Nature definitely creates masterpieces, and the Alps are certainly one of them.

These mountains also exemplify Europe as a group of countries with breathtaking natural attractions in common. This famous mountain range extends across no fewer than seven European countries.

The French, the Italians, the Germans, the Austrians, the Swiss, the Slovenians, and Lichtenstein all share the pleasures of these majestic mountains.

The Alps extend for approximately one thousand kilometres between Genoa and Vienna, spreading across an area from 100 to 400 kilometres (62 to 249 miles) wide. They’re impossible to miss, with more than 128 different peaks reaching more than 4,000 metres (13,124 feet) into the sky!

The Mont Blanc Massif lies in the northern Alps, straddling the French, Swiss, and Italian borders, and has the highest peak in Europe, Mont Blanc itself, at 4,807 metres (15,771 feet).

Five of the alpine countries (Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland,) have formed an organisation called The Alpine Tourist Commission. The mission of this organization is to promote the Alps, particularly to the American public, as a destination in their own right.

In Switzerland

You traverse the Alps across the Valais and Chablais regions, on a trail of countless points of interest and a variety of mountain sports to enjoy. For example, visit the town of Saas Fee, also known by its pretty nickname, “the pearl of the Alps”. At 1,800 metres (5,906 feet), this village is lovingly guarded by thirteen peaks, all higher than 4000 metres (13,124 feet), and among which is the Dôme, the very highest peak in Switzerland at 4,545 metres (14,912 feet).
The Ice Pavillion, the largest ice grotto on earth, is a dream world. Despite being perpetually covered in snow and ice, it has a reputation for melting people’s hearts – which explains why so many couples decide to get married here!

In Austria

The Tirol gives you a magnificent impression of the Alps. The Grossglockner, at an altitude of 3,797 metres (12,458 feet), is the highest point in the mountain range on this side of the border. The Tirol appeals in many ways, for the mountains and the sporting opportunities available, both winter and summer, as much as for the picturesque villages set against gorgeous mountain scenery – not to mention the warm welcome from the locals, proud of their culture and their enticing cuisine.
Innsbruck awaits with open arms; tucked at the foot of the mountains, it affords vistas that will take your breath away. It’s a charming, traditional city, on a human scale, that seems as much a part of the landscape as the mountains.
Even so, you mustn’t miss the incomparable splendour of the alpine scenery in the states of Vorarlberg or Salzburg as well.

In Italy

Six regions converge on the Alps. The national parks of the Val (valley) d’Aoste, where native fauna and flora are protected, also offer visitors views of huge alpine glaciers, from Gran Paradiso to the Matterhorn and from Mont Blanc to Monte Rosa.
The Dolomites, which run through the Veneto and Alto Adige regions, are another natural wonder attracting alpinists as well as hikers. Nature lovers come to explore the numerous (approximately 1,500) different species of plants growing in the forests, which are among the largest in Europe. The Cortina d’Ampezzo mountain, the symbol of this region, is snuggled up in a natural amphitheatre created in the hollow of the mountains.

In France

The ascent of Mont Blanc is a challenge for all alpinists. Jacques Balmat and Dr. Michel Paccard were the first to make its summit, in 1786.
For those who want to follow in their footsteps, be forewarned that it’s no small undertaking! A serious preparatory training period is essential and you will have to hire the services of an experienced mountain guide.
To ascend on foot, you must go in the summer (July or August), when you start your climb from the village of Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains.
The best time to ascend on skis, depending on the year, is between March and June. Only expert skiers are permitted to make this ascent. Usually you start off from the Plan de l’Aiguille at 2300 metres (7,546 feet).

In Germany

The German Alps will lead you to Bavaria and its unique culture, nestled in the mountains like a gem in a jewellery box. The abundance of lakes and ski runs provide for very active holidays. The Zugspitze, the highest summit in Germany, tops out at 2,963 metres (9,721 feet). Don’t miss Garmisch-Partenkirchen, at the foot of these imposing peaks, a cosy village full of pedestrian areas and houses superbly decorated in the Bavarian style. An absolute must is a stop at a tea room to enjoy a steaming hot chocolate covered with its own blanket of whipped cream snow.

In Slovenia

The Julian Alps, in Slovenia, perhaps less well-known by the general public, are a veritable paradise for mountain-lovers and skiers. The Triglav National Park is an ideal place for hikers.
The very popular ski station at Bled, near the Austrian and Italian borders along the shores of Lake Bled, is an idyllic location to practice ice skating or curling in the winter, and swimming and canoeing in the summer.