Calculating walking time when hiking
- Christian Sommer
- Apr 13, 2023
- 9 min read
Updated: Jan 1
If you want to calculate the walking time of your hike, you have to take various factors into account. I'll tell you what they are and how you can use them to calculate the walking time in this article!
Content
1. factors
2. calculation of walking time
3. example
4. tip
5. other factors
6. terrain
7. breaks
8. age
9. luggage
10. physical condition
11. weather
12. altitude
13. conclusion
Calculating walking time when hiking – these factors are crucial
Three important factors play a role in calculating the walking time that you should take into account: The metres in altitude, the length of the trail and the metres downhill.
The alpine associations have agreed on a standardised procedure for the calculation and work with determined average times that are used as a rough guideline for the duration of the planned tour.
Those who hike a lot and often, or who are on the mountain, can of course also fall back on their own empirical values. In any case, the actual walking time varies depending on the pace of the climber or hiker and the existing adversities in the terrain - and also depends on other factors such as age, luggage, physical condition, terrain, weather and altitude. But I will come back to these other factors later!
Calculating walking time when hiking
The calculation model of the alpine associations assumes that a hiker or mountaineer can manage an average of 300 metres of ascent, 500 metres of descent and 4 km on the level in one hour.
Based on this, the walking time is determined as follows:
Firstly, calculate the time for altitude metres
Secondly, calculate the walking downhill
Thirdly, calculate the distance and halve the value (why? I'll explain in a moment)
Finally, add up the values
Take other factors into account
"The sun also shines behind the clouds." Quote from Karl Friedrich Wilhelm Wander
Practical example: Calculating walking time correctly
The planned tour covers 16 kilometres and 1,500 metres of ascent.
First, the metres in altitude are calculated: After you have to allow an average of 1 hour of walking time for 300 metres of altitude, this results in a duration of 5 hours for a climb of 1,500 metres of altitude.
Secondly, going downhill is calculated. On the descent, you manage an average of 500 metres in altitude per hour. This means: For 1,500 metres of descent, you have to reckon with a walking time of 3 hours.
So in the meantime: 5 h ascent + 3 h descent = 8 hours.
Thirdly, the distance is calculated: After covering about 4 kilometres per hour on the flat, it takes about 4 hours to cover 16 kilometres. Attention! In our example, we always walk uphill and downhill, so this value is now halved to give 2 hours.
Fourth, the values are now added: 5 h + 3 h + 2 h = 10 hours
Fifth, take into account other factors such as breaks, age, luggage, physical condition, terrain, weather and altitude. Unfortunately, there are no guidelines and you can only estimate these factors. As with everything in life, it is best to start small and increase slowly. Over time, you will develop a feeling for how long you need, for example, in wet conditions with a heavy pack.
Result: For the tour with optimal conditions, a total of 10 hours of walking time must be included.
(The basis for this calculation is DIN 33466, which can also be found under item 1.6.2.5 in the routes manual of the alpine clubs)
Don't forget to take an emergency bivouac with you. It consists of an emergency blanket that is cold-resistant, a whistle and a mini compass. It should be in your rucksack on every hike anyway.
As the old Scottish saying goes: "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes!"
Tip: I recommend adding at least one additional buffer hour to the calculated time. After all, you want to be able to take breaks and react to any unexpected obstacles with a corresponding time window.
As always, I recommend a video of one of my hikes:
Further factors for calculating travel time in detail
The general rule is to research all the details of the planned tour well in advance, e.g. the altitude and the luggage required, and then include these factors in your own calculations using common sense.
Considering difficult terrain
A hiking tour often takes place in mountainous terrain. The terrain is therefore always comparatively difficult. Therefore, walking on rock, scree, ice and snow, on loose ground such as lava sand or on boggy ground requires special mention. Allow more time then!
Trail classification
The classification of the difficulty of a trail is usually based on the most difficult part of the trail.
