What is the pass in the Alps. Alpine mountain passes

Asia

The Alps are the highest and most extensive mountain system in Europe, stretching for 1200 kilometers through eight countries: Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Slovenia and Switzerland. Though Caucasian mountains higher, and the Urals are longer, but 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 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. Also in the Alps the largest number Winter Olympic Games, at different times 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 mediterranean sea in the southwest to the north of the French Po basin, and descends into eastbound passing next to the Adriatic Sea. Countries with the largest alpine territories: Switzerland in the center and north, France with most of the 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. Downgrades in mountainous areas with the most convenient passage are called passes, the most famous alpine passes are: Col de Il Seran, Brenner, Col de Tende, Mont Cenis, Great Saint 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. Most big cities in the Alps: Grenoble, located in France, with a population of 155,100, Innsbruck (Austria) with 127,000, Trento (Italy) with 116,893 and Bolzano (Italy) with 98,100.

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 swiss alps with its own slopes and resorts.

Video

The majestic mountain range in Europe will give amazing moments on fresh air and breathtaking panoramic views. Imagine emerald alpine lakes, idyllic villages and valleys that provide Swiss quality service and amenities. We will show you the most beautiful places in the Alps. And each of these idyllic alpine places is a must-see.

Thermal Spa Bad Gastein, Austria

Excellent treatment centers are based in resort town Gastein, which is located in the Austrian Alps. It is also a popular ski area. Baths and pools use fresh water from hot springs located in the mountains. Great service here beautiful nature and relaxing spa treatments.

Photo: Yisong Yue

Photo: Robert Dohler

Photo: Thomas Wenger (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/)

Stelvio Pass, Italy

Second of the highest passes in the Alps - exceptionally beautiful place. The road connects the Stelvio in South Tyrol with Bormio. The pass was built during the time of the Austrian Empire, in the 1820s, and has hardly changed since then. Stelvio is a traditional Tyrolean region. Here you can visit quiet, picturesque alpine villages. There are also ski resorts.
The historic road is one of the most famous not only in the Alps, but also in the world. From here you have a great view, and the classic winding route is very popular with extreme drivers. The British show "Top Gear" called it the greatest road in the world.

Photo: jockrutherford (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/)

Photo: Iain Cameron (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)

Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy

The stunning park is named after the Gran Paradiso mountain in the Alps, in northwestern Italy. The park impresses with its landscape, valleys, glaciers and alpine meadows. Endangered species of animals and birds live here. This is an alpine mountain goat, chamois, eagle owl and many others. Small villages are scattered in the park.
Many people come here to climb the mountains and enjoy the magnificent views. In addition, you can watch wild animals and birds here. wild nature so rich, it doesn't take much effort to find the "locals".

Photo: Fulvio Spada (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/)

Photo: Soumei Baba (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)

Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix, France

Another stunning place to visit is the Mont Blanc region. The height of the peak of the Aiguille du Midi is 3842 meters. When viewed from Chamonix, at noon the sun is directly above this peak. The Aiguille du Midi cable cars will take you to a height of 3800 meters. From here with viewing platforms offers unforgettable views of the surroundings. A glass platform was installed here last year. And although the glass panels are of solid thickness, only the brave ones visit it.

A wonderful place to visit in Chamonix. This is the highest attraction in Europe. Chamonix is a truly classic city with an alpine landscape that tourists love so much.

Dam on Lake Sylvenstein, Upper Bavaria, Germany

The artificial lake fits into the Alpine landscape, and is one of the most interesting places in the Isar valley. Located at an altitude of 750 meters in the Karwendel Alps, the lake is replenished by the waters of the Isar River. It is surrounded by hiking trails, which are very fond of tourists. And the dam is a picturesque feature. Driving along it, you can admire the fabulous surroundings.

Tourists come here to go hiking, climbing or swimming in the lake. Popular cycle track Bavaria Tirolensis on the south coast links Bavaria and the Tyrolean Alps. This idyllic place is very popular with photographers.

Photo: Polybert49 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/)

Photo: Sascha Sormann

Photo: FHgitarre (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)

Paragliding school in France

The paragliding school accepts beginners and young people. Winter here ski resort, but in the summer - a paradise for paragliders. Flying in the Alps - the largest mountain range in Europe - is really something incredible.

Photo: Ludovic Lubeigt (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/)

Photo: SNappa2006 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)

Photo: Stefan Schmitz (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/)

Brienz-Rothorn Rack Railway, Switzerland

The scenic area opens up from a train making a slow ascent to the Brienz-Rothorn mountain in the Emmental Alps. Highest point railway located at an impressive height - 2244 meters. The drive passes through a tunnel carved into the rock and makes exciting loops. Those who are nervous about heights - challenge yourself, you will be delighted!
The journey to the top takes about an hour. There you will be met by restaurants and guest houses where everyone is warmly welcomed. During the walk you can admire the surroundings. There is a road between stations.

