Alps

Description

French Alps

The Alps, main mountain range of Europe, extending from France to Slovenia, including Austria, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein. Highest summit is Mont Blanc (4.810), on the frontier of France, Switzerland and Italy, home of the popular Tour du Mont Blanc.

The Alps are, contrary to what most people think, not the largest mountain range in Europe. The Carpathians actually are more extensive, but not as high.

Often, hikers from outside Europe ask where to go in the Alps, which trail is best. Obviously, this is something every individual has to decide upon herself. The range of hiking opportunities in the Alps is huge. Beautiful country walks are within reach of snow capped mountains where someone else is sweating on a rope to get over a glacier. There are plenty of long distance trails combining different areas, although most people stick to one area. Some like to stay in a hotel and make day walks. Others fancy a hut-tour.

Let's be clear on another point: the facilities in the Alps are among the best in the world. Some would argue they are over the top. Thousands of huts – and very good ones too – lots of ski lifts, well marked trails.

Okay, we from Traildino do have some advice. First, take into account the local culture of an area. Many Alpine regions have a long and rich history which is there to enjoy. The different countries sharing the Alps are all very different, and the regional differences are equally astonishing. This is really a part of the fun here: enjoying nature, enjoying people and hospitality. Second tip: famous is not best. You will probably think of flying to the Matterhorn or Mont Blanc or something equally famous. Needless to say: these area's are very busy and by no means the most impressive or beautiful. Pretty as they are, also the different national parks draw many visitors and hikers are packed in large huts when aiming at the high peaks. If that's what you want: fine. If you prefer a small hut where a local warden makes you the best dinner you've ever had and where you can have a chat with the other three guests while inhaling the sounds and fumes of the end of the day, than virtually every region in the Alps has its charms.

