4 August 2026.
Ric and I have a habit of saying good morning, hello, ciao, etc., whether we are out for a neighborhood stroll or a hike in the Swiss Alps. Recently it struck me that we encounter a number of people on our local wetlands trail who studiously avoid eye contact. They don’t acknowledge that anyone else could possibly be sharing the space with them. Perhaps they are absorbed in meditation or maybe listening to a book, podcast, or music through ever-present earbuds.
Maybe they are simply anti-social or fear being dragged into a conversation with a couple of random old people.
Do you say hello to everyone you meet when you are out for a walk? Does it matter if you are on the sidewalk in your neighborhood or in your local nature park? How about if you are out for a hike in a more remote location, like the mountains?
I have always considered it polite to recognize people we see on the trail. Mostly people we meet coming from the other direction but also those we may pass when moving at a faster pace. It is de rigueur etiquette when hiking in the mountains in Italy and Switzerland. Everyone either starts the greeting or responds. Ciao, Buongiorno, Morgan, Grüezi, and Hello are all common. But why? You’re never going to see these people again. So what?
Turns out there are very good reasons and much precedent rather ingrained in some cultures. I happened upon an enlightening article in Italian (use Google to get a good translation) about the very need to greet those sharing the trail with you.
First, and in my mind of major importance, is the practical purpose of being able to recognize those whose paths we have crossed in case you – or they – encounter trouble. Details of where they were and when can help rescuers immensely. Using a greeting to a passerby can imprint that person on your memory and you on theirs.
How easy to lift a hand in greeting or say “Hi.”
It helps to learn the words in the local languages.
- Ciao, Salve, and Buongiorno do the trick in Italy. They mean Hi, Hello (formal), and Good Morning, respectively. Note that Buongiorno works as “hello” throughout the day.
- Guten Morgan, Hallo, Guten Tag, and Grüß Gott are used in Germany and most of Switzerland, the first often abbreviated as simply Morgan.
- In Switzerland you’ll encounter Grüezi quite often, except in the eastern French-speaking areas where, not surprisingly, you’ll hear Bonjour.
It is common to extend your greeting in one language and hear something entirely different in return. Grüezi may invite Grüß Gott especially from Bavarians. If “Hello” works best for you, great!
The article underscores other great practices.
- “Pack it in, pack it out” is a familiar mantra for wilderness campers, but it matters just as much for walkers. Don’t toss apple cores or orange peels on the trail; biodegradable does not mean harmless. Human waste should always be removed. A bear can go in the woods; you need to leave no trace. Our books recommend carrying small bags in your daypack for this purpose. We prefer zipper bags, which can be harder to find in Europe, so it’s best to bring some from home—along with wet wipes.
- Silence and Calm. No one walks along singing “The Happy Wanderer.” No one. Respect nature and enjoy the sounds of the birds. Engage in quiet conversation with your hiking partners but keep the raucousness for the pub afterward. I would add, when walking in the mountains, ear buds and audio books are probably not a good idea. Be alert to your environment for safety if nothing else.
Julie Andrews may have sung to the hills. You should not.
Avoid animal encounters. The most dangerous thing Ric and I have encountered is a herd of trail-blocking cows. They were HUGE and we were hesitant to disturb them. The area surrounding the trail was uneven and rocky and also occupied by the cows. No way to pass. (This was in the Alpe di Siusi, my photo below.) Luckily, along came a German-speaking woman clearly used to dealing with livestock and she was not afraid of shooing them along.
Trail blocking cows can be intimidating but especially give the nursing mothers a wide berth! Cows can be absolute bears regarding their offspring. Never come between them.
We are off on our annual adventure soon. This year’s trip theme is Mountains, Mountains, and More Mountains. We will seldom be below 5000 feet above sea level. Since we live at 210, that’s quite a difference. There will be cows and plenty of other trekkers. A third book is in the works featuring walking in Switzerland’s Graubünden Region, especially the Upper Engadine. Watch this space!
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I usually try to acknowledge other hikers on the trail, with a “hi” or at least a nod and a smile. That gets tiresome fast, however, on very busy trails, so in those cases I sometimes just give up and just forge ahead …and try to avoid such trails in the future.
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Good point, Chris! When the trail is like a conga line about all you can do is nod your head when you make eye contact, whether inadvertently or otherwise! We steer clear of those trails when we suspect they will be that way.
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My dear friend Gayle had this to say but WP gave her issues in posting it. So lovely I had to include it.
I walk around my suburban area, both in Oregon and California, but now and then enjoy the luxury of walking in wilder areas. I completely agree about greeting. For most people I smile and nod, say good morning, or hello, or a response if they have beat me too it. There are times, however, when I have learned to do a modified version. If, when I look at them, they are seemingly keeping their eyes down or away – as in avoiding eye contact – I keep my eyes on them and hold my tongue. Which is to say I stay alert but wait for them to speak. I would not even consider this kind of behavior in the mountains or a wilder rural area. There is definitely a strong connection between acknowledging fellow walkers and safety. In a number of ways, I think.
In fact, I tend to give down-lookers a wide berth. I do not want to know what they are thinking but I definitely want to know what they may do next.
In my somewhat limited walking in Scotland recently, I also found the greeting tradition used. I am so glad you wrote about this, Laurel, because if I put my ‘anthropologist’ hat on, this may be a very ancient human behavior. Beyond tradition. How nice to think about that.
As far as packing it out, it is SUCH an important idea. I wish that was done more thoroughly in my suburban parks and walks. We are so lucky to live in a lush green area, and it is such a shame to see people leaving behind trash, and the worst – doggie landmines. I would love to pass a law that made both of those illegal, but then we have the enforcement problem.
Sigh.
What a wonderful idea to think that, on a delightful fall day, in a beautiful place, our ancient ancestors also nodded and greeted their fellow travelers. I hope I am right about that. We sure could use more of that spirit.
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Insightful post, Laurel. I always say hello on hiking/walking trails but on neighborhood walks, I sometimes just smile and nod.
I also give cows a wide berth as there have been reports of cow attacks in Britain. Not an everyday occurrence, but I am cautious around them.
Have a wonderful mountain holiday!
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I should have signed my comment…… Grier
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Of course you have GREAT trail etiquette. Do they say “Cherrio” in England? 🙂
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I have heard Cheerio at times!
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Good information whether on a trail or in town, in my opinion. Walking on a local trail here in Maine, we greet one another in one way or another. For me, it is not optional. Buon viaggio!
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Thank you! No one looking at their phones while walking in Maine?
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A few, but not most.
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very interesting, thoughtful and good reminders.
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I think it would be a practical idea to say a polite hello to people you pass on the trail. You never know when those are going to be the same people who pack you out or call for Medevac when you’ve broken your leg. Just sayin’.
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Such a rosy outlook. Valid, though. I keep reading about North Americans who have to get extracted from hikes they have no business doing in Switzerland.
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