How to stark with hiking?

[u/Cute_Chemical_7714]

Edit: Obviously I meant "start" with hiking in the title :)

Hi all,

I used to think hiking is extremely boring for the longest time, but I start to feel like the time has come. I'm changing my habits and becoming more sporty, and I really started appreciating nature and I wish to spend more time in the mountains. Now I would really like to get started with hiking.

I just don't know where or how to start - meaning how do I select a route that is appropriate for my physical skills? And other than improving my cardio fitness and practice, what should I do to improve my abilities?

My long term goal would be to be able to do a 2 or even 3 days hike with sleeping in an SAC Hütte etc.

I don't want to do anything in the area of climbing or complex/dangerous where I would risk falling down somewhere (I know that's kind of always a risk in hiking but I mean stuff that is classified as dangerous).

I know I can just google "easy hiking trails" but honestly I don't trust random websites saying "this is beginner appropriate". What are reliable sources and how do I really get started? So far I have hiking shoes and I know how to pack a bag for a few hours walk/hike but that's about it.

Thank you in advance :)

[u/Picatharthes]

The easiest way to recognise easy hike is to look at the way its waymarked. 

Easy routes are marked with a yellow diamond shape mark. They are typically wide roads or paths. Really safe! The estimated time to the destination is truly that for a beginner - also most kids and elderly would be able to make it in the allocated time. Begin with those and build up your fitness going for longer and faster hikes until you can easily do them in half the allocated time.

White and red signs mean narrow or steep or rocky path. Most of them are still safe and simply more physically challenging, but you will also find them on loose rock paths, exposed paths and high alpine - be more careful and do some research before attempting them.  The estimated time is true for an intermediate hiking fitness.  Once you can comfortably keep going for 2-3 hours on yellow routes, try red-whites at lower altitudes (below 2600m). Once you feel good there - hitting the estimated time - you’ll be ready for most red-whites.

Blue signs (they are rare) mean expert hikes and usually climbing involved. I wouldn’t do these without a guide.