Rate this region0.0Add hike reportForumAdd to wishlist

Map

Overview of the Alps

Trails in this region

Books

Cicerone Press
United Kingdom
2018
  • Walking in the Bavarian Alps
  • Guidebook to mountain walks and treks in the Bavarian Alps, on the border of Germany and Austria, between Lake Constance and Berchtesgaden. Accessible from Munich, Salzburg and Innsbruck, these 70 routes range from half-day walks to 3-day hut-to-hut treks. Highlights include the Königssee and Breitach, Partnach and Höllental gorges. Read more
  • Also available from:
  • The Book Depository, United Kingdom
» Click to open
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2018
» Click to close
Cicerone Press
United Kingdom
2015
  • The Tour of the Bernina
  • Guidebook describing a 9-stage (119km) route around the Piz Bernina massif in the Alps on the Swiss-Italian border near St Moritz, and the 8-stage (94km) Alta Via Valmalenco exploring the Valmalenco valley, in the shadow of Monte Disgrazia. The Tour of the Bernina is suitable for first-time trekkers but the Alta Via needs some experience. Read more
  • Also available from:
  • The Book Depository, United Kingdom
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2015
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2015
  • Wandelgids The Tour of the Bernina | Cicerone
  • Uitstekende wandelgids van een meerdaagse tocht in Zwitserland en Italië in het Bernina-gebied. Goede beschrijvingen, veel praktische informatie en redelijke kaarten al zullen deze niet helemaal voldoende zijn. This guidebook explores two treks in the Bernina region of the Swiss-Italian Alps. The Tour of the Bernina is an 9-stage trek circling... Read more
» Click to close
Cicerone Press
United Kingdom
2018
  • The Karnischer Hohenweg
  • English-language guidebook to the Karnischer Höhenweg, a 170km waymarked hut-to-hut trek along the border between Italy and Austria. Also known as the Carnic Peace Trail, it runs west to east along the Ridge of the Carnic Alps, the site of the WW1 front line. With information on planning your trip, accommodation and the history of the area. Read more
  • Also available from:
  • The Book Depository, United Kingdom
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2018
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2018
  • Wandelgids Trekking the Karnischer Höhenweg | Cicerone
  • Uitstekende wandelgids van deze mooie route. goed beschreven met veel praktische informatie om de route te kunnen lopen, inclusief redelijke kaarten This guidebook describes the Karnischer Höhenweg; a 169km long-distance walk through the beautiful Carnic Alps which straddle the border between Austria and Italy. Following a high Alpine trail... Read more
» Click to close
Cicerone Press
United Kingdom
2007
  • Across the Eastern Alps: E5
  • From Lake Constance in Germany, this guidebook describes walking the E5 trek that runs 600km through a remarkable kaleidoscope of landscapes and culture in Switzerland, Austria and Italy, to its destination at Verona. It traverses the Allgauer, Lechtaler and Ötztaler Alps. There is a good network of alpine refuges and guesthouses on the route. Read more
  • Also available from:
  • The Book Depository, United Kingdom
» Click to open
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2007
» Click to close
Cicerone Press
United Kingdom
2018
  • The Via Francigena Canterbury to Rome - Part 2
  • An essential guidebook for anyone planning to walk the Via Francigena pilgrim route from Canterbury to Rome. Part 2 describes 940km of the pilgrimage from the Great St Bernard Pass to Rome. Contains all the planning information you need for your journey, including details of facilities and accommodation along the route. Read more
  • Also available from:
  • The Book Depository, United Kingdom
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2015
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2013
  • Wandelgids - Pelgrimsroute Via Francigena part 2 | Cicerone
  • An essential guidebook for anyone planning to walk the Via Francigena pilgrim route from Canterbury to Rome. Part 2 describes 940km of the pilgrimage from the Great St Bernard Pass to Rome. Contains all the planning information you need for your pilgrimage, including details of facilities and accommodation along the route. The Via Francigena is... Read more
» Click to close
Cicerone Press
United Kingdom
2018
  • The GR5 Trail - Benelux and Lorraine
  • Guidebook to walking the northern section of the GR5 - 1000km starting in Hoek van Holland and passing through the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Lorraine to Schirmeck in France. A long-distance route covering a variety of cultures and landscapes. The full GR5 from the North Sea to the Mediterranean is one of the world's greatest trails. Read more
  • Also available from:
  • The Book Depository, United Kingdom
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2018
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2018
  • Wandelgids The GR5 Trail Benelux and Lorraine | Cicerone
  • Engelsetalige wandelgids van het noordelijke deel van het beroemde GR 5 pad. Dezse gids beschrijft de gehele route van de GR 5 van Hoek van Holland tot aan Schirmeck in de Vogezen. Goede beschrijvingen en informatie; kaartmateriaal is vrij beperkt. Guidebook to walking the northern section of the GR5 - 1000km starting in Hoek van Holland and... Read more
» Click to close
Cicerone Press
United Kingdom
2017
  • Alpine Ski Mountaineering Vol 1 - Western Alps
