The Alps are a massive mountain range in southern Europe, stretching 750 miles from France to Slovenia and beyond. Though the Alps pick up many names along its length — the Swiss Alps, Dolomites, and Bavarian Alps, to name a few — they are all part of the same chain of mountains. The range spans nearly 125 miles in width as it makes its large arch from the Ligurian Sea to the Adriatic.
The Alps are known for their pastoral landscape against a backdrop of rugged mountains and crystal-clear streams. Throughout the region, you can still find families engaged in the traditional lifestyle of agriculture and tending livestock, but these days the mountains lure adventurous travelers, too.
The Alps are also the birthplace of yodeling, the backdrop for The Sound of Music, and the home of the first Winter Olympics. Enough said, right?
Check out these iconic Alpine destinations in France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Slovenia.
France
Switzerland
Italy
Germany and Austria
Slovenia
Need some help planning your trip? Book a tour to explore the best of the Alps.
Cover photo by Jason Hatfield
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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