Passes in the Alps on the map. Alpine mountain passes

Furka, Grimsel, San Bernardino - these and many other passes in the Swiss Alps are regularly included in the lists of the most beautiful roads peace. Directors come here to shoot exciting chase scenes, and motorists dream of testing their abilities here. This guide will help you choose one of the scenic routes through mountain passes, ice-covered crystal lakes, small villages and ancient cities. Before leaving, do not forget to check the status of the roads: due to weather conditions The passes are periodically closed.

This is one of the most famous passes in the Alps. It is famous for its sharp turns and incredible views of snow-capped peaks and rivers. Stop on the south side of Zusten for a couple of photos of the Stein Glacier.
After exiting the pass, continue on Route 11.
Soon you will arrive in Nessental, where you need to park your car, take the funicular and go up to the Thrift bridge.
Until recently, tourists crossed the gorge to the Trift hut right along the glacier of the same name, but due to global warming, the glacier began to melt at an incredible speed. In 2004, the Trift suspension bridge was opened here, through which travelers now get to the other side of the gorge. Trift is located 100 m above the lake of the same name, and its length is 170 m, which makes it the longest suspension bridge in swiss alps. On the other side of the bridge, interesting walks along the snow-capped peaks begin.
The trip is best taken from June to October, when the Trift Bridge and the Zusten Pass are open.

Saint Gotthard is one of the most breathtaking passes in the Alps. A countless number of turns, each of which opens up a new view, is great fun for an experienced motorist.

A winding pass that can be reached via route 19 from Andermatt, the largest village in the Ursern valley and a popular ski resort. This pass has repeatedly found itself in the top of the most picturesque roads, mainly due to the incredible view of the lake of the same name.
After crossing the pass along the same route 19 through Disentis and Laax you will reach one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland - Crestase.
This turquoise transparent lake is surrounded by untouched nature. Water comes from underground sources - hence the crystal clearness. The lake is not deep and is well warmed by the sun, so it is ideal for swimming on warm summer days.

Altdorf is the central city of the canton of Uri. According to legend, here William Tell, the famous shooter and fighter for the independence of Switzerland, shot an apple off the head of his son with an arrow. In honor of this event, at the end of the 19th century, a monument was erected in the city - an impressive bronze sculpture, which is also interesting to look at. But besides historical sights, Altdorf has something to see - the alpine nature is incredibly beautifully combined with ancient architecture. Situated among the mountains on the shores of Lake Lucerne, which does not freeze even in winter, this is one of the most picturesque cities in the country.
From here take Route 17 towards the Clausen Pass. It will be a good test of your driving skills: Clausen has about 100 turns. Continue on Route 17 until you reach Linthal. Park your car here and head to the lift that will take you up to the village of Braunwald.
Cars are banned in Braunwald, the roofs of gingerbread houses are covered with white fluffy snow, and hiking trails lead to unique natural attractions. For example, to the mountain peaks and the Berglishtuber waterfall, the sight of which is breathtaking,
Before the trip, check if the pass is open.

This pass is located on the very border with Italy and is known not only for its sharp turns and unforgettable views of the Alps. It was here that back in the Middle Ages they began to breed the breed of dogs of the same name - St. Bernards. In Switzerland, these dogs are treated with special respect: they saved a huge number of people, helping in the search for those who disappeared after avalanches. There is even a St. Bernard nursery where you can play with puppies.

This is a very popular route that includes three passes at once - Furka, Grimsel and Susten.
From Andermatt, follow the signs for Fourk. This is perhaps the most famous pass in Switzerland. Top Gear magazine named it one of the best roads for motorists. From a height of 2,429 m offers incredible views of the mountains and valleys. From here the road leads down towards the Grimsel Pass through Oberwald, a friendly little Alpine town. If the descent of the Fourka seemed too difficult for you, this is a great place to take a break. Then follow through the Grimsel pass. It passes through a wooded area, and on the sides there are views of picturesque lakes and waterfalls. Nearby is another pass, Zusten. You can get to it through the town of Meiringen.
Its main attraction is the Reichenbach Falls, the site of the "death" of Sherlock Holmes. From Meiringen to Susten, the road will take you over 25 bridges, each with breathtaking views of the Alps. At the very pass is the famous Stone Glacier (Steingletscher) - a mass of ice sandwiched in the gorge, which is four kilometers long. It is also worth stopping here for a short tour.

From charming Brig with its cozy gingerbread houses and cafes, take Highway 9 to the Simplon Pass. The history of the city is inextricably linked with the pass - communication with the Roman Empire was carried out through it. Under Napoleon, the pass was expanded to its present size.
From Brig the road leads up towards Simplon. Half way you will cross the Gunter Bridge through the valley of the same name. This elegant and modern 2005 m high bridge was built to commemorate the Second World War.
The pass then descends into the wide Krambach valley, and from here the road leads to the village of Simlon, nestled in an idyllic, snow-covered alpine meadow and surrounded by mountains. Enjoy the fresh frosty air and drink a glass of fresh milk.
The pass is usually open in winter, but it's still best to check the status of the roads.

Lugano is the most Big city Italian canton of Ticino. In winter, it is especially interesting to walk past snow-covered palm trees and barely ice-covered Lake Lugano. The influence of neighboring Italy can be seen in the cuisine of local restaurants where you can stop for breakfast or lunch.
From Lugano, take the A13 highway towards Bellinzona, another Italian town. Looking at medieval castles, follow the same road towards San Bernardino Pass. It starts at the village of the same name. If you are a nature lover and connoisseur, stop here to walk between the snow-covered pine trees and admire the unique nature.
San Bernardino is one of the easiest alpine passes. Both sides offer views of waterfalls and impressive cliffs.
After the pass, follow the same road to Mount Beverin with the park of the same name, which is located on more than 300 square meters. km area. You can start a picturesque winter walk near the village of Tuzis.
The San Bernardino Pass is closed from November until spring until the snow melts.

