Alps
Description
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.
Map
Trails in this region
- AdlerwegGPX
- Aletsch PanoramawegGPX
- AlpannoniaGPX
- Alpen Weitwanderweg
- Alpenkranz Uri
- Alpenpanorama-WegGPX
- AlpenpässewegGPX
- Alta Via dei GigantiGPX
- Alta Via dei Monti LiguriGPX
- Alta Via Della Valle d'Aosta No 1
- Alta Via Della Valle d'Aosta No 2
- Alta Via Dolomiti 1GPX
- Alta Via Dolomiti 10
- Alta Via Dolomiti 2GPX
- Alta Via Dolomiti 3GPX
- Alta Via Dolomiti 4GPX
- Alta Via Dolomiti 5
- Alta Via Dolomiti 6GPX
- Alta Via Dolomiti 7
- Alta Via Dolomiti 8
- Alta Via Dolomiti 9
- ArnowegGPX
- Ämtlerweg
- Bassa Via del GardaGPX
- Berliner HöhenwegGPX
- Berner Voralpenweg
- Chemin des BissesGPX
- Chemin du VignobleGPX
- Dachstein-Tauern Panoramaweg
- E10GPX
- E2GPX
- E4GPX
- E5GPX
- E6GPX
- Eisenwurzenweg - 8GPX
- EmmenuferwegGPX
- Freiburger VoralpenwegGPX
- Furka HöhenwegGPX
- Gailtaler HöhenwegGPX
- GoethewegGPX
- GR5GPX
- GR50 - Tour des ÉcrinsGPX
- GR510 - Sentier des huit valléesGPX
- GR54 - Tour de l'Oisans et des ÉcrinsGPX
- GR541
- GR549
- GR55 - Tour de la VanoiseGPX
- GR56 - Tour de l'UbayeGPX
- GR58 - Tour du QueyrasGPX
- GR65 - Via PodiensisGPX
- GR653 - Via TolosanaGPX
- GR653D - Voie d’ArlesGPX
- GR9GPX
- GR91 - Traversée du VercorsGPX
- GR93GPX
- GR94 - Tour des Hautes-AlpesGPX
- GR946
- GR95GPX
- GR96 - Traversée des BaugesGPX
- Grande Traversata del Gran Paradiso
- Grande Traversata delle AlpiGPX
- Grenzpfad NapfberglandGPX
- GTPA - Grande Traversée des PréalpesGPX
- Haute Route Chamonix-ZermattGPX
- Heidiland Wandertour
- Heilbronner HöhenwegGPX
- Hintere Gasse
- Kalkalpenweg
- Karnischer HöhenwegGPX
- Karwendel Höhenweg
- Kesch Trek
- Kreuzecker Höhenweg
- Lasörling Höhenweg
- Lötschberg PanoramawegGPX
- Lechtaler HöhenwegGPX
- Liechtensteiner PanoramawegGPX
- Mariazeller Wege - 6GPX
- MaximilianswegGPX
- Meraner HöhenwegGPX
- Mittelbünden Panoramaweg
- Nationalpark PanoramawegGPX
- Nord-Süd Wanderweg - 5GPX
- Nordalpenweg - 1GPX
- Obwaldner HöhenwegGPX
- Pragelpass-WegGPX
- Prättigauer HöhenwegGPX
- Rätikon Höhenweg
- Rheintaler HöhenwegGPX
- Route du Temps
- Rupertiweg - 10GPX
- Salzburger AlmenwegGPX
- Salzsteigweg - 9GPX
- Sanetsch Muveran WegGPX
- Südalpenweg - 3GPX
- Schanfigger HöhenwegGPX
- Schladminger Tauern Höhenweg
- Schwyzer HöhenwegGPX
- SeealpentourGPX
- Senda SegantiniGPX
- Senda SursilvanaGPX
- Sentiero CristallinaGPX
- Sentiero della PaceGPX
- Sentiero Lago di LuganoGPX
- Sentiero VerzascaGPX
- Slovene Geological Path
- Slovenska Planinska PotGPX
- Slovenska Planinska Pot (extended)
- Stubaier HöhenwegGPX
- Sub-Alpine Trail
- Tauernhöhenweg
- Thurgauer PanoramawegGPX
- ThurwegGPX
- Tiroler Höhenweg
- TMB - Tour du Mont BlancGPX
- Tour des CombinsGPX
- Tour des Dents du MidiGPX
- Tour des Grands Barrages
- Tour du Augstbordhorn
- Tour du BeaufortainGPX
- Tour du MatterhornGPX
- Tour du Saint-BernardGPX
- Tour du Val de BagnesGPX
- Tour du WildhornGPX
- Tour Monte RosaGPX
- Tour Val d'HérensGPX
- Trans-Swiss TrailGPX
- Traumpfad München-VenedigGPX
- Venediger HöhenwegGPX
- Verwall Höhenweg
- Via AlpinaGPX
- Via EngiadinaGPX
- Via FrancigenaGPX
- Via GebennensisGPX
- Via JacobiGPX
- Via RhenanaGPX
- Via SbrinzGPX
- Via SplugaGPX
- Via StockalperGPX
- Via ValtellinaGPX
- Voralpenweg - 4GPX
- Walk of Peace
- Walliser SonnenwegGPX
- WALSA-wegGPX
- Weg der SchweizGPX
- Züri Oberland HöhenwegGPX
- Zürich-Zugerland PanoramawegGPX
- Zentralalpenweg - 2GPX
Links
Facts
Reports
Guides and maps
Lodging
Organisations
Tour operators
GPS
Other
Books
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom

