Steve Haenisch
Filmmaker, Author & Founder of Back-Packer.org
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.
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
- [Nominated] Best Cinematic Video, Traverse Creator Awards, 2023
- Best Documentary, Travel Video Awards LaTam in Medellin, 2022
- Silver Play Button for 100,000 subscribers, YouTube, 2021
- Best Travel Video Blog (Bronze), TBC Asia in Sri Lanka, 2016
- 3rd Place German Tourism Award with CTZ Nuremberg (Video as part of the campaign “Nürnberg schmeckt mir”), 2016
- Travel Blogger of the Month June, Hostelbookers, 2013
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
Media
- Mugged Abroad: How to Get Away as Unscathed as Possible, Süddeutsche Zeitung (German)
- Blogger Steve Hänisch Introduces Himself, Deutsche Welle (German)
- Podcast: Backpacking in South America with Steve Hänisch, Off The Path (German)
- Equipment Tips for Backpackers, Spiegel Online (German)
- My Worst Travel Experience, Spiegel Online (German)
- When Adventure Turns into Danger, Radio Interview, Deutschlandfunk Nova (German)
- Feel Again Project Ecuador, Book
- Feel Again: International Artists Traveling Through Ecuador, Fascinated by Its Beauty (Spanish)
- 17 BEST YOUTUBE TRAVEL CHANNELS TO FOLLOW, The Planet D
- Podcast with Steve Hänisch: You Don’t Sell a Kilimanjaro Climb through an Affiliate Link (German)
- Madeira Hosts Conference on Video Creation ‘KeyFrame 22' (Portuguese)
- Behind the Scenes: Innsbruck Video Shoot (German)
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 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.
Backpacking 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.
Backpacking in Argentina
All my Argentina travel tips including many additional contents compiled in a clear, compact book.
Steve's Latest Posts
- All
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Iceland
- Patagonia
- Portugal
- Tanzania