The route through the mountains from one picturesque lake to another begins in Lucerne, on the shores of the lake of the same name, and follows to Brienz through the Brünig Pass. On the way to the pass you will pass two more beautiful lakes- Sarnen and Lungern. After many twists and turns, the Oberwald canton border will be left behind and you will arrive in the canton of Bern. Ahead - the town of Brienz on the shore of a snow-covered lake. You can't think of a more romantic place.

The Furka Pass has appeared in Bond films, and for good reason: its sharp turns lead to the Rhone Glacier. Even from the road, the view of the glacier is unforgettable, but still it is better to stop here to visit ice cave. Having overcome the pass, follow the same route towards Brig. Stop in this gingerbread town for lunch or a cup of coffee and stroll along its ancient streets.
Before the trip, it is better to check if the pass is open. If not, you can overcome it through the tunnel on a special train that transports cars under the pass.

The Alps are the highest and longest mountain range among the systems that lie entirely in Europe. Wherein Caucasian mountains higher, and the Ural ones are longer, but they also lie on the territory of Asia. The Alps are a complex system of ridges and massifs, stretching in a convex arc to the northwest from the Ligurian Sea to the Middle Danube Lowland. The Alps are located on the territory of 8 countries: France, Monaco, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein and Slovenia. The total length of the Alpine arc is about 1200 km (about 750 km along the inner edge of the arc), and the width is up to 260 km. most high peak The Alps is a Mont Blanc mountain with a height of 4810 meters above sea level, located on the border of France and Italy. In total, about 100 four-thousander peaks are concentrated in the Alps. The Alps are an international center for mountaineering, skiing and tourism. Tourism in the Alps began to develop actively in the 20th century and received a big boost after the end of the Second World War, becoming one of the main destinations at the end of the century.

Five of the eight countries (Switzerland, France, Italy, Austria and Germany) have hosted the Winter Olympics, which were held in alpine venues. Despite the active development of tourism, in the Alpine region there is still an original traditional culture, including Agriculture, woodworking and cheese making.
Due to its location in the center of Western Europe, the Alps are one of the most studied mountain systems. Many concepts are named after the Alps, in particular, the alpine climatic zone, the period of alpine folding, the alpine type of relief, alpine meadows, mountaineering.

There is no unanimously accepted opinion on the origin of the name Alps.
According to one version, the Latin word Alpes, which was formed from Albus (White), was used as early as the 1st century BC to refer to mountains covered with snow. Another suggestion suggests that the name comes from the words Al or Ar, which meant highlands. The word Alpe in modern French and Italian means Mountain Peak, as does Alp in German.
The word Alpeis, or Alpes, was used to designate high mountains and mountain ranges by scientists. Ancient Greece and Ancient Byzantium. In particular, Procopius of Caesarea, a Byzantine writer of the 6th century, calls the Alps and the Pyrenees in his writings by the same name, Geminas Alpeis. Other mountains were called by similar names ( Carpathian mountains-Basternikae Alpes). This word has been preserved unchanged in modern Greek - Άλπεις (Alpeis).
The Celtic language also contained the word Alpes, which the Celts called all the high mountains. Further it was transformed into the English Alps. Presumably, it came to the Celts from the Roman Empire.

Geography

The Alps are an important climate divide in Europe. To the north and west of them are territories with a temperate climate, to the south - subtropical Mediterranean landscapes. Precipitation on the windward western and northwestern slopes is 1500 - 2000 mm, in some places up to 4000 mm per year. Origins in the Alps major rivers(Rhine, Rhone, Po, Adige, right tributaries of the Danube), as well as numerous lakes of glacial and tectonic-glacial origin (Bodenskoe, Geneva, Como, Lago Maggiore and others).
The altitudinal zonality of landscapes is well expressed. Up to a height of 800 meters, the climate is moderately warm, on the southern slopes - Mediterranean, there are many vineyards, orchards, fields, Mediterranean shrubs and broad-leaved forests. At an altitude of 800 - 1800 meters the climate is temperate, humid; broad-leaved forests of oak and beech are gradually replaced by coniferous ones upwards. Up to a height of 2200 - 2300 meters, the climate is cold, with long-term snow (the so-called Subalpine belt). Shrubs and tall grass meadows, summer pastures predominate. Above, to the border of eternal snows - the so-called alpine belt with a cold climate, the predominance of short-grass sparse alpine meadows, covered with snow for most of the year. Even higher - nival belt with glaciers, snowfields, rocky slopes.

Climate

To the north and west of the Alps are areas with a temperate climate, to the south - subtropical Mediterranean landscapes. The climate of the various Alpine regions depends on the altitude, position and direction of the wind. In the summer in the Alps, there are hot days that change into cold evenings. It is usually sunny in the mountains in the morning, clouds roll up in the afternoon. Winter brings frequent snowfalls and extended periods of low temperatures. Climate on north side The Alps are colder and wetter, while in the south it is warmer and drier. average temperature July - below +14 °C, January - up to -15 °C. 1000 mm of precipitation falls per year. Snow stays on the plains for one to six months a year. Fog lingers in the valleys for most of the winter. The Alps are characterized local winds. The most important of them is a warm and dry foehn, which is formed as a result of the descent of air masses along the mountain slopes and their compression, accompanied by adiabatic heating. This significantly increases the local temperature, which leads to rapid snowmelt and frequent avalanches, which pose a threat to human life and can cut off from outside world entire mountain regions. At the same time, the foehn creates conditions for farming on much larger absolute altitudes than in places where it does not exist.
The climate and soil and vegetation cover of the Alps have a clearly defined vertical zonality. The Alps are divided into five climatic zones, each with a different type of environment. climate, vegetation and animal world have differences in different climatic zones of the Alps. Zone mountain range above 3000 meters is called the nival zone. This area, which has a cold climate, is constantly covered with perennial snow. Therefore, there is practically no vegetation in the nival zone.
Alpine meadows lie at an altitude of 2000 to 3000 meters. This zone is less cold than the nival zone. Alpine meadows are characterized by specific, low-growing vegetation, as well as vegetation that forms "grass cushions". This brings this type of ecosystems closer to tundra ones, due to which alpine meadows are also called "mountain tundra".
Just below the alpine zone is the subalpine zone, at an altitude of 1500 to 2000 meters. Spruce forests grow in the subalpine zone, the ambient temperature slowly rises. The temperature in the subalpine zone rises in summer to a maximum of +24 °C on hot sunny days, and usually does not reach +16 °C. Frosts are possible at any time of the year.
At an altitude of 1000 to 1500 meters there is a temperate zone. Millions of oak trees grow in this zone. They are also involved in agriculture.
Below 1000 meters - lowland, characterized by a wide variety of vegetation. The villages are also located in the lowlands, since the temperature regime is suitable for the life of people and animals.