  • This guidebook describes the finest high-level ski tours and ski mountaineering routes in the Western Alps in areas as diverse as the Ecrins, Vanoise, Haute Maurienne, Gran Paradiso, Mont Blanc, Valais and Urner Alps. Includes the classic Haute Route, the ski mountaineering traverse through the Alps between Chamonix and Zermatt. Read more
Cicerone Press
United Kingdom
2016
  • Alpine Ski Mountaineering Vol 2 - Central and Eastern Alps
  • This guidebook describes 11 multi-day Alpine ski tours and ski mountaineering routes in the central and eastern Alps, covering hut-to-hut trails in the Bernese, Urner, Albula Alps as well as the Tour Soleil and classic tours through the Bernina, Silvretta, Otztal, Stubai and Ortler. Skiing, mountaineering and navigational skills are all necessary. Read more
Cicerone Press
United Kingdom
2018
  • Trekking in the Stubai Alps
  • An essential guidebook for trekking in the Stubai Alps, in the Austria Tyrol. Two multi-day hut-to-hut hikes are described. The Stubai Rucksack Route links 8 huts without crossing glaciers or difficult passes, whereas the challenging Stubai Glacier Tour involves much glacier work. Either route will easily fit into a 2-week holiday. Read more
  • Also available from:
  • The Book Depository, United Kingdom
» Click to open
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2011
» Click to close
Cicerone Press
United Kingdom
2013
  • A Walk in the Clouds
  • This book is a moving collection of 75 autobiographical short stories from prolific outdoors writer Kev Reynolds, an insight into a lifetime of mountain travel and adventure. These tales are spread across the Moroccan Atlas, Pyrenees, European Alps, Himalaya amongst other destinations, and will leave you by turns amused, reflective and inspired. Read more
  • Also available from:
  • The Book Depository, United Kingdom
» Click to open
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2013
» Click to close
Cicerone Press
United Kingdom
2005
  • Through the Italian Alps
  • A guidebook to the 663km Grande Traversata Delle Alpi trek through the western Italian Alps traversing the Ligurian, Maritime, Cottian, Graian and Pennine Alps to finish near Monte Rosa. The guide splits the route into 47 day stages of 4 to 23km. In total there is 44,000m of ascent/descent, so a good level of fitness and experience is required. Read more
  • Also available from:
  • The Book Depository, United Kingdom
» Click to open
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2005
» Click to close
Cicerone Press
United Kingdom
2014
  • Alpine Flowers
  • A pocket field guidebook for identifying 230 of the most commonly found alpine flowers of the Alps. Categorised by colour for quick identification, each alpine flower has a photograph and description of its key features. Flower names are given in English, French, German, Italian and Latin, with notes on curious facts and origins of names. Read more
Cicerone Press
United Kingdom
2014
  • Via Ferratas of the French Alps
  • This guidebook covers 66 varied via ferratas in the French Alps. The routes are spread over six areas: Geneva and the Northern Alps, Chambéry, Tarentaise and Maurienne valleys, Grenoble and Briançon, amid the Mont Blanc, Vanoise and Queyras ranges. Difficulty ranges from easy, protected routes through to exposed, technical challenges. Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Stanfords, United Kingdom
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
Stanfords
United Kingdom
2014
  • French Alps - Via Ferratas - 66 Routes Between Geneva and Briançon
  • Via Ferratas of the French Alps by Cicerone covers 66 varied routes across six areas: Geneva and the Northern Alps, Chambéry, Tarentaise and Maurienne valleys, Grenoble and Briançon, amid the Mont Blanc, Vanoise and Queyras ranges. Difficulty ranges from easy, protected routes through to exposed, technical challenges. The routes in this... Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2014
» Click to close
Cicerone Press
United Kingdom
2018
  • Walking in the Briançonnais
  • Guidebook of 40 walks around Briançon in France. Walks for all abilities ranging from 1½ to 7hrs. The book focuses on the stunning valleys of Clarée, Cerveyrette, Ayes, Durance and Guisane, and includes the magnificent Alpine landscapes around Vallouise and Montgenèvre. Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Stanfords, United Kingdom
  • The Book Depository, United Kingdom
  • De Zwerver, Netherlands
» Click to open
Stanfords
United Kingdom
2018
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2018
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2018
  • Wandelgids Walking in the Briançonnais | Cicerone
  • Handige duidelijke wandelgids van een mooi wandelgebied. De routes zijn accuraat beschreven met praktische informatie erbij. Kaartmateriaal is redelijk, soms wat schetsmatig. In berggebieden zijn wandelkaarten wel belangrijk! Bij de routes worden de juiste kaartnummers gegeven. This guidebook presents 40 walks exploring the area around Briançon... Read more
» Click to close
Cicerone Press
United Kingdom
2018
  • Europe's High Points
  • A guide to reaching the summit of every country in Europe - driving, walking and climbing routes to the tops of 50 countries in Europe. Detailed route descriptions, sketch maps - advice on transport, seasons, grading and gear. From afternoon strolls in Malta to three-day mountaineering ascents on classic Alpine routes such as Mont Blanc. Read more
  • Also available from:
  • The Book Depository, United Kingdom
» Click to open
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2009
» Click to close
More books…

