Mountain railways have been constructed, as well as sports centers, hotels and vacation homes. A unknown stairway leading to the mountains. A popular site for tourists. At various times in history the Swiss used the water cascading from the alps to create hydro-electric power. This tourism creates employment but also causes ecological problems.
Many people enjoy the long walks along the mountain ranges.
One unique product that the alps bear are miles of Chestnut forests providing increased economy for local merchants. Farmers are not aloud to cut down trees without planting a new one. A dense network of 50,000 footpaths covers the country. Among German speaking Swiss, walking is a very popular extra curricular activity. These footpaths are well kept up and many run right through inhabited areas.