Hiking is a form of walking, undertaken with the specific purpose of exploring and enjoying the scenery, particularly in areas of relatively unspoiled wilderness, and usually on trails. Hikers usually carry small backpacks with essential gear. Overnight hiking is more properly called backpacking. Hiking is one of the fundamental outdoor activities on which many others are based. What place can be better for hiking than Europe and European mountains, with its fascinating nature, friendly people, and characteristic atmosphere? Why not choosing the Alps? No matter where you go, you will always find an excellent mountain hut. As another help for hikers the Austrian Tourist Bureau started in 1993 a programme called 'hiking without luggage'. It was launched in the Pitzgau Saalach Valley, and the idea is that you can travel between some of the Alpine villages, while your luggage is transported ahead to your next destination.