Flora of the Alps

In the regions of the Alpine mountains, scientists have identified 13,000 plant species. Alpine plants are grouped by habitat and soil type, which can be calcareous (limestone) or non-calcareous. Plants live in different ranges natural conditions: from meadows, swamps, forests (deciduous and coniferous) and areas not affected by screes and avalanches, to rocks and ridges. Due to the presence of altitudinal zonality, the diversity and specificity of the alpine flora mainly depends on the height above sea level. In the Alps, there are a variety of biotopes - meadows, which are covered with flowers of bright colors in the valleys, and high mountain areas with modest vegetation. Coniferous trees grow up to an altitude of 2400 meters above sea level. Above, up to 3200 meters, there are still dwarf trees. One of the most famous mountain plants is the glacial ranunculus, which holds the record among plants and is found up to a height of 4200 meters. Small groups of plants are found at an altitude of 2800 meters. Many of them, such as forget-me-not and tar, have a special cushion shape that protects them from herbivores living at these heights and moisture loss. Thus, young shoots are also protected from wind and frost. The well-known edelweiss is covered with a layer of white hairs that retain heat well.

Fauna of the Alps

The Alps are home to 30,000 animal species. All mammals live in the Alps year-round, but some of them hibernate during the winter. Only a few bird species remain in the mountains throughout the year. Individual species of birds living in the Alps have perfectly adapted to this rather inhospitable environment. For example, the snow finch (Oenanthe deserti) builds nests in rock crevices, above the forest boundary, and searches for its food (seeds and insects) on mountain slopes. The Alpine Jackdaw (Pyrrocorax graculus) also nests on rocks well above the forest line. In winter, alpine jackdaws form large flocks and gather around tourist bases and stations where they feed mainly on waste. The nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes) prepares for winter in a special way. In autumn, this bird stores seeds and nuts, which it buries into the ground. Before the start of winter, Kedrovka collects more than 100,000 seeds, which he hides in about 25,000 caches. Thanks to its amazing memory, the nutcracker finds most of its hiding places in winter under a layer of snow, the thickness of which can be more than one meter. The nutcracker also feeds its nestlings with seeds from pantries.
Fauna conservation is ensured through national parks located in the Alps.

Tourism

The Alps are an area of international mountaineering, skiing and tourism. The Alps are popular both in summer and winter as a place for tourism and sports. Skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowshoeing, ski tours are available in most regions from December to April. During the summer, the Alps are popular with hikers, cyclists, paragliders, climbers, while the many Alpine lakes attract swimmers, yachtsmen and surfers. low-lying regions and big cities The Alps are well connected by motorways and expressways, but higher up, mountain passes and highways can be dangerous even in summer. Many mountain passes are closed in winter. The development of tourism is facilitated by a large number of airports throughout the Alps, as well as good rail links with all neighboring countries. The Alps are usually visited by over 50 million tourists annually.

Information

Countries: France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Slovenia, Monaco
Period of education: Mesozoic
Square: 190,000 km²
Length: 1,200 km
Width: up to 260 km
highest peak: Mont Blanc
Highest point : 4810 m

Source. wikipedia.org

see also photos of the nature of the Alps and the Alpine regions(with geographical and biological captions for photographs) from the section Natural landscapes of the world:

Geographical position. The Alps have been studied in great detail. Since the middle of the last century, scientists from different countries have deeply and comprehensively studied them. On the example of the Alps, the features of the structure of the Cenozoic mountain systems of Europe were studied and for the first time their sharyag (cover) structure was noted, a scheme of Quaternary mountain glaciation was created, and the regularities of the mountain climate and vegetation were studied. Many of the research results obtained in the Alps were then used in the study of other mountain systems. The Alps provided the richest material for the development of geography and related sciences. Such concepts as "alpine folding", "alpine meadows", and finally, even "mountaineering" have long become not regional, but common nouns.

In the territory of the Alpine mountain country entirely located in Switzerland and Austria. Its northern parts are within the boundaries of the Federal Republic of Germany, the western parts are within the limits of France, and the southern parts are part of Italy. The eastern spurs of the Alps enter the territory of Hungary, the southeastern ridges - into Slovenia. Sometimes they talk about the Swiss, French, Italian Alps, etc. However, this division state affiliation one or another part of the Alps does not always correspond to their natural differences.

geological structure and relief. The geological structure, orography and geomorphological features of the region are very diverse (Fig. 33).

Rice. 33. Orographic scheme of the Alps

Alps proper start off the coast mediterranean sea system of the Alpes-Maritimes bordering the Apennines. Then they stretch along the border of France in the meridional direction in the form Cottian and Graian Alps, which are composed of crystalline rocks and reach great heights. Pel Vu (4102 m), Gran Paradiso (4061 m) and the highest five-domed Mont Blanc (4807 m), located on the border between France, Italy and Switzerland, stand out especially. In the direction of the Padana lowland, this part of the Alps ends abruptly, without foothills, and therefore looks especially grandiose from the east. From the west, a strip of high crystalline massifs is bordered by a system of medium-altitude mountain ranges composed of limestones. Such ridges are usually called Prealps.

