Hike with caution in the forest

The brown, withered tree crowns – particularly those of beech trees – which characterised the landscape this summer, suggest that the trees will not fully recover and may die off on a large scale.

Hikers can also contribute to their own safety and take personal responsibility. We recommend the following guidelines when using footpaths that pass through woodland:

Stay informed: Plan your hikes carefully and check the weather forecasts. If in doubt, enquire with the relevant authorities (local councils, forestry districts or Berner Wanderwege) and consider alternative routes.
Be vigilant: Strictly observe trail closures and warning signs.
Choose rest areas carefully: Check potential rest areas for any hazards such as falling branches and tree tops.
Adapt your behaviour: Do not enter the forest in strong winds, storms, thunderstorms or heavy rainfall.
Assess the risk: You enter the forest at your own risk. Although local authorities and landowners invest a great deal of time and money in the care and maintenance of the forests, a residual risk remains. The weakening of individual trees increases this risk.
Avoid fires: Find out about any fire bans and adhere strictly to them.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)