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.

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Map

Overview of the Alps

Trails in this region

Books

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
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
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  • The Book Depository, United Kingdom
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The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2009
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Cicerone Press
United Kingdom
2018
  • Tour of the Jungfrau Region
  • The Tour of the Jungfrau Region is described as a clockwise circuit of 111km beginning at Schynige Platte and ending at Wilderswil. It is broken into 10 stages (with alternatives offered), through the Bernese Oberland under the Mönch, Eiger and Jungfrau. With spectacular mountain views, glaciers, lakes and ridges, it is a classic walk. Read more
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  • The Book Depository, United Kingdom
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The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2018
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Cicerone Press
United Kingdom
2019
  • Walking Lake Garda and Iseo
  • Guidebook to 20 day walks around the majestic Italian lakes of Garda and Iseo. The routes, which range from leisurely strolls to more strenuous routes up panoramic peaks, offer something to suit all walkers. Invaluable practical information about public transport, accommodation and walking kit is included, together with a handy Italian glossary. Read more
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
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The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2007
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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
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  • The Book Depository, United Kingdom
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The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2015
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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
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The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2018
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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
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
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The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2011
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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
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The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2013
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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
  • 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
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  • Stanfords, United Kingdom
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Stanfords
United Kingdom
2018
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2018
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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
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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
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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
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The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2005
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Cicerone Press
United Kingdom
2019
  • Hiking and Trekking in the Japan Alps and Mount Fuji
  • English-language guidebook to the Japan Alps, featuring 27 walks and treks in the North, Central and South Alps, and the Mt Fuji area. Routes range from short, easy walks to long, tough treks and thrilling scrambles. Covers popular areas of Hakuba, Tateyama, Kamikochi, Kawaguchiko. With full information on travel, camping, mountain huts and more. Read more
More books…

Maps

Stanfords
United Kingdom
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
  • Hohe Wand - Schneeberg - Biedermeiertal - Gutenstein F&B WK5012
  • Hohe Wand - Schneeberg - Biedermeiertal - Gutenstein area of eastern Austria presented at 1:35,000 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. Cartography is an enlargement of the... 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
  • Saualpe - Lavanttal - Koralpe - Region Schlicherheimat Freytag & Berndt Map
  • Saualpe - Lavanttal - Koralpe - Region Schlicherheimat 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... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Eisenwurzen - Steyr - Waidhofen a.d. Ybbs - Hochkar F&B
  • Eisenwurzen - Steyr - Waidhofen a.d. Ybbs – Hochkar 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... 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
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Grossvenediger - Hohe Tauern NP - Krimml - Mittersill Freytag & Berndt Map
  • Grossvenediger - Hohe Tauern NP - Krimml - Mittersill area of the Austrian Alps presented at 1:35,000 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. Cartography is an enlargement of... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Hinterer Bregenzerwald - Kleinwalsertal - Damüls F&B
  • Hinterer Bregenzwald - Kleines Walsertal - Damüls area of the Austrian Alps presented at 1:35,000 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. Cartography is an enlargement of the... Read more
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
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
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
  • 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
More maps…

Walking holidays

Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Via Francigena: Stage 1: Bourg St Pierre to Pont St Martin
  • Self-guided walking tour following the Via Francigena through the Swiss Alps and into the Aosta Valley. A superb week of walking that begins in the heart of the Alps, crosses the border from Switzerland into Italy and traverses the high mountain pass of Great St Bernard. En route you will be surrounded by a backdrop of magnificent mountain... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Complete Tour du Mont Blanc Trek in Comfort Self Guided Walking Holiday
  • 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. The Tour du Mont Blanc is a trek... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • The E5 Alpine Crossing - Walk Oberstdorf to Meran
  • Self guided walking tour on the E5 Alpine crossing from Oberstdorf to Meran. Take on the famous E5 Alpine crossing from Germany, through Austria and finishing in Italy’s South Tyrol. This classic inn to inn route is long-distance trekking at its best and is a must for Alpine fans. Hike from mountain pass to mountain pass, taking in the scenery... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Via Francigena: Stage 3: Garlasco to Fidenza
  • Self guided walking tour following the Via Francigena through Lombardy and Emilia Romagna. Cross the fertile river plains of Lombardy and the vineyard-covered foothills of the Apennine Mountains within Emilia Romagna. Discover the exquisite towns of Pavia and Piacenza, both incredibly rich in cultural and artistic treasures. Begin your journey... 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
  • Walker's Haute Route - Chamonix to Arolla
  • Trek the Western Section of the Walker's Haute Route from Chamonix to Arolla. Walk the western section of the Walker’s Haute Route from Chamonix to Arolla. Wonderful views of the Mont Blanc Massif and classic Alpine Walking. The Walker’s Haute Route is an iconic high level walk that links the famous towns of Chamonix and Zermatt. This... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Via Francigena: Stage 4: Fidenza to Aulla
  • Self guided walking tour following the Via Francigena through the Apennine Mountains. This journey along the Via Francigena takes you through the Apennine Mountains, known as the “backbone of Italy” and from the region of Emilia Romagna into northern Tuscany. Originating in Fidenza, known for its duomo of pink stone, you cross the Cisa Pass and... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Complete Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort (Extended)
  • 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
  • Walker's Haute Route (East) - Arolla to Zermatt
  • Walk the Eastern Walker's Haute Route from Arolla to Zermatt. Take on the iconic Eastern section of the Walker’s Haute Route from Arolla to Zermatt. Six days of sublime mountain walking culminating at the foot of the Matterhorn in Zermatt. The Walker’s Haute Route is one of the World’s great treks and the eastern section from Arolla to... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Mountains & Lakes of the Julian Alps Self Guided Walking Holiday
  • Explore the mountains and lakes of Slovenia’s Julian Alps as you follow the Via Alpina from Jezersko to Lake Bohinj. Explore the mountains and lakes of Slovenia’s Julian Alps as you follow the Via Alpina from the tranquil village of Jezersko to Lake Bohinj at the heart of the Triglav National Park. Following well marked trails you will walk... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
  • Walk from Oberammergau to the Zugspitze
  • Explore the Bavarian Alps on this hotel to hotel walking tour. This walking holiday takes you to the foot of the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain at 2,962m. Follow panoramic trails through mountainous scenery and traditional Alpine towns and villages. Immerse yourself in Germanic Alpine culture; hike from town to town, and enjoy loop... 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
  • The Dachstein Alpine Circuit
  • Self guided walking tour, hiking a circuit of the Dachstein mountain range in Austria's beautiful Salzkammergut region. Austria’s Dachstein hiking circuit is truly a walker’s paradise. This impressive alpine massif is filled with reflective lakes, glacial ice, serene pastures, virgin forests and rugged limestone peaks rising 2500m above the... Read more
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
  • 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
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 ??
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