From the Mont Blanc massif, the Alps turn sharply to the east, reaching the limit of average height in Switzerland. Two parallel rows of powerful ridges composed of crystalline rocks and limestones can be traced here. Especially majestic Bernese and Pennine Alps separated by a longitudinal valley of the upper Rhone. In this part of the mountains, the Jungfrau massifs (more than 4000 m), the Matterhorn (4477 m) and the second highest massif of the Alps - Monte Rosa (4634 m) rise, covered with glaciers. Somewhat lower are the parallel ridges of the Lepontinsky and Glarnsky Alps, between which lies the valley of the upper Rhine. The Rhone and Rhine valleys are separated by a powerful Gotthard massif, which is a mountain junction and a watershed Swiss Alps. From the north and south, a strip of high mountain ranges is accompanied by limestone and flysch Prealps (Swiss in the north and Lombard in the south).

In the middle part The Alps are crossed by a deep tectonic valley that runs from Lake Constance to Lake Como. This is an important orographic and geographical boundary dividing the Alps into Western and Eastern.

Eastern Alps wider and lower than the Western ones, their geological structure is also somewhat different. In the extreme east, the ridges of the Alps diverge in a fan-like fashion, approaching the Danube in the north, and entering the northwest of the Balkan Peninsula in the south. The highest is the axial zone of the ridges of the Eastern Alps, composed of crystalline rocks. But nowhere in the east do the Alps reach such heights as in the west. Only the Bernina massif in Italy is slightly higher than 4000 m, while the rest of the peaks are much lower. The Ötztal Alps and the High Tauern in Austria reach 3500-3700 m, and in the extreme east the height of the mountains rarely exceeds 2000 m. To the north and south of the central crystalline zone, less high ridges of the Prealps, composed of limestones, dolomites and flysch, stretch.

The Alpine mountain system, despite its height and considerable width, does not pose a serious obstacle to climbing. This is due to the large tectonic and erosional dissection of the mountains, the abundance of convenient passages and passes. Since ancient times, the most important routes connecting the countries of Central Europe with the Mediterranean passed through the Alps. Currently, numerous railways and highways with busy traffic are laid through the Alps. Of greatest importance are the Fréjus passes at an altitude of more than 2500 m, through which the road from Turin to Paris passes, and the Great St. Bernard at an altitude of more than 2400 m between Mont Blanc and the Pennines Alps, connecting Switzerland with Italy. The Simplon and St. Gotthard passes are also of great importance. The latter gained fame thanks to Suvorov's unparalleled crossing of the Alps in 1799.

In the Eastern Alps, the low (1371 m) Brenner Pass is the most convenient. Through it passed the first Alpine Railway, built in 1867. In the second half of the XIX century. railways crossed almost all the most important alpine passes. During the construction of these roads, it was necessary to lay big number tunnels, as a result of which many features of the geological structure of the Alps were revealed. At present, a tunnel has been built under Mont Blanc on highway linking France with Italy.

Alps arose as a result of the collision of the continental plates of Eurasia and Africa at the site of the closed part of the Tethys. The result of this was extensive overturned integumentary folds, including fragments of the oceanic crust that make up the ridges of the Alpine mountain system. A large role in creating a very diverse relief of the Alps, along with folding in the Mesozoic and Paleogene, was played by powerful vertical movements at the end of the Neogene - the beginning of the Quaternary period, and then strong erosional activity and the impact of ancient glaciation, which was especially powerful in the Alps.

The strip of the highest ridges and massifs, composed of crystalline rocks and partly limestone, is distinguished by sharp, jagged lines of ridges with individual peaks pitted by large cirques, steep, steep slopes devoid of vegetation, hanging deep valleys, huge tongues of glaciers. The lower parts and marginal ranges of the Pre-Alps are characterized by a medium-altitude relief with rounded peaks and soft outlines of the slopes. The valleys there are wide and terraced, with lake-like extensions.

In the north, at the foot of the Alps, in the triangle between them, the Jura Mountains and the valley of the upper Danube, there is a foothill plateau 400-600 m high, composed of destruction products that were once demolished from the mountain slopes. This clastic material was collected in surface folds during the final phases of the orogeny. The plateau is covered with powerful accumulations of glacial deposits left by alpine glaciers: terminal moraine ridges, accumulations of bottom moraine and masses of outwash sands. The Alpine foothill plateau is located within Switzerland and the Federal Republic of Germany. Accordingly, its smaller western part is called swiss plateau, and the eastern Bavarian.

The Swiss plateau from the north is bordered by a system jurassic mountains, representing the advanced chain of the Alpine mountain system. Parallel anticline ridges with a maximum height of more than 1700 m, composed of Jurassic limestones, separate wide longitudinal valleys filled with flysch. The ridges are crossed by narrow gorges connecting the longitudinal valleys with each other and creating a lattice erosion network. The slopes and peaks of the Jura ranges are corroded by karst caves, funnels and underground rivers.

The southern slopes of the Alps are devoid of foothills. In the east of the Prealps, and in the west, high crystalline massifs break off to the Padan lowland, within which the southern outskirts of the Alpine mountain system are submerged. From the beginning of the Cenozoic, on the site of the lowland, there was a bay of the Adriatic Sea, which was gradually filled with detrital material carried from the Alps and the Apennines; the basin dried up by the end of the Neogene. Most of the Padana lowland is below 100 m above sea level. At the foot of the mountains, the relief of the lowland is hilly; Toward the valley The surface is covered with a thin layer of alluvial deposits, the relief becomes flatter. The Po River and many of its downstream tributaries flow in natural dams above the surrounding area. At its confluence with the Adriatic Sea, the Po forms a large, rapidly growing delta. Sand spits and islands are grouped along the flat lagoon coast of the lowland. Venice is located in one of the lagoons on numerous islands separated by straits. The straits are streets, so Venice gives the impression of a city rising from the sea. Currently, there is a progressive lowering of the coast, which threatens to flood a large part of the city.

