Swiss Alps

Satellite image of Switzerland in October 2002. On the north side of the Alps, the regions located above 2000 m are covered by snow. The canton of Ticino (on the south side) is almost snow-free in early autumn.

The Swiss Alps (German: Schweizer Alpen, French: Alpes suisses, Italian: Alpi svizzere, Romansh: Alps svizras) are the portion of the Alps mountain range that lies within Switzerland. Because of their central position with the entire Alpine range, they are also known as the Central Alps.

The highest summit in the Swiss Alps is Mont Blanc at 4,807 metres. Mont Blanc is entirely in France. The highest mountain which lies entirely on Swiss territory is the Dom (4,545 metres (14,911 ft)). Other main summits can be found in the list of mountains in Switzerland.

Since the Middle Ages, transit across the Alps played an important role in history. The region north of the St. Gotthard Pass became the birthplace of the Old Swiss Confederacy in 1291.

Contents 1 Geography 1.1 Ranges 1.2 Hydrography 1.2.1 Rivers 1.2.2 Lakes 1.3 Land elevation 2 Geology 3 Environment and climate 3.1 Climate zones 4 Travel and tourism 4.1 Summer tourism 4.2 Winter tourism 4.3 Transportation 5 Toponymy 6 Gallery 7 See also 8 References 9 External links // Geography See also: Geography of Switzerland

The Alps cover 65% of Switzerland's surface area (41,285 km²), making it one of the most alpine countries. Despite the fact that Switzerland covers only 14% of the Alps total area (192,753 km²)12, many alpine four-thousanders (48 of 82) are located in the Swiss Alps and the remaining few are within 20 km of the country's border.

The glaciers of the Swiss Alps cover an area of 1230 km² (3% of the Swiss territory), representing 44% of the total glaciated area in the Alps (2800 km²).

The Swiss Alps are situated south of the Swiss plateau and north of the national border. The limit between the Alps and the plateau runs from Vevey on the shores of Lake Geneva to Rorschach on the shores of Lake Constance, passing close to the cities of Thun and Lucerne.3

The countries with which Switzerland shares mountain ranges of the Alps are (from west to east): France, Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein.

Ranges

The Alps are usually divided into two main parts, the Western Alps and Eastern Alps, whose division is along the Rhine from Lake Constance to the Splügen Pass. The western ranges occupy the greatest part of Switzerland while the more numerous eastern ranges are much smaller and are all situated in the canton of Graubünden. The latter are part of the Central Eastern Alps, except the Ortler Alps which belong to the Southern Limestone Alps. The Pennine, Bernese and Bernina Range are they highest ranges of the country, they contain respectively 38, 9 and 1 summit over 4000 metres. The lowest range is the Appenzell Alps culminating at 2,500 metres.

(*) situated out of the main chain

Western Alps

Map of the western Swiss Alps Location Range Cantons Notable peaks East limit From west to east, north of Rhone and Rhine Bernese Alps* Vaud, Fribourg, Valais, Berne Finsteraarhorn, Jungfrau, Eiger Grimsel Pass Urner Alps* Uri, Bern, Valais, Lucerne, Obwalden, Nidwalden Dammastock, Titlis Reuss river Glarus Alps* Uri, Glarus, Graubünden Tödi, Glärnisch Seeztal Appenzell Alps* Appenzell Innerrhoden, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, St. Gallen Säntis Rhine From west to east, south of Rhone and Rhine Chablais Alps Valais Dents du Midi Arve Mont Blanc Massif Valais Aiguille d'Argentière Col Ferret Pennine Alps Valais Dufourspitze, Weisshorn, Matterhorn Simplon Pass Lepontine Alps Valais, Ticino, Uri Graubünden, Monte Leone, Rheinwaldhorn Splügen Pass

