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Steve Haenisch

Filmmaker, Author & Founder of Back-Packer.org

steve haenisch_profile

       

Steve Hänisch aka “BackPackerSteve” has been working as a travel guide author and documentary filmmaker since 2012. Based in beautiful Hamburg, he also spends a lot of time in Portugal and South America.

He started this website to provide useful travel information and tips based on his own experiences. Steve has published several travel guides and is a sought-after expert in independent travel and outdoor adventures.

In addition, Steve has made a name for himself as a filmmaker, captivating millions on YouTube with his documentaries. His Patagonia documentary won the best South America documentary at the 2022 LaTam Travel Video Awards in Colombia. He also had his own TV show “Check-In” on DW TV for 7 years, broadcasted in German, English, and Spanish worldwide.

steve haenisch_profile

       

Education & Professional Background

  • Diploma in Business Informatics with a focus on User Experience Design & Marketing, FH Nordakademie, graduated in 2007
  • UX Designer & Consultant for T-Systems Multimedia Solutions, 2007-2012
  • Video Journalist & Producer of “Globetrotter” for Deutsche Welle TV, 2016-2023
  • Video Producer, Author & Founder of Back-Packer.org, 2011 – present

Awards

Talks & Workshops

  • “How to get Views on YouTube in 2022”, Madeira, Workshop at KeyFrame 2022
  • “Taking the long way round: why active travel is the best way to see a destination”, London, Keynote at Destinations Travel Show 2020
  • “How to create quality travel videos”, Trentino, Workshop at Traverse 2019
  • “How to get Views & Build a dedicated audience on Youtube”, Hamburg, Workshop at KeyFrame 2019
  • “Why Quality Content is King”, London, Keynote at WTM 2018
  • “The takeover of Video Blogging”, Colombo, Keynote at TBC Asia 2016
  • “Video Blogging in collaboration with DMOs & Brands”, Colombo, Panel at TBC Asia 2014
  • “Video Blogging & the future of travel content creation”, London, Panel at WTM 2014
  • Press Conference Bulgaria, ITB, 2014

Steve's Books

Here you can find all the books that Steve Hänisch has published in recent years. Each paperback also has an affordable e-book version that you can purchase here on the website.

indonesia ebookIndonesia Travel Planning Kit (2023)
Composed after spending 10 weeks exploring the islands of Java, Bali, Lombok and Flores, this eBook provides firsthand insights and invaluable tips that you won't find in generic travel guides.

Download now >

cover backpacking in chileBackpacking in Chile
In my comprehensive travel guide, you will find numerous Chile travel tips in a compact, clear form. The affordable guide includes route suggestions, hiking routes, and countless Chile tips.

Buy on Amazon >

argentinien cover Backpacking in Argentina
All my Argentina travel tips including many additional contents compiled in a clear, compact book.

Buy on Amazon >

Steve's Latest Posts

  • All
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Iceland
  • Patagonia
  • Portugal
  • Tanzania

Indonesia Travel Planning Kit

Indo Travel Planning Kit Are you planning a trip to Indonesia and searching for practical knowledge about Places to visit, Things to Do as well as Hotels and General Travel Information? Composed by a seasoned traveler who spent 10 weeks exploring the islands of Java, Bali, Lombok and Flores, this eBook provides firsthand insights, expert [...]

How to Explore the Tayrona National Park Beaches in Colombia – incl. Hotels, Routes & Maps

With its dreamy beaches the Tayrona National Park is one of the most beautiful destinations in Colombia. In this guide I tell you my personal tips in order to explore the Tayrona National Park beaches in the best way possible (Last update: May'2023). If you ask Colombians about the most impressive places to visit in […]

25+ Tips & Things to do in Funchal on Madeira, Portugal

Madeira attracts more tourists every year due to its mild climate, breathtaking landscapes and lush vegetation. The island's capital Funchal is the perfect base for exploring the flower island. In this Madeira travel guide I share the best things to do in Funchal and the island itself. All Funchal tips are based on my own travel experience of 3 weeks.

20 Fun Things to do in Sintra, Portugal

Majestic palaces embedded in a dreamy landscape turned Sintra into a true tourist magnet in Portugal. I've been to Sintra more than 10 times myself. Here I'll introduce you to the most important tips and things to do in Sintra.

20 Best Things to do in Lagos, Portugal

Due to its long history and beautiful coastline you can find a variety of sights and things to do in Lagos. The seaside town on the Algarve offers a range of activities for beach lovers as well as history buffs. I've visited Lagos several times over the past few years.

33+ Porto Tips & Things to do in Porto, Portugal (Travel Guide)

Situated at the mouth of the Douro, Porto is often referred to as one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal due to its numerous historical sights and its impressive old town. In this travel guide I will introduce you to the best things to do in Porto and give numerous Porto Tips for tours, […]

30+ Sights & Things to do in Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Europe. In this guide I'll show you the best things to do in Lisbon, Portugal as well as restaurants, tours and hotels. Additionally I give you some valuable Lisbon tips for some lesser known attractions. Nowadays the city attracts more than 6 million tourists […]

25 Best Things to do in Cascais, Portugal

Once a small fisherman village Cascais developed into a popular holiday destination over the past few decades featuring a charming old town and some of the best beaches in the area. In this guide I introduce you to the must visits and best things to do in Cascais, Portugal.

5 Best Places to visit on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica

The Pacific Coast of Costa Rica offers a wide range of Highlights that define the country as a dream destination. From green jungles with waterfalls and raging rivers to numerous beautiful beaches and an enormous variety of wildlife. This part of Costa Rica has it all. In this article I introduce you to the best […]

Best Day Tours & Day Hikes in Torres del Paine, Chile (Patagonia)

In this article I introduce you to the best day tours & day hikes in Torres del Paine. In contrast to the popular multi-day treks you don't need to reserve a camping spot for these hikes which makes it a great alternative to the W Trek and the O/Circuit Trek. Since I visited the Torres […]

My 10 Best Tips for Climbing Kilimanjaro, Tanzania – everything you need to know!

In this article I gathered my best Kilimanjaro tips in order to plan your very own trip to the highest mountain in Africa (5895m). Based on my experience trekking the 8 day lasting Lemosho route this Kilimanjaro guide provides all information needed for your own Kilimanjaro trekking adventure.   I hiked up Mt. Kilimanjaro in […]

My Kilimanjaro Packing List

After Climbing Kilimanjaro on the 8 day lasting Lemosho route I put together this comprehensive Kilimanjaro Packing list to help you prepare for your trek up to the summit of Africas highest mountain no matter which route you decide on taking. I was trekking in September/October so I needed to prepare for warm (25°C) temperatures […]

Backpacking in Colombia – my Colombia travel guide for independent travelers

In this Colombia travel guide I put together all information you need for Backpacking in Colombia based on my own experience of 6 weeks traveling through the country. During my Colombia trip I planned and organized everything independently, followed Colombia tips by locals, made many new friends and got the chance to experience many sides […]

Iceland Travel Tips – All Information needed for planning an Iceland Road Trip

In this travel guide I gathered all Iceland travel tips needed to plan your very own independent road trip through Iceland. Based on my experience traveling the ring road as well as the golden circle route and staying several days at the capital Reykjavik.   I traveled Iceland together with my friend and fellow YouTuber […]

My Top 10 Places to Visit in Iceland – for Short & Long Trips

With this article I want to show you the best places to visit in Iceland with tips for short term visitors as well as ring road adventurers based on my own travels along the Ring Road, the Golden Circle and a bit of the Highlands. Iceland is a true dream destination for outdoor lovers & […]

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