Useful fossils. The Alpine mountainous country does not have large reserves of mineral raw materials. Minerals are concentrated in the Eastern Alps and are associated with the rocks of the central crystalline zone. These are deposits of iron and copper ores and magnesite in Austria. In the basins of the Eastern Alps, sedimentary deposits contain small deposits of brown coal and salt.

climatic conditions. The Alps, rising in the path of humid western air currents, are a major moisture condenser. The northern and western marginal ranges receive especially much precipitation, from 1500 to 3000 mm per year, foggy and cloudy weather prevails. Inner ridges, closed valleys and basins receive much less moisture (less than 1000 mm). The greatest amount of precipitation falls to a height of 1500-2000 m, where the zone of maximum cloudiness is located. Above this zone, the weather is drier and clearer.

Altitude climatic zonality is clearly expressed on the slopes of the Alps, which manifests itself in the transition from the warm temperate and even subtropical climate of the southern foothills to the harsh high-altitude climate of the upper parts of the mountains with frequent frosts, snowstorms, snowfalls and powerful glaciation. Differences in the climatic conditions of slopes of different exposures, closed valleys and basins are characteristic. The latter have climates with a distinct continental tint, winter temperature inversions, and less rainfall.

IN winter time in the Alps, a huge mass of snow accumulates. In some years, there is such a quantity that the alpine passes become inaccessible, traffic on railways and roads stops for some time. In the spring, snow avalanches descend in many areas, and the risk of avalanches increases due to excessive deforestation. The Alps are characterized by local winds, of which foehns are especially important, which occur in transitional seasons due to the pressure difference between the northern and southern slopes. On the northern slopes, foehns manifest themselves as dry and warm downward winds, bringing warm and clear weather, accelerating the melting of snow and the onset of spring, and in autumn contributing to the ripening of the crop. But sometimes the consequences of foehns are catastrophic, as increased snowmelt causes floods, landslides and destruction of roads.

Mountains have a certain influence on the climate of the flat regions located at the northern and southern foothills of the Alps, which, first of all, is expressed in an increase in precipitation. The Pre-Alpine plateau and the Padana lowland receive from 800 to 1200 mm of precipitation per year. Both of these areas have a temperate climate with some features of continentality, only the climate of the Padan Plain is warmer and more favorable for agriculture than the climate of the Pre-Alpine Plateau.

Natural water. The mountainous relief and abundance of precipitation make the Alps the most important hydrographic hub in Europe. Many rivers originate from their slopes, receiving abundant rain, snow and glacier nutrition. The largest rivers, originating in the mountains, go far beyond the region. But in their mode, the features created within the Alps are preserved for many hundreds of kilometers.

One of the distinguishing features and main decoration of the Alpine mountainous country is its numerous lakes on the southern and northern slopes, as well as within the Swiss plateau. Formed in the expansions of large river valleys in places of stationary position of massive ancient glaciers, lakes are usually strongly elongated, have an irregular shape, winding banks and considerable depth.

The reserves of hydropower concentrated in the alpine rivers are huge, and most of them are used. Almost the entire industry of northern Italy, the industry and agriculture of Switzerland and Austria, and the aluminum industry of southeastern France are powered by the energy of alpine rivers.

In the Alps, such major European rivers as the Rhine and the Rhine originate. Both rivers begin in glaciers from the slopes of the Gotthard massif and flow in opposite directions: the Rhone to Geneva, and the Rhine to Lake Constance. On the northern slopes of the Alps, many tributaries of the upper Danube begin, causing its summer flood, which is felt right up to the Iron Gates. In the Alps, the Po River begins and collects its main tributaries from their slopes. Almost throughout the Po is a flat river, but the features of its regime largely depend on the Alps. This river and its tributaries, as well as the Adige, which forms a common delta with the Po, start in glaciers and have a maximum flow in summer. The sharp fluctuations in the water content of many of these rivers soften the lakes. Large fluctuations in the level and floods in the rivers of the Po basin are due to the rains that fall abundantly in the Alps in spring and autumn. Sometimes, after heavy rains in the mountains, floods in the Padana lowland become catastrophic. Rivers flowing above the surrounding area break through natural dams and artificial barriers and flood the flat, like a table, lowland. The Po River is of great navigable importance for almost the entire length of its course. Natural waterways are complemented by a system of canals that cross the Padana Lowland in all directions.

Alps - largest center modern mountain glaciation in Western Europe with a total area of glaciers over 4000 km2. The height of the snow line ranges from 2500 m in the northwest, where precipitation is especially high, to 3200 m in the central, drier part. The largest valley glaciers descend from the Bernese Alps (Aletsch glacier about 24.7 km long), from the Mont Blanc massif (Mer de Glace - 12 km) and the Pennine Alps. The ends of the largest alpine glaciers descend into the forest belt, sometimes more than 1000 m below the snow line. Glaciers are of great importance as moisture conservators, and along with this, being an integral element of high-mountain nature, they increase the picturesque and recreational attractiveness of the Alps.

Vegetation. The Alps are a forest region. However, the modern picture of their soil and vegetation cover is exceptionally variegated. This, on the one hand, is the result of natural conditions and the manifestation of altitudinal zonation; on the other hand, it is a consequence of a very profound change in natural conditions under the influence of man.

On the Bavarian plateau, less populated than the Swiss, there are deciduous and mixed forests, alternating with patches of peat bogs. Significant areas have been cultivated. On the Swiss plateau with a warmer climate, the natural soil and vegetation cover was dominated by oak and beech forests on burozems. But the natural landscapes there are almost not preserved. The plateau is densely populated - almost the entire population of Switzerland is concentrated here. Most of the territory is occupied by grain crops, succulent seeded meadows and orchards. The most heat-loving crops, such as grapes, are planted along the shores of lakes. The slopes of the Jura Mountains are covered with beech forests. The valleys are inhabited and cultivated, the beautiful meadows on the tops of the ridges serve as summer pastures.