There are the following categories:
BLUE: Mountain trails with a blue dot are easier trails that can be narrow and steep. (Note: I reduce the calculated walking time a little for blue trails only).
RED: Mountain trails with a red dot are predominantly narrow, often steep and can have passages that pose a risk of falling. There may also be short, secured walking passages. (Note: I leave the calculated walking time for red paths only).
BLACK: Mountain trails with a black dot are narrow, often steep and dangerous. In addition, there are often secured walking passages and/or easy climbing sections that require the use of hands. Surefootedness and a head for heights are absolutely necessary here. (Note: I am slightly increasing the calculated walking time for exclusively black paths).
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Breaks in the calculation of travel time
Hiking breaks keep you fit! For every hour of hiking, you should plan a 5-minute break. This is a relief for your feet, which will become noticeable in the course of your hike. But you should also give your back enough rest, especially on long-distance hikes with heavy luggage.
You should enjoy a hike, so plan a lavish lunch break of a good 1 hour.
Take age into account when calculating travel time
Depending on their age, people have a different physical constitution. Here I am referring in particular to older people and children. Children may already be able to walk 16 kilometres. However, the walking time required increases massively with children. You should therefore plan for a lot more time.
Luggage: Ultra-light is best
The luggage can significantly affect the actual walking time, especially in combination with bad weather or adverse terrain. Therefore, plan a little more time, at least for long-distance trails. In general, I recommend ultra-light and waterproof equipment for hiking.
Fitness: What are the walking types for hiking?
In principle, there are two types of walkers. One is the endurance type or constant walker, who walks persistently at moderate speed but without short stops. The other is the sprinter type, who walks a little faster but takes a break after each stretch. The best way is to walk continuously, not too fast, with an even flow of movement. A permanent change of pace requires a lot of effort. It is best to start small and find your rhythm.
Take the weather into account when calculating walking time
As a general rule, it is important to check the weather forecast before every hike. The weather can have a considerable effect on the time you spend on the trail. Plan extra time, especially in case of strong winds, poor visibility in fog or wet ground due to rain. Tip: If you don't want to be in a dicey situation, make the weather check part of your hiking ritual.
Take altitude into account when calculating walking time
The adaptation to altitude is successful if you follow important rules of conduct. You have to get used to high altitudes, which is why you have to take a slow start. It is therefore essential to plan more time at higher altitudes from around 3,000 metres upwards. Furthermore, drink plenty of fluids to help your body adjust to the altitude. Attention! The following symptoms indicate a lack of adaptation to altitude:
Headache
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Sickness
There is no recovery during breaks.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about calculating walking time when hiking
What factors influence walking time when hiking?
Walking time depends on several factors:
Elevation (ascent and descent)
Length of the route
Terrain profile (rock, scree, ice, lava sand, boggy ground)
Breaks
Age of the hikers
Luggage load
Fitness level
Weather conditions
Altitude
How is walking time calculated according to the Alpine Clubs?
The Alpine Clubs use a standardised method:
Ascent: 300 metres of elevation gain per hour
Descent: 500 metres of elevation loss per hour
Flat terrain: 4 km per hour
What are the steps for calculating walking time when hiking?
Calculate the time for the ascent
Calculate the time for the descent
Calculate the time for the distance (in mountainous terrain, the flat distance is halved)
Add the values
Take other factors into account, such as breaks, age, luggage, weather and altitude
Can you give a practical example of how to calculate walking time when hiking?
Example tour: 16 km route, 1,500 metres of elevation gain.
Ascent: 1,500 metres of elevation gain ÷ 300 metres of elevation gain per hour = 5 hours
Descent: 1,500 metres of elevation gain ÷ 500 metres of elevation gain per hour = 3 hours
Flat terrain: 16 km ÷ 4 km per hour = 4 hours → uphill/downhill only 2 hours
Total walking time: 5 + 3 + 2 = 10 hours
Tip: Allow at least one extra hour for breaks and unexpected obstacles.
