Guidebook detailing walks and scrambles in the High Tatras mountains of Poland and Slovakia. Varied routes among the strikingly beautiful craggy peaks of the High, Western and White Tatras range from easy to strenuous. Includes useful lists of summits as well as practical advice on accommodation and facilities, travel, mapping and language.
With breathtaking scenery, some 600km of well-maintained, waymarked paths and a selection of characterful resorts, the Tatras mountains have all the elements of a perfect walking holiday. Straddling the border between Slovakia and Poland, the region boasts stunning mountain landscapes: rocky pinnacles, craggy peaks, jagged ridges and towering cliffs, mirror-surfaced tarns and dancing waterfalls. Covering the Western, High and White Tatras, and both sides of the Polish-Slovakian border, it presents 180 walks and scrambles routes of between 1km and 30km (both circular and linear and from easy to strenuous) linking the main resorts with peaks, lakes and mountain chalets. In Poland, there is just one base - delightful Zakopane - whereas in Slovakia, you can walk from several villages strung out along the foot of the range and linked by a tramway. The guide also includes a wealth of information about local services, facilities and attractions and extensive practical advice covering travel and insurance, accommodation and facilities, mountain guides, languages and safety in the mountains. The Tatras have been designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in recognition of their rich biodiversity and the guide presents a summary of the region's plants and wildlife, as well as its fascinating history. Other highlights include an ascent of Krivan, the national symbol of Slovakia, glorious ridge walks in the Western Tatras and gentler strolls taking in caves and waterfalls. Blending information with inspiration, this book is a must for anyone wishing to visit the High Tatras.
Preface 1 AN INTRODUCTION TO THE TATRAS Background Early history Vegetation and wildlife Weather National parks Languages Place names Border controls 2 PREPARATION FOR WALKING When to go Obtaining information Travel and insurance Accommodation Fitness Clothing and equipment Maps Paths and waymarking Refreshments and toilets Mountain chalets or refuges Mountain guides Mountain safety and emergency services Winter walking Cross-border walking Mountain photography How to use this guide Grading of walks 3 THE SLOVAK HIGH AND WHITE TATRAS Later history Walking Tatranska Bora Route suggestions Waymarked network With a guide Path descriptions Cesta Slobody Red routes Tatranska Magistrala Blue routes Green routes Yellow routes Selected timings Highest summits Travel Diversions Shopping and local services Other useful information Gazetteer 4 THE POLISH TATRAS Later history Walking Route suggestions Path descriptions Red routes Blue routes Green routes Yellow routes Black routes Selected timings Highest summits Travel Diversions Shopping and local services Other useful information Gazetteer Appendix A Glossary Appendix B Accommodation Appendix C Useful contacts Appendix D Suggested kit list Appendix E The Tatras mountain code and Visitors' Charter Appendix F Help!