The natural vegetation of the Padana lowland - beech forests on forest brown soils - has been completely destroyed. Its natural conditions are exceptionally favorable for agriculture, therefore it has long been inhabited and occupied by fields and vineyards. In the gardens and around the villages grow laurels, pomegranate and fig trees, cypresses. In the fields, fruit trees rise among wheat and corn, grapes often climb the trunks of elms and mulberries. 2-3 crops per year are harvested from the fields. This leads to severe depletion of the soil, the fertility of which is not restored. Therefore, many lands are gradually becoming unsuitable for further use.

The most complex picture of the soil and vegetation cover of the Alps themselves, which can serve as a classic example of the altitudinal zonality of mountains in the oceanic sector of the temperate zone. The lower belt of the Alps, up to about 1000 m, is very diverse in climate and vegetation, its conditions are close to those of the neighboring plains. In the south, the influence of the Mediterranean is felt and subtropical types of soils and vegetation can be found. In the west, oak, chestnut and beech forests rise along the slopes on brown forest soils, in the north - less heat-loving mixed forests on podzolic soils, from the east the forest-steppe approaches the Alps. This lower belt, the most populated and which has significantly changed its natural vegetation, is called the cultural belt of the Alps.

On high altitude climatic conditions become more uniform. Up to a height of approximately 1800-2200 m in a zone of moderate temperature and abundant rainfall, a belt of forests rises on mountain brown soils and podzolic soils. The composition of forests varies with height, as well as depending on the location and exposure of the slopes. In humid places, on shady northern slopes, a beech forest is common, often with an admixture of spruce. The higher, dry and sunny slopes are covered with beautiful spruce and fir forests. In many areas, forests have been cleared. On deforested slopes, soil erosion processes, avalanche activity and other phenomena that cause great damage are intensifying. As a result of annual grazing in the subalpine belt, the present-day upper limit of forest tracts in the Alps has been lowered by almost 100 m in height and almost nowhere depends on natural conditions.

Above the forest zone, the subalpine belt stands out, where shrub vegetation is combined with lush subalpine meadows and individual oppressed trees. The growth of trees is hindered by the short growing season, strong winds, and sharp fluctuations in temperature and humidity. This belt is most favorable for the growth of herbs, which reach exceptional splendor and beauty. Thickets of creeping or low-growing shrubs are also common, among which the most common are alpine rhododendron with bright red flowers, juniper and mountain pine with branches pressed to the ground. The alpine belt itself at an altitude of up to 2500-3000 m is characterized by a complete absence of woody vegetation, the predominance of low-growing, rarely growing perennial grasses with bright flowers, forming the so-called "carpets" (mattes), and the spread of swamps. The Alpine belt gradually turns into a belt of eternal snow and ice. Here, in close proximity to the snows, a typical representative of the flora of the Alps is sometimes found - undersized silver edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum).

Animal world. There are more wild animals in the Alps than in the neighboring densely populated areas of Europe. This applies especially to mountain ranges, where many animals displaced by man from the plains and low-mountain areas find refuge. Most of the animals of the Alps spend the winter in the forest belt, and in the summer they rise to the high mountain meadows; others live permanently in one zone or another.

The chamois and the ibex descend into the woods from the rocky peaks in winter, where they spend the summer. A typical alpine inhabitant, the marmot, roams in the meadows in summer.

The forests of the Alps are richly populated with birds. Some live there permanently, while others, mainly predatory, fly to the alpine zone in summer after small mammals that serve them as food. The most common representatives of the avifauna of the Alps are crows, jackdaws, swallows, tits and woodpeckers. There are many fish in the mountain rivers and streams, of which trout (Salmo fario) is the most valued.

Population and environmental issues. The Alps are one of the most densely populated and visited mountainous countries on Earth. The economy of the Alpine countries is largely based on tourism and sports. This causes some damage to the alpine nature, as numerous tourists, hunters, athletes pollute the environment and disrupt biocenoses, while recreational construction and the creation of tourist infrastructure lead to the loss of picturesque landscapes and the intensification of negative natural and anthropogenic processes (erosion, avalanches, etc.). In the Alpine countries, serious attempts are being made to protect natural landscapes, restore forests and wildlife. Reserves and national parks have been organized, the largest of which is Gran Paradiso in Italy.

The Alps are the highest and most extensive mountain system in Europe, stretching 1200 kilometers through eight countries: Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Slovenia and Switzerland. Although the Caucasus Mountains are higher, and the Ural Mountains are longer, they partially lie in Asia, and, accordingly, are not included in the comparison with the Alps within Europe.

Mountains are strongly influenced by their height and size. This difference is most noticeable in nature, so the ibex, that is, the ibex, lives at an altitude of about 3,400 meters, and the Edelweiss plant grows in high mountainous rocky areas. Man settled in the Alps in the Paleolithic era.

Presumably, the earliest traces of human presence in the Alps were discovered on the Austro-Italian border in 1991, the found remains of a mummified person lay in the mountains for about 5,000 years. In the 6th century BC, the Celts settled in the mountains, establishing the first settlements there, which have survived to this day. The Romans also left their mark, whose buildings are still found in modern cities Alps. The mountains gained popularity at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, when a stream of writers and artists flooded into the Alps, and this time is also considered the golden age of mountaineering, and active conquest of the peaks by climbers from all over Europe began.

The Alpine region has a distinctive culture. Traditional farming, cheese making and woodworking still exist in local villages. Tourism began to develop actively in the early 20th century, and now the mountains are visited by more than 120 million tourists a year. The Alps have also hosted the largest number of Winter Olympic Games, in different time the hosts were: Switzerland, France, Italy, Austria and Germany.

The word Alps comes from the Latin, Moor Servius Honoratus, an ancient commentator on Virgil, writes that all high mountains are called Celts - Alps. This is the most likely theory about the origin of the name. Although there are many others, for example: Sextus Pompeius Festus in his first book testifies that the name comes from Albus (white), and refers to the eternal snows on the tops of the mountains.

