The High Tatras: Slovakia and Poland - Including the Western Tatras and White Tatras

Fully-updated third edition of this comprehensive guide to walking and scrambling in the High Tatras mountains between Poland and Slovakia, and the White and Western Tatras ranges. The sight of the craggy peaks of the High Tatras mountains straddling the Poland-Slovakia border is unforgettable, beautiful and dramatic. This was the first English-language guidebook to cover this spectacular area in depth. The two sides of the range, in Slovakia and Poland, offer totally contrasting experiences. In Slovakia, you can walk from several villages strung out along the foot of the range and linked by a tramway. In Poland, there is just one main resort, Zakopane, a delightful small town that retained its traditional atmosphere through the ravages of the Communist era. The authors provide a detailed insight into the possibilities for walking at all levels from easy through moderate to strenuous. The book also includes sections on history, vegetation and wildlife, weather, languages, preparations for your trip, accommodation and local attractions. For anyone wishing to visit the High Tatras, this book is a must.

Table of Contents:
Preface SECTION 1 AN INTRODUCTION TO THE TATRAS Background Early History Vegetation and Wildlife Weather National Parks Languages Place Names Border Controls SECTION 2 PREPARATION FOR WALKING IN THE TATRAS 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 SECTION 3 THE SLOVAK HIGH AND WHITE TATRAS Later History Walking Tatranská Bora Route Suggestions Waymarked Network With a Guide Path Descriptions Cesta Slobody Red Routes Tatranská Magistrála Blue Routes Green Routes Yellow Routes Selected Timings Highest Summits Travel Diversions Shopping and Local Services Other Useful Information Gazetteer SECTION 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 1 Glossary Appendix 2 Accommodation Appendix 3 Useful Contacts Appendix 4 Suggested Kit List Appendix 5 The Tatras Mountain Code and Visitors' Charter Appendix 6 Help!

About the Author :
Colin Saunders, a member of the Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild, has visited the Slovak Tatras many times. He has written books on walking in London and southeast England and has a wide experience of walking in many parts of Britain and Europe. Co-author Renáta Náro?ná was born and bred in the Slovak Tatras. She has previously worked as a local mountain guide and run her own travel company in the area.