest areas should be left as quickly as possible during storms and thunderstorms. Visits should also be avoided at dusk and in the dark, as otherwise the animals' biorhythms will be severely disrupted.