Читать книгу Walking in the Bavarian Alps. 70 mountain walks and treks in southern Germany онлайн

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Among the smaller representatives of the animal kingdom worth special mention are two species of salamander. The spotted or fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) is found at lower altitudes on forested slopes, whereas the black alpine salamander (Salamandra atra) may be found at altitudes of up to 3000m (see also Walk 48). Both species are best observed in the early morning when dew still lies on the ground, or just after it has rained. Less common (in spite of the name) is the common viper or adder (Vipera berus), a poisonous snake which inhabits upland moors. However, as it is very shy you are unlikely to see one.

This brief survey of alpine plant and wildlife is of course by no means complete, and space precludes listing all the colourful butterflies and other insects that you may encounter during a sojourn in the mountains. See Appendix B for some useful book titles.

Getting there

By rail

Many of the base towns in this book can be reached by train, and for those travelling from the UK this can be a very relaxing way of reaching their destination. Using the Eurostar from London’s Waterloo station to Brussels, and onward via German ICE high-speed trains, it would take about 10hr to reach Munich. The overall cost might be higher than flying with a low-cost airline, however.