Background information
First world problems: when children don’t know what to wish for
by Michael Restin
A step in the right direction: importance of equipment and interesting encounters on long-distance hikes
3/10/2024
From Finland to Spain – Linn Schiffmann enjoys long-distance hiking trails. She’s already hiked in eight countries and has written a book about her experiences. In this interview, she shares her top tips.
Linn Schiffmann is an author and freelance artist. Ever since she was young, long-distance hiking has been one of her passions. She’s explored hiking trails in Norway, the Spanish section of the Camino de Santiago, the West Highland Way in Scotland and the Hirvaan Kierros in Finland. She’s also hiked the Inntal High Trail in the Alps and is always out and about in Germany’s uplands and regions like the Sauerland.
Every journey starts with the first step. What was yours?
Now you’ve done something similar. You’ve hiked a lot, in eight countries across Europe and 1,700 km on long-distance hiking trails. And you’ve written a book about it.
Yes, they’re stories about events and encounters on the Camino, the West Highland Way in Scotland and the paths in Salamajärvi National Park in Finland as well as the Austrian Alps and the Sauerland. There are also some fictional stories thrown in.
That’s quite an unusual mix for travel literature.
You did your first multi-day hike aged 16. Then at 20, you walked the Spanish part of the Camino de Santiago – the most popular route called the Camino Francés. And you’ve been on longer hikes ever since. Now aged 34, you ask yourself in the title of your book: why are you actually doing this?
Without a doubt because of the many great encounters and conversations along the way. For me, that’s a really important part of it. And of course, there are those times when I’m tired, my feet hurt, I can’t find accommodation and it rains for days on end. It’s at those points that I ask myself why I’m actually doing this. But obviously, the best stories are also born out of things going wrong.
What’s the biggest appeal for you?
Hiking is just such a huge contrast to everyday life, where I sit in front of the computer a lot and exercise my mind. Writing and painting are important parts of my life, but I feel much more alive when I’m outside. I also like the self-determination of hiking. I’m allowed to, and in fact have to, make decisions while out on the trail practically all the time, and that’s appealing.
How has hiking changed your life?
What do you like in particular about meeting people while out hiking?
I realise every trail is unique, but do you have a favourite?
But you must surely come up against challenges as well.
Yes, for example in Scotland, when I encountered rutting stags fighting with each other. I didn’t want to get caught in the middle of it. Once, a doe was standing on the path with her fawn and was wheezing angrily. I quickly disappeared into the bushes. But you can come face to face with animals anywhere. With heifers, for example. You get this on the edge of the Alps as well as in the Sauerland.
What tips would you give beginners?
Preparation is imperative. For instance, reading about other people’s experiences, familiarising yourself with the map and compass and testing your equipment. If you want to hike a longer route with your partner, why not try a trail one weekend and see if your pace, fitness level, risk aversion and hiking level are compatible. This can avoid a lot of frustration and conflict.
Are there any long-distance hiking trails you’d recommend for someone’s first longer expedition?
What’s your top tip when it comes to equipment?
While we’re on the subject of feet, what about shoes?
What other tips do you have when it comes to equipment?
Interesting. What else is in your rucksack?
It’s not a good idea to cut corners with your first aid kit. Especially not when it comes to plasters. If you take some that don’t stick properly or come loose at the slightest bit of sweat or moisture, you’ll soon find yourself in a predicament. And often, you’ll be in areas where you simply can’t buy plasters or bandages.
Is there anything else you’ve learned over time in terms of equipment?
It’s important to take a [sleeping bag](/search?q=sleeping bag) that’s actually warm enough. Even in summer, nights can be cool – especially in Scandinavian countries. And if you’re cold at night, you won’t have the energy for hiking the next day. That’s why I prefer taking a slightly warmer sleeping bag and looking up how low the temperatures can drop at a particular time of year.
Long-distance hikes are on a lot of people’s bucket lists. So far, have your hikes been more of a dream or disillusionment?
As a matter of fact, many set out to gain clarity about their future, career or a relationship. They don’t always get the inspiration they’d hoped for. I didn’t set out with such high expectations. I just thought it might be interesting and perhaps even fun – and that’s exactly what it was.
Thanks, Linn, for this interview and sharing your exciting world of hiking.
If you’re looking for more tips on hiking equipment – some serious, some more light-hearted – you can find them here.
Header image: Linn Schiffmann
Siri Schubert
Senior Editor
Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.chResearch diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.
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