Safety Tips

These guidelines are intended to reduce risk during multi-day walking. All participants are kindly asked to read them before departure and to follow them throughout the entire route.

1) Planning and movement organization

• Before departure, review key points: accommodation, shops, water sources, churches/parishes, and healthcare facilities. Each day, define in advance the route, destination, and estimated arrival time.

• Set a latest arrival time after which walking stops and accommodation is arranged. Walking in the dark increases the risk of injury and traffic accidents.

• Walking in pairs or as part of a group is recommended. If you are walking alone, regularly share your location and status with a pre-agreed contact person.

2) Road and traffic safety

• The greatest risk comes from walking along roads without sidewalks, especially on bends and narrow sections.

• As a rule, walk facing oncoming traffic (to better see approaching vehicles), unless local conditions clearly indicate a safer alternative.

• Walk in single line (one behind the other), not side by side.

• Use reflective gear (vest/bands) and, when needed, a light—especially in reduced visibility: early morning, dusk, rain, fog, and tunnels.

3) Health and hydration

• Drink regularly; use electrolytes if needed.

• Sun protection: hat + SPF + appropriate clothing.

• Blisters: respond immediately (plaster/tape, dry socks).

• Stop walking if pain changes your gait (knee/ankle) or if you experience severe dizziness, nausea, confusion, or extreme weakness.

4) Essential equipment

• Mobile phone + power bank + working charging cable

• Offline maps (downloaded before departure)

• First aid: plasters (including blister plasters), antiseptic, gauze pads, elastic bandage, basic pain relief, antihistamine

• Rain protection (poncho) + an extra layer for the evening

• Sufficient water between confirmed supply points

5) Documents and personal security

• Keep documents and money secure and separated (carry a small amount of cash separately).

• Do not keep valuables in outer backpack pockets.

• Recommendation: an ICE contact (In Case of Emergency) saved in your phone + a copy of your ID.

6) Border crossing (Croatia – BiH)

• Make sure you have a valid travel document (national ID card or passport, depending on citizenship and current rules).

• Keep documents accessible, but secured against loss.

7) Caution: snakes, flora and fauna

• On certain sections—especially in rocky terrain, dry-stone walls, tall grass, and along trail edges—snakes may be present. Unpleasant or dangerous situations related to local flora and fauna are also possible (e.g., insect stings/bites, ticks, allergic reactions, contact with irritating plants, encounters with wild or domestic animals). In this area, encounters with the nose-horned viper (Lat. Vipera ammodytes) and the black widow spider (Lat. Latrodectus) are possible.

• Walk only on the marked trail, avoid pushing through dense vegetation, and do not lift stones with your hands.

• Closed footwear and clothing that covers the legs are recommended, as well as using insect repellent and checking your skin and clothing regularly (especially for ticks). Using a walking stick is also recommended (if needed, “announce” your presence by lightly tapping the ground).

• In the event of a sting, bite, or a severe allergic reaction: stop walking, assess the situation, and seek medical assistance.