Maps

Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Zell am See - Kaprun - Saalbach F&B WK382
  • Zell-am-See - Kaprun - Saalbach area of the Austrian Alps presented at 1:50,000 in a series of contoured and GPS compatible outdoor leisure map from Freytag & Berndt with hiking and cycling routes, mountain huts, campsites and youth hostels, local bus stops, plus other tourist information. To see the list of currently available titles in this... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Radstädter Tauern - Katschberg - Lungau F&B WK202
  • Radstädter Tauern - Katschberg - Lungau area of the Austrian Alps presented at 1:50,000 in a series of contoured and GPS compatible outdoor leisure map from Freytag & Berndt with hiking and cycling routes, mountain huts, campsites and youth hostels, local bus stops, plus other tourist information.To see the list of currently available titles in... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Gleinalpe - Lippizanerheimat - Leoben - Voitsberg Freytag & Berndt Map
  • Gleinalpe - Lippizanerheimat – Leoben - Voitsberg area of south-eastern Austria presented at 1:50,000 in a series of contoured and GPS compatible outdoor leisure map from Freytag & Berndt with hiking and cycling routes, mountain huts, campsites and youth hostels, local bus stops, plus other tourist information.To see the list of currently... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Attersee - Traunsee - Höllengebirge - Mondsee - Wolfgangsee F&B WK282
  • Attersee - Traunsee - Höllengebirge - Mondsee - Wolfgangsee area of the Austrian Alps presented at 1:50,000 in a series of contoured and GPS compatible outdoor leisure map from Freytag & Berndt with hiking and cycling routes, mountain huts, campsites and youth hostels, local bus stops, plus other tourist information. To see the list of... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Wölzer Tauern - NP Sölktal - Rottenmanner Tauern F&B WK203
  • Wölzer Tauern - Sölktal - Rottenmanner Tauern area of the Austrian Alps presented at 1:50,000 in a series of contoured and GPS compatible outdoor leisure map from Freytag & Berndt with hiking and cycling routes, mountain huts, campsites and youth hostels, local bus stops, plus other tourist information.To see the list of currently available... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
Stanfords
United Kingdom
2016
  • La Vallée de l’Ubaye à pied FFRP Topo-guide No. P043
  • La Vallée de l’Ubaye à pied, FFRP topo-guide Ref. No. P043, with 51 day walks of varying length and difficulty in the valley of the Ubaye River in the southern part of the French Alps around Barcelonnette, Jausiers and Larche. Each walk is presented on a separate colour extract from IGN’s topographic survey of France at 1:25,000 or 1:50,000,... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Styrian Winelands - Southwest Styria F&B WK411
  • Styrian Winelands area south-eastern Austria presented at 1:50,000 in a series of contoured and GPS compatible outdoor leisure map from Freytag & Berndt with hiking and cycling routes, mountain huts, campsites and youth hostels, local bus stops, plus other tourist information. To see the list of currently available titles in this series please... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Central Rhodopes / Rodopi Geopsis 132
  • Central Rhodopes Mountains on the border of north-eastern Greece and Bulgaria on a waterproof and tear-resistant, contoured and GPS compatible map from Geopsis highlighting nine recommended hiking trails and the local section of the E6 cross-Europe long-distance route. All place names are in both Greek and Latin alphabet, with several villages... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Fischbacher Alps - Roseggers Waldheimat - Mürzzuschalg Freytag & Berndt Map
  • Fischbacher Alps - Roseggers Waldheimat – Mürzzuschalg area of eastern Austria presented at 1:50,000 in a series of contoured and GPS compatible outdoor leisure map from Freytag & Berndt with hiking and cycling routes, mountain huts, campsites and youth hostels, local bus stops, plus other tourist information.To see the list of currently... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Gesäuse - Ennstaler Alpen - Schoberpass Freytag & Berndt Map
  • Gesäuse - Ennstaler Alpen - Schoberpass area of eastern Austria presented at 1:50,000 in a series of contoured and GPS compatible outdoor leisure map from Freytag & Berndt with hiking and cycling routes, mountain huts, campsites and youth hostels, local bus stops, plus other tourist information.To see the list of currently available titles in... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Eastern Rhodopes / Rodopi Geopsis 131
  • Eastern Rhodopes Mountains on the border of north-eastern Greece and Bulgaria on a waterproof and tear-resistant, contoured and GPS compatible map from Geopsis highlighting nine recommended hiking trails and the local section of the E6 cross-Europe long-distance route. All place names are in both Greek and Latin alphabet, with several villages... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Achensee - Rofan - Unterinntal F&B WK321
  • Achensee - Rofan - Unterinntal area of the Austrian Alps north-east of Innsbruck presented at 1:50,000 in a series of contoured and GPS compatible outdoor leisure map from Freytag & Berndt with hiking and cycling routes, mountain huts, campsites and youth hostels, local bus stops, plus other tourist information. To see the list of currently... Read more
More maps…

