Walking
Tours of the European Alps:
The
Alps mountains rise from Switzerland, Austria, France, Germany,
Italy and Slovenia. These
are the biggest and most impressive mountains in Europe and the
fine infrastructure of the countries they lie within has ensured
that the whole range is set up extremely well to cope with recreational
activity.
The plethora of cable cars in the range means that otherwise hard
hiking and climbing can become relaxed walking with aerial carriage
runs in between to take the strain.
Downside: the weather is notoriously
changeable in the high mountains, as the altitude and inland position
give the range its own sub-Arctic weather system but this is to
be expected in such high altitude regions.
Parts of Switzerland and Austria can look a bit too Disneyish for
some people.
When
to go:
Some mountains have permanent snowcover but most clear up in the late spring so any time from spring to autumn is good but if you don't mind a bit of a chill in the air then late spring is best for massed wild flowers and minimal walkers, though the Alps are so huge that crowds are thin on the ground at any time of the year!
A hut in the Dolomites, Italian Alps
Accommodation:
Continental Europeans aren't big campers like British and Americans,
but camping is possible, though as a rule tents are supposed to
go up and down with the sunset and sunrise. While it is possible to carry your accommodation on your back while trekking it is not encouraged by officialdom for reasons of safety, the environment and financial support for locals. However, throughout the Alps at higher altitudes there are many efficient
mountain huts.
Alpine
Clubs:
Because of their unique positioning within several countries there
is a special Alpine Club [see Links page]
for the Alps range that has information on all types of routes, tours
and also some types of accommodation information. Each country has its own division
of the club. These can provide you with both advice and the detailed
maps required to walk unassisted here, so are well worth contacting
before your trip.
Safety: People die in the Alps during the summer, don't be one of them.
Just because you are doing walking tours where crampons are not
necessary and the sun is shining do not assume that you are invincible.
Sudden weather changes, slippery grass, loose scree,
avalanches and exhaustion could have you over the edge within seconds of viewing that grand vista.
1] Let
someone know in writing where you are going and when you will be
back or when you will be at the next hut, without fail.
2]
Try to travel in groups or pairs if possible.
Mountain accidents are like snake bites where one person is bitten,
one person stays with the victim and the other goes for help. Two people will be okay, but one Alpine walker is asking for trouble.
3]
Always take sturdy, grippy footwear, a rucksack with extra warm, waterproof clothing and high energy food, water, and navigation equipment.
Mont Blanc, Matterhorn and the Eiger:
This 9 day hiking tour of the most spectacular Alpine mountains involves three nights in Chamonix to enjoy walks take us to Lac Blanc, a pretty Alpine lake where we should see marmots, Alpine flowers, panoramic views of the whole Mont Blanc massif and Plan de l'Aiguille for a traverse under the Chamonix Aiguilles.
From Zermatt we make two treks, first to Zmutt, a picturesque village nestled under the soaring faces of the Matterhorn. The second trek follows a boisterous river to Trift and then a high-level traverse above the main valley. There are spectacular views of the North Face of the Matterhorn, the Hornli Ridge and surrounding peaks and glaciers.
Finally we stop in Kandersteg, a quaint Alpine town surrounded by limestone cliffs giving fabulous walking along quiet trails. Here we do a 2 day trek crossing two high passes and breaking the journey at a remote village inn. There are breathtaking views of the Eiger, Jungfrau and Mönch before descending into the high-sided Lauterbrunnen Valley - a UNESCO world heritage site with cliffs over 600m high.
Swiss Alps - 5 day self-guided walk:
Experience the pristine Swiss Alps on this fabulous five-day walking adventure [ 8 days also possible]. Traverse well-planned paths, picnic overlooking the glassy Bachalpsee, hike through meadows filled with lush flora and immerse completely in the tranquility of the Jungfrau region. Follow the renowned Eiger Trail to enjoy remarkable views over jagged rock faces and immense glaciers, challenge yourself on uphill hikes and reward yourself with hearty Swiss cuisine - this really is the ultimate way to experience the alpine region of Switzerland.
Slovenian Alps - 8 day self-guided walk [5 day also possible]:
The Julian Alps in Slovenia embrace Triglav National Park, a region of high peaks, deep gorges, emerald meadows and rugged valleys. This trek takes you from Kranjska Gora near the Italian-Austrian border, right through to the storybook village of Trzic. Walk through cool forests and cross mountain streams, wander the shoreline of Lake Bled, discover the fairytale Bled Castle and relax amid the tranquil alpine surrounds. Hike on to Lake Bohinj, picnic by a baroque church with panoramic views and take in a folk music show in Begunje.
See: Alps 2 - where to go | Alps 3 - best walks
More
European Walking Tours: Iceland | Spain | France | Italy | Greece | Germany
European
Walking | Pyrenees | France
Also
see UK walking | Europe Cycling Tours | Walking Tours
|
