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Swiss Alps
With its soaring mountains, hundreds of miles of spectacular walking trails and a wonderful picturesque charm, the Swiss Alps are the premier destination in Europe for those wanting to enjoy the great outdoors.
Extending for almost 500 miles in a great arc from the Mediterranean to the Adriatic Sea, the Alps encompass eight countries and a huge variety of landscapes, cultural influences, historic interest and scenic splendours.
Drawn to the crystal clear air, the bewitching vistas and the challenge of the outdoors, the Alps have attracted artists, climbers, explorers and nature lovers for hundreds of year. From Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn and Geneva to Grindlewald, the names of the peaks, passes and places of the Alps conjure evocative images and historical references, deeply embedded into the history and culture of Europe. A high-altitude battleground during two world wars, it is now only the tourists and trekkers that invade the region in any number, seeking adventure and natural beauty in equal measure.
For many, the towering mountains in Switzerland are the crowning glory of the Alps, but you need to be a confident and competent climber to tackle their challenging peaks. If you’re keen to learn or develop your mountaineering skills in preparation for climbing on the highest summits, take a look at our five day Introduction to Alpine Mountaineering also based in the pretty town of Saas Grund.