As soon as the days get longer and the sun's rays tickle your nose, it's time to head outdoors. Whether it's a date idea, a family outing in the countryside, or a chill-out day with friends in the park – with a picnic, you'll enjoy summer to the fullest. Grab your favorite people and head out into the countryside. We'll tell you what makes your trip perfect.

Make a master plan

The sun is shining and the first picnic of the year is just around the corner? Before you head out, it's important to choose the ideal picnic spot . Whether in a park, by a lake, or in the forest—sitting outdoors with friends and family is always a treat. Also, check the weather forecast to be prepared for possible rain showers or strong sunlight. Planning begins with these four questions:

• Where do I want to have a picnic?
• Who or how many people are there?
• Which foods are suitable for a snack in the countryside?
• What drinks should I take with me?

Have you checked all your boxes? Now it's time to pack!

10 essentials for your next picnic

A picnic in the forest is a wonderful way to escape the stresses of everyday life and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. You don't need much for a relaxing picnic. A beautiful spot that invites you to linger and good weather are the best prerequisites. We've brought you 10 tips to make your picnic perfect!

1. Snacks

The heart of every picnic is the food. Light snacks and finger food ideas are ideal for on-the-go. How about fresh wraps, fruit skewers, or savory quiches? With fresh salads and side dishes, this becomes a balanced meal.

Classic picnic snacks:

• Wraps
• Sandwiches
• quiche
• Baguette or sandwiches
• Fruit and fresh vegetables
• Cookies
• Vegetable or fruit skewers
• Antipasti (olives, cheese, salami)
• Muffins, brownies and co.
• Falafel
• pizza
• Tarte flambée
• chips
• Colorful salads
• Pasta salad (nothing with too much dressing)
• Nuts
• Dips (hummus, guacamole, pastes etc.) & sauces

The choice of what to pack in your picnic basket is vast. However, in midsummer, you should avoid chocolate and fresh produce, as they spoil or melt quickly. Salads with dressing are also not suitable for a picnic.

2. Cold drinks

Whether juice, water, wine, or beer – the right drink is a must at a picnic. Nothing beats a cold drink to accompany all those delicacies. It's best to chill them at home in the refrigerator or buy them chilled at the supermarket.

3. Picnic blanket

A large, comfortable picnic blanket is a must for any picnic. Whether in a sunny forest clearing or a green meadow, make yourself comfortable without getting your clothes dirty. Simply choose a color or pattern of your choice, and you've got a blanket for all your outdoor activities.

4. Picnic basket

Not a must, but absolutely stylish! A picnic basket makes a statement and keeps all your culinary delights in one place. It's also super practical if you want to take a short walk into the woods first.

5. Cooler box

To keep your drinks chilled, we recommend a cooler . This is also ideal for perishable foods, which you can take with you even in summer temperatures. Choose a size that suits the number of people and your picnic location. You certainly wouldn't want to hike 5 km with a large cooler in your hand.

6. Cutlery, glasses & dishes

For the sake of the environment, avoid disposable cutlery and plates and bring your own dishes from home. This way, you'll collect eco-points and create less waste. It's best to bring a few garbage bags for the waste that accumulates. Many people use aluminum foil, cling film, or similar materials to wrap their sandwiches, but you don't need to. We recommend our Boksen for storage. They're available in two sizes and are true all-rounders for any picnic or everyday use. Whether as a can opener or a sharp knife, the SKOTTI Leatherman Multitool also proves to be a true all-rounder for your next barbecue.

7. Napkins / Wet wipes

If you spill something or want to wipe your hands after eating, napkins or wet wipes are your lifesaver.

8. Boombox for music fun

Of course, a day at the park shouldn't be complete without entertainment. With a small boombox for your phone, the music not only sounds enchanting but also creates a relaxing atmosphere.

9. Sunscreen & insect spray

There are many insects roaming around in nature, so keep your insect repellent handy. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are also essential on particularly sunny days.

10. Games

Are you traveling with your kids? Pack something to play with so they don't get bored and you can relax and unwind. Whether it's a ball, a board game, or Viking chess, the options are endless and fun for more than just the little ones.

Everything at a glance

Here again, for all those who don’t like reading, a short overview of the most important picnic essentials:

For the picnic	picnic blanket Plates, cutlery Cups, glasses pocket knife, sharp knife Napkins, towels Mini grill (SKOTTI is always a good choice) garbage bags Corkscrew (for wine) Food & Beverages picnic basket Leatherman Multitool
On hot days	Sunscreen Cooler bag Sun hat and sunglasses
Entertainment	jukebox Book or magazine Card games Viking chess, football, etc.
For the evening hours	LED lights or fairy lights lighter Mosquito spray

Spice up your picnic with our SKOTTI

Want to grill at your picnic without much effort? With its compact pack size, SKOTTI is ideal for a picnic adventure in the great outdoors. It can be set up in just a few minutes and fits in any backpack. The tarpaulin of the handy bag also serves as a protective floor. Whether it's sausages, bratwurst , grilled cheese, or dessert from the grill – our SKOTTI conjures up anything your heart desires.

Tip: Want to make your picnic a real highlight? Check out our recipe ideas for the grill .

Frequently Asked Questions

What foods are perfect for a picnic?

Popular options for a picnic include:

• Sandwiches or wraps with various fillings
• fresh fruit such as grapes, berries or apples
• Vegetable sticks with dip
• Cheese and crackers
• Salads in airtight containers
• Nuts or dried fruits
• Chips or snack bars

What do you need for a picnic?

In addition to your favorite snacks, you should always remember to bring a picnic blanket or mat to sit on. Other essentials for your picnic include plates, cutlery, cups or glasses, napkins or paper towels, and a cooler bag or container.

What other things should I consider when having a picnic?

Most importantly, check your weather app and prepare accordingly. Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and perhaps an umbrella for protection from the sun. Don't forget to bring mosquito repellent if you're picnicking in an insect-infested area. Dispose of your trash at the end and respect nature.