Eastern Alps

Map of the eastern Swiss Alps Location Range Notable peaks From west to east, north of Mera and Inn river Oberhalbstein Piz Platta Plessur* Aroser Weisshorn Albula Piz Kesch, Piz Lunghin Rätikon* Schesaplana Silvretta* Piz Linard, Piz Buin Samnaun Alps* Muttler From west to east, south of Mera and Inn river Bregaglia Cima di Castello, Piz Badile Bernina Piz Bernina, Piz Roseg Albula Piz Kesch, Piz Lunghin Livigno Piz Paradisin Ortler Alps* Piz Murtaröl Sesvenna Piz Sesvenna Hydrography See also: Valleys of the Alps Rivers See also: List of rivers in Switzerland Rhine Gorge in Graubünden

The north side of the Swiss Alps is drained by the Rhone, Rhine and Inn river (which is part of the Danube basin) while the south side is mainly drained by the Ticino river (Po basin). The rivers on the north empty into the Mediterranean, North and Black Sea, on the south the Po empty in the Adriatic Sea. The major triple watersheds in the Alps are located within the country, they are: Piz Lunghin, Witenwasserenstock and Monte Forcola. Between the Witenwasserenstock and Piz Lunghin runs the European Watershed separating the basin of the Atlantic (North Sea) and the Mediterranean Sea (Adriatic and Black Sea). The European watershed lies in fact only partially on the main chain. Switzerland possesses 6% of Europe's fresh water, and is sometimes referred to as the "water tower of Europe".

Lakes See also: List of lakes in Switzerland The Lac des Dix in Valais

Since the highest dams are located in Alpine regions, many large mountain lakes are artificial and are used as hydroelectric reservoirs. Some large artificial lakes can be found above 2,300 m, but natural lakes larger than 1 km² are generally below 1,000 m (with the exceptions of lakes in the Engadin such as Lake Sils, and Oeschinen in the Bernese Oberland). The melting of low-altitude glaciers can generate new lakes, such as the 0.25 km² large Triftsee which formed between 2002–2003.

Land elevation See also: Swiss cantons by elevation

The following table4 gives the surface area above 2000 m and 3000 m and the respective percentage on the total area of each canton whose high point is above 2000 metres.

Canton Land above 2000m in km² Land above 2000m in % Land above 3000m in km² Land above 3000m in % Appenzell Ausserrhoden 1 0.4 0 0 Appenzell Innerrhoden 4 2.3 0 0 Berne 887 15 100 1.7 Fribourg 14 0.8 0 0 Glarus 213 31 4 0.6 Graubünden 4296 60 111 1.6 Lucerne 4 0.3 0 0 Nidwalden 20 7 0 0 Obwalden 66 13 1 0.2 Schwyz 69 8 0 0 St. Gallen 184 9 1 0.05 Ticino 781 28 2 0.07 Uri 562 52 19 1.8 Valais 2595 50 697 13 Vaud 92 3 1 0.03 Switzerland 9788 24 936 2.3 Geology Main article: Geology of the Alps See also: List of glaciers in Switzerland Lauterbrunnental Valley in the Bernese Alps, a U-shaped valley that resulted from the erosion of glaciers

The composition of the great tectonic units reflects the history of the formation of the Alps. The rocks from the Helvetic zone on the north and the Austroalpine nappes - Southern Alps on the south come originally from the European and African continent respectively. The rocks of the Penninic nappes belong to the former area of the Briançonnais microcontinent and the Tethys Ocean. The closure of the latter by subduction under the African plate (Piemont Ocean first and Valais Ocean later) preceded the collision between the two plates and the so-called alpine orogeny. The major thrust fault of the Tectonic Arena Sardona in the eastern Glarus Alps gives a visible illustration of mountain-building processes.

With some exceptions, the Alps north of Rhone and Rhine river are part of the Helvetic Zone and those on the south side are part of the Penninic nappes. The Austroalpine zone concerns almost only the Eastern Alps, with the notable exception of the Matterhorn.

The last glaciations greatly transformed Switzerland’s landscape. Many valleys of the Swiss Alps are U-shaped due to glacial erosion. During the maximum extension of the Würm glaciation (18,000 years ago) the glaciers completely covered the Swiss Plateau, before retreating and leaving remnants only in high mountain areas. In modern times the Aletsch Glacier in the western Bernese Alps is the largest and longest in the Alps, having a length of 23 km and a maximum depth of 900 metres (2953 ft) at Konkordia. Along with the Fiescher and Aar Glaciers the region became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.

