With SwitzerlandMobility you experience the multifaceted and varied landscape of Switzerland at close quarters. You are guests in natural surroundings. Many plants and animals rely on a very restricted habitat and are very sensitive to disturbance. You can help to keep these habitats intact with considerate behaviour. Our responsibility towards nature and the landscape is not only limited to conduct when travelling, but also before and after: planning, choice of materials, travelling to and from home and disposal of waste are also involved. We ask you to please observe the following:

• take natural and environmental aspects into account when preparing your SwitzerlandMobility excursion
• behave as a guest in natural surroundings and respect the restrictions indicated
• keep to existing pathways and routes as far as possible
• do not leave any litter lying around
• as far as possible use public transport, go by bike, on foot or form a carpool for the journey to and from your destination

SwitzerlandMobility, together with the Swiss Hiking Federation, SwissCycling and the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention, recommends the following rules of conduct:

Hikers

• Where possible, use the trails signposted for you.
• Let cyclists and mountain bikers pass without unnecessary hindrance.

Cyclists and mountain bikers

• Where possible, use the trails signposted for you
• Ride looking ahead and make others aware of your presence in good time (e.g. bicycle bell)
• Reduce speed when approaching hikers or in places where there may be hikers
• Give hikers priority
• Take into account the effect on the trail by riding in a considerate manner (e.g. no skid marks on unsurfaced trails).
• Comply with signs (e.g. push cycle). Respect the rights of land owners (e.g. no riding off existing trails).

Walking trails may sometime cross through pastures. On a pasture you have to adapt your behavior in relation to the animals around (cows, sheep’s, guardian dogs ...). By respecting certain basic rules you can contribute to ensure that encounters between humans and animals stay calm and safe. You can inform yourself previously with interactive maps to know where you might encounter a herd of sheep protected by livestock guardian dogs.

The most important rules for encounters with livestock guardian dogs:

• Minimize disturbing a herd of sheep or the dogs: stay calm, avoid rapid movements and keep good distance from the flock.
• If the guardian dog is barking and runs into your distance: stand still, give the dog some time to evaluate the situation, this is his job. Keep your distance from the animals and avoid provoking the guardian dog with rapid movements or your sticks. When the dogs is accepting your presence and is calming down, you can slowly continue your way. If possible avoid the flock. Don’t feed or touch the dogs.
• If a guardian dog is not calming down for a long period, then try to bypass the sheep keeping a large distance, if the terrain allows it. Otherwise turn back.
• We strongly advise you not to bring your dog with you. Dogs will, similar to their relative the wolves, be fought off by the guardian dogs. If you are accompanied by a dog, make sure it is on the leash.

www.herdenschutzschweiz.ch

The forest is a place of recreation and adventure for us humans, but also a habitat for many animals and plants. Access to the forest is largely unrestricted, but we must show respect as guests. The member organisations of the Forest Working Group have compiled ten simple tips to ensure the welfare of the forest and all of us who visit it. Some activities and organised events in the forest are subject to special regulations or exceptions depending on the location and season.

 Download Flyer (2.90 MB)

Dog owners are responsible for their dogs' behaviour. The following rules should be observed:

• One's own dog should not be allowed to run towards people or other dogs.
• Dog poop has to be picked up and disposed of in the appropriate bins.
• Dogs walking free have to be kept in sight and controlled.
• In the forest, dogs should not be allowed off the paths nor should they chase other animals.
• Other people's dogs should not be fed or petted without first asking permission.

In public places, it should be made sure that one's own dog does not bother anyone. Further behaviour rules and tips for hiking with dogs: http://www.h-und.ch

In recent years, bears have also occasionally been observed in our country. It is important to know how to behave if you encounter this wild animal. The SAC, together with the other mountain sports associations of the Alpine region, published the leaflet  «Hiking in bear areas» (3.37 MB)which contains tips on how to behave.