Geography

From space and on high-scale maps, the Alps resemble the shape of a crescent. With an uneven width, ranging from 800 kilometers in the east to 200 in the west. Average Height mountain peaks is 2.5 kilometers. The Alpine system stretches from the Mediterranean Sea in the southwest to the north of the basin of the French river Po, and descends in an easterly direction, passing next to the Adriatic Sea. Countries with the largest Alpine territories: Switzerland in the center and north, France with the most western part, with the eastern tip and Italy with the entire southern side of the Alpine crescent.

Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc in French) is a mountain located in the region of the northwestern Alps. With a height of 4810.90 m (last official measure in September 2009) is the most high mountain in the Alps, Italy, France and Central Europe in general. There are numerous glaciers on its peaks.

The roads in the Alps were made by wars, trade, pilgrims and tourists. The depressions in the mountainous regions with the most convenient passage are called passes, the most famous alpine passes are: Col de Il Seran, Brenner, Col de Tende, Mont Cenis, Grand St. Bernard Pass, Gotthard Pass, Semmiringa and the Stelvio Pass.

Alps on the map

Minerals

The Alps are an important source of minerals that have been mined here for thousands of years. In the 8th-6th centuries BC, the Celts mined copper there, later the Romans discovered gold deposits, from where it was mined for minting coins, and with the development of industry in the Alps, they began to extract iron ore for steel production. Also in this vast mountainous region, there are other minerals that are most commonly found: cinnabar, amethyst and quartz. Alpine crystals have been studied and collected for hundreds of years, and began to be qualified in the 18th century. And by the 20th, a special commission was created to control and standardize the names of Alpine minerals.

Climate

The Alps are an important climate divide for Europe. In the north and west relative to the mountains there are territories with a temperate climate, in the south there are subtropical Mediterranean landscapes. Precipitation on the windward western and northwestern slopes is 1,500 - 2,000 mm, in some places up to 4,000 mm per year. The Alpine mountains are characterized by a typical climate of the highlands. As the altitude increases, the temperature decreases. At around 3000 meters or more, the temperature does not exceed zero degrees Celsius, which contributes to the formation of glaciers there. In the Alps there are sources of large rivers (Rhine, Rhone, Po, Adige, right tributaries of the Danube), as well as numerous lakes of glacial and tectonic-glacial origin (Bodenskoe, Geneva, Como, Lago Maggiore and others).

Population

As of 2001, the total population in the Alps was 12 million inhabitants, the bulk of which are French, Germans and Italians. Slovenes are also a significant community. The largest cities in the Alps are: Grenoble, located in France, with a population of 155,100, Innsbruck (Austria) - 127,000 people, Trento (Italy) - 116,893 people and Bolzano (Italy) - 98,100 people.

Geology and Hydrology

The Alps are part of an orogenic tertiary belt called the Alpine-Himalayan chain, which extends almost continuously from the southwest to Asia, formed as a result of the collision between the African and European plates.

The most important European rivers start from the Alps, such as the Po with its tributaries, the Rhine, Rhone, Adige, Brenta, Piave, Tagliamento, etc. Also on the slopes of the Alps there are numerous lakes that are fed by water from the mountains, such as Lake Geneva, Lake Constance, Lake Lugano, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Iseo, Lake Garda and many others. The Alps are also a reservoir of fresh water with numerous glaciers.

Flights

Traveling in the Alps is best to start from east to west, this is the most popular tourist option, which allows you to look at different areas of the mountains and completely drive through the most picturesque region of Europe.

The most eastern point array is located near Vienna, where are located international airports with regular flights from Moscow. From the airport in Vienna constantly walks public transport linking the capital with other cities and popular tourist destinations.

Rest

Tourism has been well developed in the Alps for a long time. Back in the 18th century, prominent people went to the mountains to rest in resorts “not for everyone”. Now the situation has changed and it is not at all necessary to have an impressive fortune in order to relax in the Alpine resorts.

These are small cheap hotels near a lake in the mountains, and middle-class recreation centers with large ski slopes and premium hotels in the Swiss Alps with their own slopes and resorts.

Video

It's about the most beautiful place in Austria - fantastic alpine mountain passes. Firstly, the roads are laid in very beautiful places, and secondly, the Europeans made sure that tourists here were as comfortable as possible. The Austrians in this regard are not far behind Switzerland. Today I will tell you about one of the most picturesque mountain routes in Austria - the Grossglockner panoramic road. Welcome to Austria!

We headed to the Austrian town of Lienz, which is located very close to the Grossglockner road. Part of the way had to be overcome already in the dark: Lienz and Dolomites we hardly saw. We spent the night in a small country hotel on the outskirts of Lienz.

How nice it is to wake up early in the morning, leave the hotel and breathe in the cold mountain air. It's an indescribable feeling!

Europeans tend to get up very early, especially in rural areas.

The village where we spent the night is called Lavant. There is a parish church of St. Ulrich located on the mountain:

We did not go up there, but here is a photo of the interior of the church from Wiki, isn't it cool?

In the fountain opposite the entrance to the hotel, someone left several cases of beer to cool:

Starting from Lienz, the road climbs smoothly into the mountains and passes through the most beautiful places with plenty of viewing platforms.

The Grossglockner panoramic road itself starts from the town of Heiligenblut, 40 km from Lienz.

The road got its name in honor of the highest mountain in Austria - Grossglockner, whose height is 3798 m. Here it first appears in sight (snow-covered peak):

The Grossglockner Road is not a typical utility road, but rather a tourist attraction. For faster travel, the A10 expressway is used.

The panoramic road is a serpentine of 36 turns, about 48 km long. At the very beginning of the road, it has a small branch that leads to the Pasterze Glacier and the center of Kaiser Franz Josef. There is the maximum point of approach to the Grossglockner.

