If you tell someone that the destination for your next Europe tour package is Switzerland, they would know exactly why you are heading there. Switzerland is a country of immense natural beauty. The towns, food, the architecture, everything adds to the beauty of Switzerland. In the heart of it all, lies the grand Alpine, with its stunningly impressive region of classic Swiss scenery of majestic peaks, sheer valleys and sparkling lakes.
As much as they make for an amazing site, there are a few facts that you should know about the mighty Alps:
- The High and Mighty: The Alps are the highest and most extensive mountain range system that lies entirely in Europe, stretching approximately 1,200 kilometres across eight European countries of Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Slovenia, and Switzerland.
- Switzerland is one of the most alpine countries with almost sixty-five percent of the country’s total surface area being covered by the majestic ranges. And surprisingly, despite this Switzerland covers only fourteen percent of the total Alps.
- Swiss Alps has some of the best hiking trails in the world. You can opt for guided day hike trails or the longer and tougher trail routes. Jungfrau trail, the classic 12-day Chamonix-Zermatt Haute Route, Tour du Mont Blanc, Bernese Oberland Traverse – classic inn to inn hiking in the Bernese Alps and Eiger to the Matterhorn are some the most popular and scenic hiking trails in the Swiss Alps. Plan a Europe tour package where you can hike to one of the many trails that grace the Alps.
- You can enjoy excellent winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, sledging, snow hiking and many others during your holidays in the Swiss Alps. A stay at the exclusive and very classy ski resorts is an experience of a lifetime. These glitzy ski resorts offer you a grand stay with the best of amenities and world-class service along with easy access and facilities of the winter sports.
- The highest summit in the Swiss Alps is Monte Rosa, which sits majestically on the Swiss-Italian border.
- The Alps maintain a permanent snow blanket over 9,000 ft. above sea level, and have many glaciers. The hike on these stunning glaciers is a dream come true for the seasoned hikers.
- The lower slopes and the valleys are covered with deciduous trees such as linden, oak, elm, and birch, while as you go higher, the forests are mostly coniferous, mainly spruce, larch, and many varieties of pine. The Alpine pine has a lifespan of around 400 years.
- The most distinct alpine animal species is the Ibex, a nimble-footed wild goat and marmots, a large squirrel that forms underground burrows for hibernation.
To explore the best sights and sounds of the Alps, get in touch with SOTC or simply browse through SOTC’s Switzerland tour packages to find out more!