Photo: Martin Abeglen (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/)

Stanserhorn, Switzerland

The height of the "most friendly mountain" is 1898 meters. It is accessible to everyone, therefore it is a popular place among tourists. You can get to the top by cable car or along hiking trails. Both methods provide breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains and valleys.
The peak is the best point from which breathtaking views of the surroundings open up. Hiking trails provide great opportunity nice to spend the day outdoors.

Photo: Konrad Summers (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/)

Source: placestoseeinyourlifetime.com

The Stelvio Pass is located in Italy at an altitude of 2757 meters, it is the highest paved pass in the eastern part of the Alps and the second highest in the Alps, second only to the Col de l'Iseran in France.

We put this road in first place in the list of the most beautiful roads in the world. Stelvio is located in the Italian Alps of Bormio in the province of Sondrio, near the border with Switzerland. Hanging over the road is the Peak of the Three Languages, so named because Italian, German and Romance languages meet here.

The history of this road is quite interesting. The first road was built here back in 1820 under the Austrian Empire to connect Lombardy with the rest of Austria, it covered the ascent up to 1871 meters. Since then, the route has remained virtually unchanged. Of the 60 sharp turns, 48 are located on the north side, presenting a real challenge for motorists. Even the famous racing driver Stirling Moss lost control here and flew off the track in 1990

During the Second World War, this pass was of great strategic importance, but lost it at the end of the fighting. Now it is important mainly for sports, numerous bike, motorcycle and car races are held here. Every year at the end of August, the road is closed for the day and approximately 8,000 cyclists begin their ascent to the top of the Stelvio.

The Stelvio was voted the best road to drive in the famous Top Gear show. True, only European roads participated in the selection. Some time later, the hosts decided that the Stelvio was still inferior to the Romanian road Transfagarasan

Nowadays, almost every tourist traveling by car from Switzerland to Italy tries to drive along this road and experience the excitement and adrenaline rush

Dividing into two climatically different parts, there are three mountain passes that connect the east and west coasts. On South mountain range located in the center of the alpine, well, further north of the mountain range, lies the Lewis Pass. Lewis Pass is 864 meters above sea level. It is slightly inferior to the highest Arthur Pass, but higher than the Haast Pass. Through Lewis Pass, through extensive beech forests, runs Route 7, which links the region to the West Coasts. Lewis Pass is located between two mountain rivers. The Maruya River flows to the northwest, while the Lewis River flows from the southeast. On both sides of the pass there is a dense beech forest, as a result of the humid climate and frequent rains. During the last ice age, the valleys around the pass were covered with ice, which, after melting, left behind deposits of moraine and gravel.

The terrain around the pass is less steep and more open than other Alpine passes and therefore the Lewis Pass route is considered the main route for transport communication between Canterbury and . The road from to the pass takes two and a half hours, and it can be reached in an hour and a half. Sixty-six kilometers west of Lewis Pass is a mining town whose history is associated with gold mining and the gold rush. Refton is also known for being the first city in and throughout the Southern Hemisphere to have its streets lit up with electrical energy in 1888.
The area around Lewis Pass is a protected area and is protected by the state, and is also used for tourism purposes. Around the pass there are a number of tourist routes-tracks. Not far from the pass there is a very tiny resort village Mauria Springs. It is located on the banks of the river Maruya, surrounded by high, snow-capped mountain peaks, among a dense beech forest. Here great views pristine nature, breathtaking contemplation of the river and mighty mountain peaks, a resort famous for hot mineral springs, which hit deep from the ground, as well as an indoor pool, outdoor pools built from local river stone, a bathhouse, a hotel, a restaurant, a cafe and wireless Internet(in the cafe). In the Maori language, Maruiya means sheltered or shady, indicating its location, deep in a valley between mountains.

The mountain pass in the northern part of the Southern Alps was famous for the local Maori. It has long been known and used. The Maori went through it from Canterbury to the West Coast in search of greenstone rocks. In the area of the Mauria River, even the first settlers discovered the sites of Maori camps. The first European to discover the crossing was Provincial surveyor Henry Lewis, along with Christopher Maling, in April 1860. The pass was named after the pioneer. When it started, the prospectors moved from Canterbury to the west along the passage of Lewis. But this version is questioned. In the early years European colonization The area around the islands was the most isolated place in New Zealand. Communication with the outside world was limited by sea. The overland road from Christchurch to Nelson was nearly two hundred miles long. In the 1980s, the route through the pass was surveyed and the construction of the road began. It was built for a long time, the construction was completed in 1938. The road connected Canterbury with West coast and Nelson and played a huge role in the development of New Zealand.

It will be 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 Austria - 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 was named after the high mountain 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): this 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 scared 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. The highest point of the Grossglockner panoramic road is the 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 removed 250 thousand cubic meters of snow with shovels in order 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 group tours on vintage cars around Grossglockner. They are designed for 3-10 days, the cost of one day is from $250 to $450.