Safety rules in the mountains

(1) Preparation and planning the hike

• study the exact route on the map, in the tourist guide or on specialized tourist web portals
• look for the weather forecast in your  locations
• before the tour, consider your options, experiences, health situation, condition of your partners, especially children
• in general it is recommended to go hiking at least in pairs or threes, if necessary use the services of a mountain guide
• it is also advisable to take out mountain insurance

(2) Recommended hiking equipment

• hiking boots, warm and wind-resistant clothing appropriate to the season and a waterproof upper layer due to a sudden change in weather
• food and plenty of fluids throughout the tour
• current tourist map or tourist GPS navigation, first aid kit
• charged mobile phone with stored contacts of rescue services
• tourist poles and protection against strong sun

(3) Before leaving for the tour

• inform someone about your planned route and the expected time of return, or sign up for the “Book of trips and tours” at the chalet.

(4) The course of the tour

• for a 1-day hike, leave early in the morning and end it until dark
• do not shorten the paths and respect marked closures of paths and trails
• adapt the pace to the weakest participant of the tour
• do not pollute nature by waste and take all the garbage back with you
• protect nature, do not raise your voice and do not disturb the animals
• in case of a sudden change of weather, heavy fog or if the route is too difficult for you, do not overestimate your strength, it is not a shame to go back
• in case of an accident, call for help – Mountain Rescue Service (18300) or the Air Rescue Medical Service (18155)

(5) General rules of national parks

• visitors to the national park are allowed to move only along the marked tourist trails and educational paths
• camping and bivouacking in the park it is forbidden outside the reserved places
• collecting plants including their parts and fruits is prohibited
• making campfires is allowed only on the property of recreational facilities and cottages and in designated campsites
• in the park and in its protection zone, visitors are obliged to behave so as not to cause any damage to plants or animals, or other damage to the environment

Important links

• Visiting rules of the Low Tatras National Park
• Visiting rules of the Great Fatra National Park
• Visiting rules of the Tatra National Park
• Instructions to ensure the safety of persons in mountain areas

Important contats

18300 | NON STOP dispatching of the Mountain Rescue Service

18155 | NON STOP dispatching of the Air Rescue Medical Service

112 | Emergency call to the integrated rescue system