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Alps, facts about the Alps

The Alps are the greatest mountain system in Europe. They form an arc stretching for 680 miles from the Mediterranean in the west to the Adriatic in the east. They are between 80 and 140 miles wide and cover some 80,000 square miles. Their average height is 6,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level, but many peaks soar well above 10,000 feet.

Alps, facts about the Alps

Location map of the Alps (click to increase)

Starting in France, by the Mediterranean, the Alps curve northwards, forming the border between France and Italy. They form the northern barrier to Italy and continue eastwards through Switzerland, southern Germany, and Austria. The main ranges are divided into Western, Central, and Eastern Alps. The Western Alps are those lying west of the Great St. Bernard Pass. The Central Alps are those between the Great St. Bernard Pass and Lake Constance. The Eastern Alps lie to the east of Lake Constance.

Alps, facts about the Alps
The Alpine scenery, together with its opportunities for climbing and winter sports, attracts many tourists to holidays in the Alps. The Alps have been called the 'playground of Europe'

Alpine peaks, although not high by Asian and American standards, have presented formidable challenges to mountaineers. Mont Blanc (15,781 ft) is the highest mountain in Europe. Other well-known peaks are Monte Bosa (15,217 ft) and the Matterhorn (14,685 ft). The Eiger (13,042 ft) has an almost vertical rock wall for more than 7,000 feet.

In fact, well-known Alpine tunnels and passes include the Little St. Bernard (a pass between France and Italy), the Great St. Bernard, St. Gotthard and Simplon (passes between Switzerland and Italy), and the Brenner Pass (between Austria and Italy). Two of the most recent road tunnels are the Mont Blanc, between France and Italy, and the Great St. Bernard, between Switzerland and Italy. The Alps support a thriving tourist industry. Some of the best-known resorts where people go for winter and summer sports are Davos, Zermatt and St. Moritz in Switzerland; Innsbruck and St. Anton in Austria; Chamonix in France; and Cortina and Bolzano in Italy.

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