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One of the best hiking regions in the world is
THE ALPS
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AT A GLANCE
 35,400km (22,000mi) of well-kept trails
- the higher Western Alps: Switzerland, France and Italy
- the lower Eastern Alps: Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein; parts of southern Germany, northern Italy and Slovenia
- highest peak Mont Blanc 4808m (15,774ft)
- treeline between 1200m (4000ft) and 1700m (6000ft)
- easy access to trails of all all levels of ability and experience
- superb tourist infrastructure
- convenient public transport
- easily available trailhead shuttle service
- great hiking for all levels of ability
- best weather Jun-Sept
WHY WE LIKE THIS REGION
- most dramatic peaks in Europe
- easy, quick access to high trails
- frequent opportunities to buy food & meals, thereby carrying less weight in the pack
- amazing cuisine
- challenging hiking — but you can sleep in a bed and have a restaurant meal every night if you wish
- glaciers, forests, valleys, rivers, lakes, and flower-filled meadows.
- the original "Alpine culture"
- European history and culture
- charming mountain huts (refuges)
- cheaters can use cable-cars and chair-lifts
- guided hikes are easy to arrange
- low risk of altitude sickness
- almost no dangerous wildlife
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CONSIDERATIONS
- many of the most popular trails are crowded high season
- accommodation may be full
- if you are looking for "wilderness", this is not it
- travel in Europe is relatively expensive
- weather can change rapidly in the mountains
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larger version - Wikipedia
BEST TREKKING GUIDEBOOKS
Lonely Planet provides an excellent overview. Look for dedicated guidebooks for those hikes you decide upon.
BEST HIKES in THE ALPS
Our favourite is the Tour de Mont Blanc. More challenging is Chamonix-Zermatt; Haute Route. But we really need to spend more time in this region.
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