Tourist offices are concentrated in Zakopane. Two main ones: AWAY PTTK, ul. Krupówki, ul. Chramcówki. They organize and support tours comprehensively, they assign ski guides and instructors, they reserve places in shelters and run their own accommodation bases, provide all information and advice in the field of mountain tourism. They are usually open from. 8—20, on public holidays from 9 am to 1 pm. ORT PTTK offices are also located in Nowy Targ (Market), Krościenko and Szczawnica.
Camping. In principle, setting up tents is not allowed in the area of the Tatra National Park. Camps and camps are concentrated in Zakopane and the surrounding area, some of them, apart from the campsites, have permanent tents and camping houses. The Western Tatras operates the Tatra National Park camp near Kir (d. 20c). As there are vacancies, tourists can also use the SZSP bases open from 1 VII do 31 VIII in Siwa Polana, Toporowa Cyhrla and Palenica Białczańska.
Time of transition. The time of passage of individual routes given in this guide is calculated according to a uniform key. It does not take into account longer rests and corresponds to the qualifications of a weaker tourist. You have to remember, that there is always more time for rest, than expected.
Equipment. Trips to the higher parts of the mountains require strong and comfortable clothing that protects against wind and cold. Footwear should have a high uppers and a corrugated rubber sole ("pioneer" type, "Vibrate"). The mountain tourist's outfit consists of: long pants or tied under the knees, thick woolen knee-length socks, linen or flannel shirt, 2 light sweaters - thicker and thinner, windproof, tightly fastened anorak (spacesuit) with a hood. Against the vagaries of the mountain aura (tooth. Weather) a reserve of warm clothes and a good rain cover are necessary. Any handbags and briefcases are inconvenient. Instead, a backpack is used, in addition to the larger "basic" one, it is good to have a smaller one - for a cruise. Necessary little things: Sunglasses, a flashlight, compass, mannerka, pocket knife. Lina, the ice ax and crampons are included in the climber's equipment (tooth. Taternictwo) and tourists generally do not need them. The equipment can be replenished at the sports shop at ul. “Krupówki 39. Rentals in Zakopane offer mainly winter equipment (skis, sledge etc.).
Country Border. The border between Poland and CSRS runs along the ridge of the Tatra Mountains. Crossing it is not allowed, the exception is a few places on the ridge trails 23, 42 i 53. You must have documents with you in the border zone. Border crossings are located on Łysa Polana (d.60e - main), in Chochołów (d. 65b), in Chyżne (d. 65d) and in Niedzica (d. 66b - in the Pieniny Mountains). Visiting the Slovak Tatras is possible thanks to the tourist convention on the basis of passes issued by MO at the tourist's place of residence or stay (two G-day trips a year). If you want to obtain a pass at KM MO in Zakopane, you must have an annotation in your ID card used in border traffic from the GDR. The exchange of zlotys for crowns is carried out by BORT PTTK (by. 12.30).
Parties. Annual sports and tourist events occupy a permanent place in the calendar, like for example. ski memorial for them. B. Czech and H.. Marusarzówny, Rally of Friendship on Lenin's Trails (organized since. 1954) or the Youth Rally "Roads of the Rocky Earth". The Zakopane Carnival organized in winter has a rich program. In mid-July in Bukowina Tatrzańska there are competitions of storytellers and folk musicians "Sabałowe bajania".
In mid-September, many guests come to Tatra Autumn combined with the International Festival of Mountain Folklore.
Tourist information is free. It is provided by tourist offices, hotel and hostel receptions (it sign), and also GOPR on duty. Its own information point runs the TPN (d. 4c - Rondo). Railway information: tel. 45 04, bus - 46 03. Weather forecasts: tel. 921. Information about free accommodation: tel. 911.
Mountain railways run to Gubałówka (d. 10) and Kasprowy Wierch (d. 41). During the seasons, both are heavily loaded. In dead seasons - renovation breaks. In winter, lifts to Kasprowy Wierch from the Gąsienicowa and Goryczkowa valleys and from Bystry to Nosal are in operation (d. 8a). From summer 1072 r. new ticket prices apply, taking into account seasonal discounts. Reservations for excursions are carried out by tourist offices.
Nothing to do in the Tatras. Despite good management, The Tatras claim 10-15 lives each year. The causes of accidents are the most common: going off the trail, getting lost (np. we mgle), sudden break in the weather, carelessly stepping on snow sheets (especially on Orla Perć), lightning strikes, inadequate equipment. In winter - mainly avalanches. Sudden deaths caused by heart ailments have intensified in recent years in the Tatras. Having lost a trail in the mountains, do not go further down, but go back to the signs. Slopes and gullies gentle upstream, below they are usually undercut by sheer walls. In stormy weather ridge and mountain tops should be avoided. Of all the peaks in the Tatra Mountains, Giewont suffered the most.
Nature protection. The Tatra Mountains have been around since. 1939 (1954) national park and tourist traffic have special regulations here. Motor vehicles are not allowed, pedestrians may only walk along marked trails. Wild camping and lighting fires are forbidden, it is forbidden to litter and make noise (radio, musical instruments). The entire nature of the mountains is under protection. The supervision is exercised by the Tatra National Park (buried, ul. Chałubiński 42, tel. 37 99). It maintains its own information point (Rondo), and in the mountains, the guard authorized to impose fines. Social guardians of nature protection also have the right to intervene (SOP) and GOPR officers.