The Alps

Europe's largest mountain range, spanning Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy and more, packed with snowy peaks, glaciers, lakes and small towns.

The Alps curve across south-central Europe through eight countries (France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Slovenia and Monaco's neighbor France's border region), making this Europe's most important alpine holiday region. Main sub-regions: the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland (Interlaken, Jungfrau), the Valais (Zermatt, Matterhorn), the Engadin (St. Moritz) and the Lake Lucerne area; Savoie in France (Chamonix, Mont Blanc, Annecy); the Dolomites and South Tyrol in Italy; Tyrol in Austria (Innsbruck, Kitzbühel), the Salzkammergut (Hallstatt) and Zell am See; and the Julian Alps in Slovenia (Lake Bled). In summer, ride mountain railways and cable cars up to viewpoints such as the Jungfraujoch, Gornergrat and Aiguille du Midi, hike for a day or two, or take scenic trains such as the Glacier Express. In winter, ski at Zermatt, St. Moritz, Kitzbühel, Chamonix and the Dolomites. A typical trip bases you in 1–2 places for 3–4 nights each, for 7–14 days in total. Public transport is excellent in Switzerland and Austria, where a Swiss Travel Pass works well; the Dolomites are better explored by car. Weather at altitude changes quickly, so check live forecasts and webcams before heading up. Cable car tickets are expensive, so look into regional passes in advance.

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