Walking holidays

Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Via Francigena: Stage 5: Aulla to San Miniato
  • Self guided walking tour following the Via Francigena through northern and central Tuscany. Originating in the historical region of Lunigiana, an area of great gastronomy, lush green meadows and waterfalls, your walking tour along the Via Francigena takes you from Aulla at the foot of the Apennines, along the coast into northern Tuscany and the... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Bernese Oberland: The Bear Trail
  • A self-guided walking tour along Bernese Oberland's Bear Trail. Enjoy classic Swiss alpine walking beneath the Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau as you explore the Bernese Oberland. Picture-postcard Wengen, Grindelwald and Meiringen nestle amongst the high peaks of this stunning region as you follow one of Switzerland’s most popular long distance walks. ... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Dolomites Alta Via 1 Relaxed
  • Self-guided trek, including a rest day in Cortina, walking the full Alta Via 1 through the Italian Dolomites. A well-paced two-week tour along the iconic Italian ‘High Route 1’ through the best of the Dolomiti mountains, with a mid-walk rest day to recharge and explore the region’s ‘hiking capital’ - Cortina. Follow the full Alta Via 1 from... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Via Francigena: Stage 2: Pont St Martin to Garlasco
  • Self guided walking tour following the Via Francigena from the edge of the Aosta Valley through Piedmont and into Lombardy. This stage of the Via Francigena is full of contrasts, from the snow-capped Alps, to the cultivated hills around Vercelli, and beyond to the vast wide plains of the Po River Valley. Walking through three different regions... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Salzburg Lakes Self Guided Walking Holiday
  • Explore the beauty of Austria’s Lake District in the Salzkammergut region near Salzburg. Explore the beauty of Austria’s Lake District in the Salzkammergut region near Salzburg. Wonderful mountain scenery, pretty villages and alpine lakeside walking make this a marvellous area in which to soak up the sights, relax and unwind. Visit Mozart’s... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Via Francigena: Stage 6: San Miniato to San Quirico
  • Self guided walking tour following the Via Francigena through central Tuscany. Explore the central belt of iconic Tuscan landscapes and a distinctive trio of medieval towns; Siena, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni. This stage of the Via Francigena takes you from the charming village of San Miniato to San Quirico situated on the northern edge of... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • St. Moritz & The Engadine Valley Walking Tour
  • A self guided walking holiday in Switzerland's Engadine Valley. An easy walking tour through the beautiful Engadine Valley, visiting Switzerland’s first and only National Park, St. Moritz and the pretty alpine village of Pontresina. The alpine valley of the Engadine offers the perfect introduction to easy walking in Switzerland. Explore... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Dolomites Alta Via 1 South
  • Self-guided walk in the Dolomites, following the quieter southern section of the Alta Via 1. The Alta Via 1 long distance trail winds its way through the heart of the Italian Dolomites. This tour covers around 90km of the wilder and quieter southern section of the AV1, spread over 6 days, walking approx. 15km daily. We follow good alpine paths;... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • The Glacier Express Rail and Hike
  • Ride the world Glacier Express panoramic journey through the Swiss alps and explore the Engadine and Zermatt on foot. Cross the Swiss Alps on the famous Glacier Express, a direct train from St Moritz to Zermatt; considered one of the most stunning rail journeys of the world. Get closer to the typical wooden chalets and sounds of Alpine cow... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Relaxed Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort
  • Self guided trek staying in hotels following the Tour du Mont Blanc through France, Italy and Switzerland. Walk the complete Tour du Mont Blanc through France, Italy and Switzerland, staying in comfortable accommodation each night. It’s the perfect Alpine trek for those who prefer their trekking in comfort. Your trek starts and finishes in Les... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • The Dolomites of Val Badia Self Guided Walking Holiday
  • The Val Badia will astonish you with breathtaking landscapes on this quintessential Dolomite walking tour. The Val Badia is one of the Ladin valleys located in the South Tyrol area of the Dolomites, an area famed for its alpine beauty and idyllic position at the foot of the Dolomites.This German-speaking part of Italy boasts exceptional... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Via Francigena: Stage 7: San Quirico-Montefiascone
  • Self guided walking tour following the Via Francigena through Tuscany and Lazio. Following in the footsteps of pilgrims from the Middle Ages this section of the Via Francigena begins in the heart of the Tuscan countryside and finishes in the medieval town of Montefiascone. Encounter small hamlets and villages atop conical hills and set within... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • High Trail to the Matterhorn
  • A self guided walking holiday along high trails of the Swiss Alps. The Matterhorn is one of the highest mountain peaks in the Alps, its dramatic pyramid peak stands proudly at 4478m. Discover the beauty of this wondrous mountain as you walk along the haute route from Brig down to Zermatt on our self guided walking holiday. Follow the trail... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • High Trails of the Julian Alps Self Guided Walking Trip
  • Explore the heart of Slovenia’s Julian Alps as you follow the high trails staying in traditional mountain huts. Explore the heart of Slovenia’s Julian Alps as you follow the high trails staying in traditional mountain huts. From the serene shores of glacial Lake Bled the route takes you from hut to hut high into the Triglav National Park and on... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Complete Tour du Mont Blanc in Huts Self Guided Walking Holiday
  • Self guided walk following the Classic Tour du Mont Blanc through France, Italy and Switzerland. Walk the complete Tour du Mont Blanc, through France, Italy and Switzerland staying in mountain huts and hotels. For the serious walker with a sense of aesthetic there really is no other option for the Tour du Mont Blanc. Although not for everyone,... Read more
More walking holidays…

Forum

  3. Cancel
  • Joost Callens² 2015-10-26 11:35:48
  • GR routes ook in Algarve Portugal ??
  • Okt 2015 waren we in Algarve We zagen nieuwe wegwijzers in Algarve en Alentejo met GR15 op. Maar geen enkel toerismebureau of gespecialiseerde boekhandel wist iets v gids hierover of detailkaartjes enz. Iemand ??
Cancel
More questions…