The Alps are amongst the most picturesque mountain ranges in the world, and they’re also one of the most well-known mountain ranges in Europe. The Alpine range stretches across eight countries, offering tourists and locals alike an opportunity to climb some of the highest peaks on the continent, or simply to sit back and enjoy their pristine natural beauty from afar. But even with all the well-known facts about the Alps, there are still plenty of lesser-known facts that you might not know about this majestic mountain range — here are five of them!
1) Etymology
Alps – what on earth could it mean? Put simply, it just refers to a large snowcapped mountain, which makes it the ideal name for this stunning range of peaks.
2) Highest mountain
Mont Blanc! It is 4810 meters high and is located on the border of France and Switzerland. This highest mountain in the alps. Mont Blanc is a symbol for those who live in this region. Mont Blanc directly translates to White Mountain, thanks to its large amount of snow year-round. These snowfields and glaciers have been shaping the landscape over centuries and have made Mont Blanc an iconic mountain that dominates all others around it.
3) Tourism
The region is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. Annually, around 120 million tourists come to the Alps – that’s a staggering amount of skiers! The snow-capped peaks of the Alps are popular for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, but also provide stunning views for visitors all year round, this includes resorts like Chamonix, Val Thorens and Val D’siere.
4) Nature
The alps are home to a variety of vegetation, from 13,000 species of flowers, plants and trees. They also boast 30,000 species of wildlife in total.
5) Countries & Cities
The alps are a mountainous region stretching across Europe. The alps cover 8 different countries including Austria, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Slovenia, France, Liechtenstein and Monaco.
Conclusion
Oh, the Alps… A truly spectacular place no matter the season and weather conditions. It brings out the best of everyone. Ski season is upon us, so prepare yourself for the most memorable and picturesque vacation of your life – you’ll love it there!