Well, we are finally on the road itself. A little historical facts: it was put into operation in 1935. However, when in 1924 a group of Austrian experts presented a plan to build a road through the Khochtor Pass, it was met with skepticism. At that time in Austria, Germany and Italy there were only 154 thousand private cars, 92 thousand motorcycles, and 2000 km of paved roads. Austria suffered catastrophic economic losses in World War I, shrunk sevenfold in size, lost its international markets, and suffered devastating inflation.

Even a simple project of a gravel road 3 meters wide with sidings turned out to be too expensive. The impetus for the construction of the road, which was supposed to open a barren alpine valley to motorized tourism, came from a downturn in the stock market in New York in 1929. This disaster greatly shook poor Austria. Within three years, production fell by a quarter. Then the government revived the Grossglockner project in order to give work to 3200 (out of 520 thousand!) Unemployed. In the new project, the road was widened to 6 meters, counting on 120,000 visitors a year. The state decided to make up for the construction costs by introducing a toll for the use of the road.

On August 30, 1930, at 9:30 am, the first explosion of rock was made. Four years later, the head of the government of Salzburg drove the new one for the first time. Another year later alpine road Grossglockner was put into operation. And the very next day, the international automobile and motorcycle races Grossglockner Races were held on it.

Construction costs turned out to be less than planned, and attendance in the early years significantly exceeded the most optimistic estimates. In the future, a phased modernization of the road was carried out. Its width and the number of parking lots located in the most picturesque places increased.

From the first day of operation, travel on the road was paid. Now the fare is on average 20-50 euros, depending on the duration of the ticket and the type of transport. A standard ticket for a passenger car for 1 day costs 32 euros.

The road is open to tourists from May to October. In winter, the passage is closed, because the height of the fallen snow often exceeds 10 meters.

Behind the next turn, a gorgeous view of the glacier and the Grossglockner peak opens up. The Pasterze glacier is the largest in Austria, its length is about 9 km.

The melting of the glacier began as early as 1856 due to high summer temperatures and low winter precipitation.

Despite record summer temperatures in Europe, scientists from the Swiss Academy of Natural Sciences attribute the melting of glaciers to long-term climate change.

Find two tourists in this photo:

A branch of the road leads eventually to the center of Kaiser Franz Josef. In addition to the standard tourist infrastructure (restaurants, tourist centre), here you can find several expositions, for example, the museum of the glacier and the Grossglockner peaks. There is even a car history museum, although I did not find information about it on the Internet. Apparently, this is a temporary exhibition. In general, the Grossglockner road attracts vintage car owners from all over Europe, but more on that later.

This place is visited by a huge number of tourists, so there are several spacious parking lots, including one multi-level one.

The vast majority of tourists are pensioners. They sit on the veranda of the restaurant, bask in the sun and have lunch. Happy old age!

The Grossglockner was conquered for the first time in 1800. The first attempt to climb was made a year earlier, but failed due to bad weather. A day after the first ascent, a wooden cross was placed on the summit. In 1879 it was renovated and dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the marriage of Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth, who visited the Grossglockner in 1865.

The name Glocknerer first appeared on maps in 1561. Grossglockner was first described in his book by Balthazar Ake: a naturalist, geologist, geographer, doctor, scientist, who is considered the pioneer of mountaineering. Interestingly, until 1918 the mountain was privately owned. Grossglockner is currently owned by the Austrian Alpine Community.

At the maximum approximation of the previous photo, you can see how in this moment large group climbers conquers the summit. Now, about 5,000 ascents are made annually on the Grossglockner.

According to one version of the origin of the name, Grossglockner peak from a distance looks like an inverted large bell (German große Glocke): that is why the mountain was called the “big bell tower”. According to another version, in one of the local dialects “glockner” sounds like “klocken”, which means “to make noise, rumble” - Grossglockner more than once frightened with the roar of falling stones.

While some tourists visit the expositions and sit in cafes and restaurants, the other part watches the Alpine marmots.

The Alpine marmot is a typical representative of the Ice Age fauna, which previously lived in the European lowlands. Today, its range is limited to high mountain areas, since only suitable living conditions remain here.

The animals feel great next to tourists and willingly accept offerings.

Winter hibernation lasting from 6 to 7 months allows the marmot to go without food for a long time and exist solely at the expense of its own fat reserves.

Alpine marmots can be found on rocky slopes at an altitude of 600 to 3200 m above sea level. Under favorable conditions for 1 square. km inhabited by 40 to 80 animals.

Sensing danger, groundhogs stand on their hind legs to better view the surroundings, and noticing a predator, they emit a loud whistle that can be heard at a great distance.

It's time to keep moving. Highest point panoramic road Grossglockner - Hochtor pass, which is located at an altitude of 2504 meters.

Up to 10 meters of snow falls here annually. Immediately after the road was put into operation, the snow was removed manually (!): in two spring months 350 men shoveled 250,000 cubic meters of snow to save at least one traffic lane.

Since the middle of the century, automated equipment has been removing up to 800 thousand cubic meters of snow per season. This made it possible to increase the road availability period up to 276 days a year.

The increase in the number of visitors made it possible to upgrade the road in stages. Now its width is 7.5 meters. The annual throughput has been increased to 350,000 vehicles.

The road is only open during the daytime. At 21:30 the entrance to the road is closed, visitors are allowed 45 minutes before closing.

Every year the road takes about a million people. Here are the stages of professional cycling, and many European automakers love to run on the steep mountain slopes of the latest car models.

Grossglockner twice became one of the stages of the famous Giro d'Italia cycling race: in 1971 and 2011.

Grossglockner is a place of pilgrimage for vintage car owners from all over the world. In the 1930s, immediately after the opening of the road, the already legendary car and motorcycle races were held here (in 1935, 38 and 39).

The races were interrupted by the outbreak of World War II and have not been held since.

Now, on weekends, owners of vintage cars of any make and year of manufacture leave the Grossglockner road.

There are even special vintage car group tours around Grossglockner. They are designed for 3-10 days, the cost of one day is from $250 to $450.