Environment and climate

To protect endengered species some sites have been brought under protection. The Swiss National Park in Graubünden was established in 1914 as the first alpine national park. The Entlebuch area was designated a biosphere reserve in 2001. The largest protected area in the country is the Parc Ela, opened in 2006, which covers an area of 600 square kilometres.5 The Jungfrau-Aletsch Protected Area is the first World Heritage Site in the Alps.

Climate zones See also: Climate of the Alps

As the temperature decreases with altitude (0,56°C per 100 metres on yearly average), three different altitudinal zones, each having distinct climate, are found in the Swiss Alps:

Subalpine zone Tree line in the National park Lyskamm (4,527 m), above the Grenz Glacier

The Subalpine zone is the region which lies below the tree line. It is the most important region as it is the larger of the three and contains almost all human settlements as well as the productive areas. The forests are mainly composed by conifers above 1,200-1,400 metres, the deciduous tree forest being confined to lower elevations. The upper limit of the Subalpine zone is located at about 1,800 metres on the north side of the Alps and at about 2,000 metres on the south side. It can however differ in some regions such as the Appenzell Alps (1,600 metres) or the Engadin valley (2,300 metres).

Alpine zone

The Alpine zone (Tundra) is situated above the tree line and is clear of trees because of low average temperatures. It contains mostly grass and small plants along with mountain flowers. Below the permafrost limit (at about 2,600 metres), the alpine meadows are often used as pastures. Some villages can still be found on the lowest altitudes such as Riederalp (1,940 m) or Juf (2,130 m). The extend of Alpine zone is limited by the first permanent snow, its altitude greatly vary depending on the location (and orientation), it is comprised between 2,800 and 3,200 metres.

Glacial zone

The glacial zone is the area of permanent snow and ice. When the steepness of the slope is not too high it results in an accumulation and compaction of snow, which transforms into ice. The glacier formed then flows down the valley and can reach as far down as 1,500 metres (the Upper Grindelwald Glacier). Where the slopes are too steep, the snow accumulates to form overhanging seracs, which periodically fall off due to the downwards movement of the glacier and cause ice avalanches. The Bernese Alps, Pennine Alps and Mont Blanc Massif contain most of the glaciated areas in the Alps. Except research stations such as the Sphinx Observatory no settlements are to be found in those regions.

Travel and tourism Glacier 3000

Tourism in the Swiss Alps began with the first ascents of the main peaks of the Alps (Jungfrau in 1811, Piz Bernina in 1850, Dufourspitze in 1855, Matterhorn in 1856, Dom in 1858, Weisshorn in 1861) mostly by British mountain climbers accompanied by the local guides. The construction of facilities for tourists started in the mid nineteenth century with the building of hotels and mountain huts (creation of the Swiss Alpine Club in 1863) and the opening of mountain train lines (Mount Rigi in 1873, Mount Pilatus in 1889, Gornergrat in 1898). The Jungfraubahn opened in 1912; it leads to the highest train station in Europe, the Jungfraujoch.

Summer tourism

Switzerland enjoys a 62,000-km network of well-maintained trails, of which 23,000 are located in mountainous areas. Many mountains attract a large number of alpinists from around the world, especially the 4000-metre summits and the great north faces. The large winter resorts are also popular destinations in summer, as most of aerial tramways operate through the year, enabling hikers and mountaineers to reach high altitudes without much effort. The Klein Matterhorn is the highest summit of the European continent to be served by cable car.

Winter tourism Main article: List of ski areas and resorts in Switzerland Highest ski area in Europe above Zermatt

The major destinations for skiing and other winter sports are located in Valais, Bernese Oberland and Graubünden. Some villages are car-free and can be accessed only with public transports such as Riederalp and Bettmeralp6. Zermatt and Saas-Fee have both summer ski areas. The most visited places are:7

Thanks to a car-free policy, Zermatt retains much of its original character Davos - Klosters Zermatt (car-free village) St. Moritz Grindelwald - Mürren - Wengen (car-free villages) Adelboden - Lenk Verbier - Nendaz Gstaad Flims - Laax Lenzerheide - Arosa Crans Montana

Other important destinations on the regional level are Engelberg and Andermatt (Central Switzerland), Leysin (Vaud), Champéry (western Valais) and Samnaun (eastern Graubünden).