United Kingdom
- Dorking, Reigate, Crawley & Horsham OS Landranger Active Map 187 (waterproof)
- Dorking and Reigate area, including a section of the North Downs Way / E2 European Long-distance Path, on a waterproof and tear-resistant OS Active version of map No. 187 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist information.MOBILE DOWNLOADS: As well as the... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
- Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick & Banbury OS Landranger Map 151 (paper)
- The area between Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick and Banbury, including the northern part of the Cotswold Hills and part of the Cotswold Way / E2 European Long-distance Path, on a paper version of map No. 151 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom

United Kingdom
- Cambridge, Newmarket & Saffron Walden OS Landranger Active Map 154 (waterproof)
- Parts of Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Essex with Cambridge, Newmarket and Saffron Walden, including part of the E2 European Long-distance path, on a waterproof and tear-resistant OS Active version of map No. 154 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
- North York Moors Western OS Explorer Map OL26 (paper)
- The western part of the North York Moors National Park on a detailed topographic and GPS compatible map OL26, paper version, from the Ordnance Survey’s 1:25,000 Explorer series. Coverage extends from Ampleforth in the south northwards to Saltburn-by-the-Sea, and from Ingleby Arncliffe to Danby, Castleton and Hutton-le-Hole, and includes... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
2010
- Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
- The new Loch Lomond National Park has ensured protection for what is not only Britain`s largest freshwater lake, but one of its most beautiful, celebrated in ballad and song. West of Loch Lomond are the steep Arrochar Alps towering above Loch Long together with scores of much less visited lower hills stretching down to the seaboard. To the east... Read more

Netherlands
2010
- Wandelgids Loch Lomond and the Trossachs | Pocket Mountains
- The new Loch Lomond National Park has ensured protection for what is not only Britain's largest freshwater lake, but one of its most beautiful, celebrated in ballad and song. West of Loch Lomond are the steep Arrochar Alps towering above Loch Long together with scores of much less visited lower hills stretching down to the seaboard. To the east... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
2021
- Lonely Planet Best Day Walks Japan
- Lonely Planet`s Best Day Walks Japan is your passport to 60 easy escapes into nature. Stretch your legs away from the city by picking a walk that works for you, from just a couple of hours to a full day, from easy to hard. Climb Mt Fuji, walk the Tohoku coast, and enjoy the views in Kamikochi. Get to the heart of Japan and begin your journey... Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
2021
- Wild Guide French Alps
- Wild adventures, hidden places and natural wonders in south east France Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

Netherlands
2021
- Reisgids French Alps - Franse Alpen | Wild Things Publishing
- Wild adventures, hidden places and natural wonders in south east France Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom

United Kingdom
- Maidstone, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks & Tonbridge OS Landranger Active Map 188 (waterproof)
- Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells and the High Weald area, including a section of the North Downs Way / E2 European Long-distance Path, on a waterproof and tear-resistant OS Active version of map No. 188 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist information.MOBILE... Read more

