Hiking is more than just getting around in nature, it's good for your body, mind and soul. No wonder more and more people are getting into hiking trips. Whether it's easy beginner or leisurely tours or multi-day long-distance hikes, if you lace up your hiking boots regularly, you'll benefit in many ways. We'll show you seven good reasons why hiking is so good for us and why it's worth getting out and about more often.
Feel free to browse through our selection to find the hiking holiday that suits you best. We offer inspiration on many levels: whether you are travelling alone, prefer culinary walking holidays, enjoy hiking on islands or by the sea, or prefer hiking in national parks. You will find what you are looking for here – discover types of travel, destinations or international hiking trails now.
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Hiking is a gentle endurance workout and that is precisely what makes it so valuable for all age groups. It activates many muscle groups at the same time: legs, buttocks, torso and – depending on the terrain – also arms and shoulders. At the same time, the strain on joints and tendons remains comparatively low.
Regular walks improve:
Endurance and cardiovascular performance
Mobility and balance
Immune system and metabolism
Hiking also helps maintain bone density – an important factor, especially in older age and often for women. People with back pain or joint problems also often benefit from the steady, rhythmic movement.
Hiking brings peace of mind and there is a measurable reason for this: studies show that even short stays in nature reduce stress levels. Your pulse slows down and your blood pressure drops. Just 20 minutes in nature measurably reduces cortisol levels, our body's own stress hormone.
Hiking enhances this effect because focusing on the path promotes mindfulness and walking at a steady pace has a calming effect. Sensory impressions such as birdsong, wind or sunlight also have a relaxing effect.
Forest paths are particularly beneficial, the so-called ‘forest bathing’ effect from Japan shows that plants release messenger substances (terpenes) that have a positive effect on our nervous system. When hiking, we breathe these in unconsciously and often instinctively feel our minds becoming clearer.
After a hike, you almost always feel better than before and that's not just your imagination. When walking, the body releases a whole range of positive neurotransmitters, including:
Endorphins (natural ‘happiness hormones’)
Serotonin (lifts the spirits)
Dopamine (gives a feeling of reward)
At the same time, exercise reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety: according to studies, it is often just as effective as medication, but without the side effects. So it's no wonder that many people find themselves, develop new ideas or gain inner clarity when hiking.
Many people suffer from restless or insufficient sleep. A day spent outdoors, combined with gentle exercise, can help improve this condition. Natural light regulates our biorhythm, and physical activity promotes the release of melatonin, the ‘sleep hormone’.
People who hike during the day often fall asleep more quickly in the evening, sleep more deeply and with fewer interruptions.
Here too, even simple walks can make a noticeable difference to the quality of your sleep.
Hiking means being mindful. The scent of the forest, the rustling of leaves, the play of light and shadow. Especially in a digital world where we are often distracted, walking in nature helps us reconnect with ourselves and our surroundings. In the silence of nature, we can often hear better – namely, what is going on inside us.
Hiking slows you down, and that is precisely what creates space for reflection, new perspectives and often surprising insights. Many hikers report:
you feel more centred and calm inside
you can make decisions more clearly
they experience a feeling of freedom and vastness
Walking in nature has an almost meditative effect. Those who hike regularly not only train their muscles, but also their inner balance.
Hiking is about community. Whether you're travelling as a couple, with friends, in a guided group or with new acquaintances, shared experiences in nature bring people together. Conversations often arise naturally while walking – deeper, more honest and more relaxed than in other situations.
At the same time, hiking also creates a connection to the environment. When you are out and about, you learn to be more mindful of animals, plants and landscapes. This closeness to nature strengthens environmental awareness and motivates you to travel more consciously.
Every step on a hiking trail is also a step towards new experiences. Unknown landscapes, different cultures, new people – all of this broadens your horizons. When you go hiking, you not only get to know the world better, but also yourself.
Hiking tours, especially to foreign countries or regions, allow you to enjoy intense experiences of nature, appreciate the slower pace of travel and make genuine discoveries away from the crowds.
The journey is often just as important as the destination.
Whether it's Alpine panoramas or coastal trails – your dream hike awaits. Book now for 2026, secure your desired date and benefit from the early bird bonus until 28 February.