Transportation See also: List of mountain passes in Switzerland The Glacier Express on the Landwasser Viaduct, Albula Range Lötschberg line

The Swiss Alps and Switzerland enjoy an extensive transportation network. Every mountain village can be reached by public transport, the main companies are:

Federal Railway Rhaetian Railway Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn Golden Pass PostBus

Most of mountain regions are within 3 hours travel of Switzerland’s main cities and their respective airport. The Engadin Valley in Graubünden is between 4 to 6 hours away from the large cities; the train journey itself, with the panoramic Glacier Express or Bernina Express, is popular with tourists.

The Engadin Airport near St. Moritz at an altitude of 1,707 metres (5,600 ft) is the highest in Europe.

The crossing of the Alps is a key issue at national and international levels, as the European continent is at places divided by the range. Since the beginnings of industrialization Switzerland has improved its transalpine network; it began in 1882, by building the Gotthard Rail Tunnel, followed in 1906 by the Simplon Tunnel and more recently, in 2007, by the Lötschberg Base Tunnel. The 57-km long Gotthard Base Tunnel is slated to be open in 2016, and it will finally provide a direct flat rail link through the Alps.

Toponymy

The different names of the mountains and other landforms are named in the four national languages. The table below gives the most recurrent names.

English German French Italian Romansh Examples Mount Berg, Stock Mont Monte Munt Gamsberg, Dammastock, Mont Vélan, Monte Generoso, Munt Pers Summit Gipfel Cime Cima Tschima Grenzgipfel, Cima di Gana Bianca, Tschima da Flix Peak Spitze Pointe, Pic Pizzo Piz Lenzspitze, Pointe de Zinal, Pizzo Campo Tencia, Piz Roseg Needle Nadel Aiguille Ago Ago Nadelhorn, Aiguille d'Argentière, Ago di Sciora Horn Horn Corne Corno Corn Wetterhorn, Corne de Sorebois, Corn da Tinizong Tower Turm Tour Torre not used Tour Sallière, Torrone Alto Head Kopf Tête Testa not used Bürkelkopf, Tête Blanche Ridge Grat Crêt Cresta Fil Gornergrat, Crêt du Midi, Fil de Cassons Glacier Gletscher, Firn Glacier Ghiacciaio Vadret Unteraargletscher, Hüfifirn, Glacier de Corbassière, Ghiacciaio del Basodino, Vadret da Morteratsch Valley Tal Val Valle, Val Val Mattertal, Val d'Hérens, Valle Maggia Pass Pass, Joch Col, Pas Passo Pass Jungfraujoch, Panix Pass, Pas de Cheville

Also a large number of peaks outside the Alps were named or nicknamed after Swiss mountains, such as the Wetterhorn Peak in Colorado or the Matterhorn Peak in California (see the Matterhorn article for a list of Matterhorns in the world).

The confluence of the Baltoro Glacier and the Godwin-Austen Glacier south of K2 in the Karakoram range was named after the Konkordiaplatz by European explorers.

Gallery

Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, Bernese Alps

The Weissmies from Hohsaas, Pennine Alps

The Matterhorn, Pennine Alps

The Aiguille d'Argentière above the Saleina Glacier, Mont Blanc Massif

Oberaar Glacier, Bernese Alps

Aletsch Glacier, Bernese Alps

Morteratsch Glacier and Piz Bernina

Jungfraujoch, Bernese Alps

Piz Badile, Bregaglia Range

Bachalpsee, Bernese Alps

Finsteraarhorn, Bernese Alps

The Grand Combin, Pennine Alps

Stein Glacier from Susten Pass, Urner Alps

Piz Roseg and Val Roseg, Bernina Range

The Dent Blanche, Pennine Alps

Summits around the Mattertal, Pennine Alps

Swiss Alps

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