Walking Tours
Introduction - Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Slovenia

The Alps mountains rise from Switzerland, Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Slovenia.

Alps 2 - Where | Alps 3 - Walks | Europe Map

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Walking Tours of the Alps, why?
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:
It's worth remembering that the most popular reason for Alpine visits is to ski, with the result that it is not a wilderness type area, with many resorts to stay at amongst the mountains.
The tallest mountains above about 9,000 ft have permanent snow all year round, but those below that clear up in the summer and this is when walking is best, as tours of many parts are not possible due to snow cover.

How to do it:
While it is possible to carry your accommodation on your back around the mountains, it is discouraged by officialdom for reasons of safety and the environment.
Throughout the Alps at higher altitudes there are many efficient mountain huts.
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.
The alternative is to take a room or apartment in local towns.

Alpine Club:
Because of their unique positioning within several countries there is a special Alpine Club [see Links page] for the range that has information on all types of routes, tours and also some types of accommodation. 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.

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 footwear with good grip.
- a rucksack with extra warm, waterproof clothing.
- high energy food, water, and navigation equipment.

See: Alps 2 - where to go | Alps 3 - best walks

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For more information on the Alps try:
Walking Tours - Links

Also see New Zealand, Canada, UK walking