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

32 страница из 75

Other useful pieces of equipment are sunglasses, suncream, a hat (the sun’s UV rays should not be underestimated in the mountains), a whistle for emergencies and perhaps gaiters if you are expecting to encounter snow on the trail. A pair of spiked walking poles (known in German as Wanderstöcke and available at any local sports shop) aid balance and help ease the strain on the knees when going downhill. On longer excursions a head torch can be very handy.

Safety in the mountains

The trail above Knorr Hut, near the Zugspitzplatt (Walk 27)

There are mountain rescue (Bergwacht) teams based near all the main resorts in the Bavarian Alps.

 Emergency telephone number: 112

 Weather report: tel 089 295070 (German), or see www.bergfex.com (English)

Mobile phone coverage can be patchy in alpine regions, so do not rely on your mobile phone alone.

Safety checklist

 Inform somebody of your intentions before departure

 Do not walk alone, especially in remote alpine regions

 Check the current weather forecast (your host, hut wardens or the local tourist office can help here)