ALPES-AZUR

The Alps are one of the major mountain ranges on the European continent. These vast mountains pass through a number of European nations including France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Austria. The Alps have played an important role in shaping the cultural and military history of Europe.

The barrier created by the Alps separated the people of the region who developed a number of different languages and cultures. Because of this barrier, this region of Europe was divided with the various language and cultural groups forming separate nations. Over the course of time, these divisions led Read More »

Preparing for any trip is exciting, especially with the promise of facing the unknown right around the corner. You may have seen unique destinations on television, especially if you went through SlackWare or have a decent enough selection, but there is nothing quite like seeing the Alps face to face. Europe’s highest peaks are contained in this region, including the Matterhorn made famous by Disneyland. If you are planning your trip to the Alps, there are a few tips to keep in mind before you embark on your journey.

It is typically a good idea to visit the Alps when there is an event going on. You can take part in the Alpine Beard Festival, located in Chur, or head over to the Riederalp Cowpat Festival and help a village fertilize its pastures.

The French portion of the Alps is one of the most popular destinations, for good reason. It includes the tallest mountain in the Alps, which is the Mont Blanc. It stands over 15,700 feet tall. This area also offers opportunities for skiing, biking and hiking. This section is highly recommended for first time visitors.

There are also quite a few safety concerns to keep in mind as you travel. Some sections of the Alps, such as those in Bavaria, are lacking in major cities. You do not want to get stuck outside of civilization. A little planning can go a long way. In addition, some of the mountain roads are difficult to drive on, especially in tumultuous weather.

During the course of history, the Swiss Alps have had a major influence on the world. The Alps cover eight different countries: Austria, Monaco, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, and France.

After World War II, the region once again reformed their Alpine identity. With the signing of the Alpine Convention in 1991, the Alps gained a new set of cultural values.

If you’re interested in seeing the Matterhorn, then you should stay in Zermatt. This lovely Swiss town has old fashioned chalets and public transportation to the Read More »

Alps, meaning mountains, is the universal term for a range of some 180 mountains extending from the Mediterranean Sea across a large part of the European continent. Divided into three sectors, the eastern portion includes Austria and Slovenia. Italy and Switzerland make up the central sector with Germany and Italy occupying the western sector. It is interesting to note that Switzerland was originally part of the Roman Empire which controlled the area from until approximately 401 AD when Germanic interests took over. During the Ice Age, glaciers appeared which over time melted resulting in the formation of major rivers Read More »

The sightseeing tour of the Alps has become an easier trip since the Via Alpina, Europe’s trans-Alps trail was established in 2002. Before this trail was completed you would of traveled with 30 pounds of supplies on your back over thousands of miles. There are now 5 international trails covering over 3,100 miles. The trails starts in Slovenia in the East and end up in Monaco on the West coast. Since 2005 tiny villages in Slavic and French farms and vineyards have been built up along the way. You can now hike from hut to hut along the mountain range’ Read More »

The Alpine Valley has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The earliest historical evidence in the Alps shows Neanderthal habitation. Since then, the Alps have played a critical role in the boundaries between many different cultures. The Alpine passes have also had a great significance in many military battles.

There are three district regions of the Alps: Western, Central, and Eastern. Each one has had its own history of control struggles. The French fought for the Western Alps all the way from the the mid 1300s to the mid 1800s when France won Read More »

Sandwiched between Switzerland and Austria is the picturesque country of Liechtenstein. A guided four-day, three night tour in mountain huts awards hikers with the most awesome panoramic mountain views of Liechtenstein. There are many day hiking and bicycling trails with memorable views of mountain crags, tranquil villages, forests and friendly people. To begin a unique hike ride the Sareis chairlift up to the Sareiserjoch. Hike to the Augstenberg or Naadkopf peak.

Vaduz, the capital and Read More »

The Alps have a storied history surrounding them and people from all over the world make pilgrimages to this area to ski, shop and simply relax. Popular culture is steeped in references to this region and you’ll find mentions of “The Alps” everywhere from direct.tv movies to the halls of Congress. If this is the year you’re lucky enough to make it here we’ve got a few suggestions for you on what not to miss on your trip
Hang Gliding – If you make it to Read More »

Anyone who has the chance to vacation in the Alps should consider themselves very lucky. It is an incredible area for tourists in the summer and winter both. Skiing, snow boarding and all winter sports are popular. Summers bring visitors to the region to hike, bicycle and raft the local rivers.

Seven different Countries are home to the Alps. Many areas can understand English, but be prepared to have multiple different languages spoken. It will all depend on where you are. Switzerland has a fun Read More »

Traveling To The Alps Is Wonderful

If you ask any person who has ever had the pleasure of going, they will tell you traveling to the Alps is wonderful. Beauty and history combined in such a majestic setting that is educational and memorable for the whole family. Whether it’s hitting the slopes, site seeing, or getting in touch with nature, no other tourist destination can compare with the wonder and enchantment that surrounds this beautiful location.

The Gornergrat in the Swiss Alps is a scenic railroad that offers Read More »