United Kingdom
- The National Park Guide: Europe
- South and South-Western Europe, the Alps and Macaronesia Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
- Cambridge - Newmarket, Saffron Walden OS Landranger 154
- Parts of Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Essex with Cambridge, Newmarket and Saffron Walden, including part of the E2 European Long-distance path, on a paper version of map No. 154 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist information.MOBILE DOWNLOADS: As well as the... Read more
Maps

United Kingdom
- Vipiteno, Alpi Breonie 2017
- Vipiteno/Sterzing - Alpi Breonie/Stubaier Alpen area in a series of Tabacco maps at 1:25,000 covering the Dolomites and the mountains of north-eastern Italy - Stanfords Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
- Vipiteno / Sterzing - Alpi Breonie / Stubaier Alpen Tabacco 038
- Vipiteno/Sterzing - Alpi Breonie/Stubaier Alpen area in a series of Tabacco maps at 1:25,000 covering the Dolomites and the mountains of north-eastern Italy - Stanfords’ most popular coverage for this region, with excellent cartography and extensive overprint for hiking routes and other recreational activities, local bus stops, etc. Additional... Read more

Netherlands
- Wandelkaart 038 Sterzing - Stubaier Alpen - Vipiteno - Alpi Breonie | Tabacco Editrice
- Vipiteno/Sterzing - Alpi Breonie/Stubaier Alpen area in a series of Tabacco maps at 1:25,000 covering the Dolomites and the mountains of north-eastern Italy - Stanfords Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
2017
- Arrochar Alps Harvey Superwalker XT25
- The Arrochar Alps along the western shore of Loch Lomond at 1:25,000 on a waterproof and tear-resistant map from Harvey Map Services in their Superwalker series. Coverage includes Loch Long and Loch Goil.Maps in Harvey’s Superwalker series have contours at 15m intervals, with additional graphics for various types of terrain (crags, large... Read more

Netherlands
2017
- Wandelkaart Arrochar Alps | Harvey Maps
- The Arrochar Alps along the western shore of Loch Lomond at 1:25,000 on a waterproof and tear-resistant map from Harvey Map Services in their Superwalker series. Coverage includes Loch Long and Loch Goil.Maps in Harvey’s Superwalker series have contours at 15m intervals, with additional graphics for various types of terrain (crags, large... Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
- Chamonix / Massif du Mont Blanc 2017
- Geplastificeerde versie! De wandelkaart die de perfectie benadert! Werkelijk alle topografische details zijn er op te vinden; van hoogtelijnen tot aan bruggetjes en allerlei wandelpaden. Daarnaast hebben de makers een flinke dosis toeristische informatie op de kaart verwerkt: campings, gites d étape; restaurants en ingetekende doorgaande... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
- Chamonix-Mont-Blanc - Massif du Mont-Blanc IGN WATERPROOF 3630OTR
- Topographic survey of France at 1:25,000 in IGN`s excellent TOP25 / Série Bleue series. All the maps are GPS compatible, with a 1km UTM grid plus latitude and longitude lines at 5’ intervals. Contours are at 5m intervals except for mountainous areas where the maps have contours at 10m intervals, vividly enhanced by hill shading and graphics for... Read more

Netherlands
- Wandelkaart 3630OTR Chamonix-Mont-Blanc | IGN - Institut Géographique National
- Geplastificeerde versie! De wandelkaart die de perfectie benadert! Werkelijk alle topografische details zijn er op te vinden; van hoogtelijnen tot aan bruggetjes en allerlei wandelpaden. Daarnaast hebben de makers een flinke dosis toeristische informatie op de kaart verwerkt: campings, gites d étape; restaurants en ingetekende doorgaande... Read more

United Kingdom
2018
- Tour du Mont-Blanc 2018
- Goede, handzame, tweezijdig bedrukte kaart van de Tour du Mont Blanc Tour (TMB) met hoogte profielen en ingetekende route. 3 landen: Frankrijk, Italië en Zwitserland totale lengte 170 kilometer Inclusief 10.000 meter hoogteverschil Schaal 1: 50.000 (1 cm = 500 m) Een onmisbare hulp bij de voorbereiding van de route: de etappen, accommodaties,... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
2018
- Tour du Mont-Blanc IGN 89025
- Goede, handzame, tweezijdig bedrukte kaart van de Tour du Mont Blanc Tour (TMB) met hoogte profielen en ingetekende route. 3 landen: Frankrijk, Italië en Zwitserland totale lengte 170 kilometer Inclusief 10.000 meter hoogteverschil Schaal 1: 50.000 (1 cm = 500 m) Een onmisbare hulp bij de voorbereiding van de route: de etappen, accommodaties,... Read more