What other factors should I consider when calculating walking time when hiking?
Breaks: Allow at least 5 minutes' break for every hour of hiking. For long-distance hikes, allow for longer lunch breaks of around 1 hour.
Age: Children and older people need significantly more time. Adjust the walking time to suit the age of the hikers.
Luggage: Heavy rucksacks slow down the hike. Ultra-light, waterproof equipment saves time and energy.
Fitness: Different walking styles:
Endurance type: steady, moderate pace without breaks
Sprinter type: faster walking with frequent breaks
Recommendation: continuous, steady walking
Weather: Rain, snow, wind, fog or heat increase walking time. Check the weather forecast before every hike.
Altitude: From around 3,000 m, more time must be allowed as the body first has to acclimatise to the altitude. Symptoms of poor altitude acclimatisation: headaches, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea
How does the terrain affect the calculation of walking time when hiking?
Difficult terrain such as rocks, scree, ice, lava sand or muddy ground requires more caution and slows down the pace. Allow for additional time here.
How does the trail classification affect my calculation of walking time when hiking?
Blue: easy mountain trails; reduce walking time slightly if necessary
Red: narrow, steep trails, some with a risk of falling; calculated time unchanged
Black: narrow, steep, danger of falling, possibly easy climbing sections; increase walking time
How do I calculate walking time for long-distance hiking trails?
For long-distance hikes, it is particularly important to generously factor in breaks, luggage, altitude and difficult terrain. Always allow for buffer times so that the hike remains stress-free.
How do I factor breaks into my walking time calculation?
Short breaks for drinks or snacks: 5 minutes per hour of hiking
Longer breaks (lunch, viewpoints): allow about 1 hour
Include breaks in your overall calculation to estimate the actual hiking time realistically
How does age affect the calculation of walking time?
Children and older people often need significantly more time, even for shorter distances
Allow at least 20–50% more time, depending on age and fitness
For family hikes, the pace should be adjusted to the weakest member
How does luggage affect the calculation of walking time?
Heavy luggage slows down walking time, especially on difficult trails or in bad weather
Ultra-light, waterproof luggage reduces strain and time
Take equipment into account when planning your time, especially on long-distance hiking trails
How does fitness affect the calculation of walking time?
Walking types vary greatly: endurance types walk at a steady pace, sprinters take breaks
Recommended: moderate, steady pace without constant changes in speed
Start small and work your way up to realistically estimate walking time
How does the weather affect the calculation of walking time?
Bad weather significantly increases the time
Factors: rain, snow, wind, fog, heat
Allow for extra time and check the weather forecast before each hike
How does altitude affect the calculation of walking time?
From approx. 3,000 m, more time must be allowed
Tip: start slowly, drink plenty of fluids, watch out for symptoms of altitude sickness. Symptoms can include headaches, shortness of breath, fatigue and nausea.
Conclusion – Estimate hiking time correctly – Safety first
Whether you have sporting ambitions or just want to get away from it all for a while, safety is always a priority when planning your hike. Always take the weakest members of the group into consideration, both for hiking groups and for family hikes. If you are hiking alone, however, it is most important that you first walk in familiar areas on safe hiking trails with markings. This way, with a little experience, you can also master challenging hikes without any problems.
As always, I would be very happy to receive feedback on one of my channels.
You are also welcome to leave a comment here.
Hello, I am Christian, the chief globetrotter of this Site and an enthusiastic adventurer, hiker and filmmaker. I love to explore new paths and inspire people with them, and I love to share my hiking knowledge with you! You can also find my videos on YouTube! On my blog you can find tips for beginners and professionals on the greatest and most beautiful hiking tours there are. I want to encourage people to explore the world as a hiker, whether in the countryside, through the forest or in the mountains. True to the motto: If you haven't hiked, you haven't seen the world,
On my blog, I also write about hiking gear, the right summit training and nature conservation, as well as tips and information about hiking.
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