Netherlands
2018
- Wandelkaart Tour du Mont Blanc | IGN - Institut Géographique National
- Goede, handzame, tweezijdig bedrukte kaart van de Tour du Mont Blanc Tour (TMB) met hoogte profielen en ingetekende route. 3 landen: Frankrijk, Italië en Zwitserland totale lengte 170 kilometer Inclusief 10.000 meter hoogteverschil Schaal 1: 50.000 (1 cm = 500 m) Een onmisbare hulp bij de voorbereiding van de route: de etappen, accommodaties,... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
- Dieulefit - Saint-Nazaire-le-Desert - Foret de Saou IGN 3138OT
- Topographic survey of France at 1:25,000 in IGN`s excellent TOP25 / Série Bleue series. All the maps are GPS compatible, with a 1km UTM grid plus latitude and longitude lines at 5’ intervals. Contours are at 5m intervals except for mountainous areas where the maps have contours at 10m intervals, vividly enhanced by hill shading and graphics for... Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
- Grossvenediger - Oberpinzgau Hiking + Leisure Map 1:50 000
- Grossvenediger - Oberpinzgau 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
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom

United Kingdom
- Grossvenediger - Oberpinzgau F&B WK121
- Grossvenediger - Oberpinzgau 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

United Kingdom
- Montagne de Lure/Les Mees/Chateau-Arnoux-St-Auban 2019
- Topographic survey of France at 1:25,000 in IGN`s excellent TOP25 / Série Bleue series. All the maps are GPS compatible, with a 1km UTM grid plus latitude and longitude lines at 5’ intervals. Contours are at 5m intervals except for mountainous areas where the maps have contours at 10m intervals, vividly enhanced by hill shading and graphics for... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
- Montagne de Lure - les Mees - Chateau-Arnoux-Saint-Auban IGN 3341OT
- Topographic survey of France at 1:25,000 in IGN`s excellent TOP25 / Série Bleue series. All the maps are GPS compatible, with a 1km UTM grid plus latitude and longitude lines at 5’ intervals. Contours are at 5m intervals except for mountainous areas where the maps have contours at 10m intervals, vividly enhanced by hill shading and graphics for... Read more

Netherlands
- Wandelkaart - Topografische kaart 3341OT Montagne de Lure | IGN - Institut Géographique National
- Topographic survey of France at 1:25,000 in IGN`s excellent TOP25 / Série Bleue series. All the maps are GPS compatible, with a 1km UTM grid plus latitude and longitude lines at 5’ intervals. Contours are at 5m intervals except for mountainous areas where the maps have contours at 10m intervals, vividly enhanced by hill shading and graphics for... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
- Mont Viso - Saint-Veran - Aiguilles - PNR du Queyras IGN WATERPROOF 3637OTR
- Topographic survey of France at 1:25,000 in IGN`s excellent TOP25 / Série Bleue series. All the maps are GPS compatible, with a 1km UTM grid plus latitude and longitude lines at 5’ intervals. Contours are at 5m intervals except for mountainous areas where the maps have contours at 10m intervals, vividly enhanced by hill shading and graphics for... Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom

United Kingdom
- Pongau - Hochkönig - Saalfelden F&B WK103
- Pongau - Hochkönig - Saalfelden 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
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
- Nevache - Mont Thabor - Cols du Galibier et du Lautaret IGN WATERPROOF 3535OTR
- Topographic survey of France at 1:25,000 in IGN`s excellent TOP25 / Série Bleue series. All the maps are GPS compatible, with a 1km UTM grid plus latitude and longitude lines at 5’ intervals. Contours are at 5m intervals except for mountainous areas where the maps have contours at 10m intervals, vividly enhanced by hill shading and graphics for... Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands

United Kingdom
- Orcieres-Merlette - Sirac - Mourre Froid - PN des Ecrins IGN 3437ET
- Topographic survey of France at 1:25,000 in IGN`s excellent TOP25 / Série Bleue series. All the maps are GPS compatible, with a 1km UTM grid plus latitude and longitude lines at 5’ intervals. Contours are at 5m intervals except for mountainous areas where the maps have contours at 10m intervals, vividly enhanced by hill shading and graphics for... Read more