List of Austria's Highest Mountains : Austrian Alps : Peaks & Summits of Austria home > background > travel practicalities > highest mountains List of Austria's Highest Mountains There are many mountains in Austria, most of them belong to the Alps and I am sure you know this already. You might have even heard of the highest one, Mount Großglockner. It is famous for the road ( Großglockner Hochalpenstraße ) leading near its peak and the scenic glacier that supplements it. Most other really high mountains in Austria are a lot less famous. If you are keen on hiking or skiing, the local tourism board of a certain region will have the information you need for deciding where to go. The following list is not very useful for such a purpose - for suggestions on good hiking areas, you might rather read my articles on " Hiking in Austria " or the main article on " Skiing in Austria ". The following list gives a good overview of the big players on the roof of the nation. It also echoes the "alpine" flavour of each province, with Tyrol clearly taking the mountainous lead. Rank Grossglockner 3,798 meters! The highest Mountain in Austria! 2001 Trip Reports!

We could see the summit of the Grossglockner, 3798 meters, from the trailhead at the Lucknerhaus above the little village of Kals. There were many cars at the trailhead and even a couple busses full of seniors out for a hike through the beautiful green alm to one of the Huettes for the day. Doerte and I were anxious to get on the mountain since the weather had finally cleared. The trail wastes no time in ascending the huge green alpine valley to the Lucknerhuette. It was a challenge staying ahead of the fastest seniors. They were not just out for a stroll, but a four- hour, 1000-meter hike up to the Huette for soup, beer, and cheer. I hope I can be in as good a shape when I am in that group. Mike and Doerte at the Stuedlhuette, 2801 meters. The is a beautiful, brand new huette. By noon we reached the new Stuedlhuette located on the ridge between two valleys, at 2801 meters.

The views up to the Glaciers, the view way down to the lush valleys, and the sound of rushing water was almost too much for the senses to handle. Doerte and I never tired of the views. We rested for our summit attempt in the morning. The clouds increased as the day wore on. Climbers began to return to the Huette. As many as thirty climbers attempted the summit and all but the late starters made it. At the summit visibility was very limited and the winds were high. The climbers reported the route in good shape. Mike taking a break on the way to the Stuedlhuette. This is the most blue sky we saw the entire two weeks. This is about snowline, at 2,000 meters. The "Ordinary Route" (eastern ascent) to the summit involves a crossing of the Kodnitzkees Glacier, and some fifth class rock to get to the Adlersruhe Huette, 3434 meters. From there it is another two hours across the Glocknerleitl Glacier to the Kleinglockner, 3783 meters, then down and over to the Gross Glockner, 3793 meters, the highest mountain in Austria.

The Grossglockner compares in scope and difficulty to Mount Rainier. High elevation, glacial travel, and some technical rock thrown in to the mix. One famous route, the Pallavicinirinne, goes straight up the mountain at 55 degrees. There are over routes that lead to the summit of the Grossglockner. The Grossglockner summit was first reached on July 28, 1800 by the brothers Klotz, and some carpenters which were part of an expedition of 62 people who left from Heiligenblut. The expedition included the Brothers Klotz as leaders, as well as a priest, porters, carpenters, botanists, and students. The Stuedlhuette with the Grossglockner out of sight, high above. On these days in September, this was all under a meter of snow! As usual we had the mountain climbers dinner, Bergsteigeressen. This is only offered to members of the Austrian Alpine Club. Doerte and I are members, United Kingdom branch. We met six climbers who had just summited.

They made many toasts with liter beers, had rounds of shots, and sang many songs as pretty as any barbershop quartet. They were all from the city of Wolfsburg, former employees of Volkswagen, and all about 70 years of age. Certainly the badest climbers on the mountain! In the meantime the twenty somethings were fast asleep in their chairs. Doerte and I arranged to have our Teewasser at 7 am so we could get an early start up to the Adlersruhe Huette. The sun did not rise, but it gradually got light. The visibility was almost zero. No one else was going up the mountain, only down! We put on our winter gear, and started up the faint route to the glacier. At the glacier we roped up and continued through the whiteout and new snow toward the Adlersruhe Huette. I could hardly see Doerte 15 meters ahead at the end of the rope! There was a foot of new snow, but we could still make out the route. Wands would have been a nice touch. What does it look like to be in a whiteout? I had to reel the rope in to even see Doerte!

Halfway across the glacier and an hour below the Adlersruhe Huette we decided to turn around. The conditions were only getting worse. There were no other parties on the glacier! Back at the Stuedlhuette employees were glad we abandoned our summit attempt. There was no else at the Huette. Doerte and I were a day late. We hiked back down through the snow and rain to the car. The trailhead was deserted. Evidently, most people wit until a weather window appears. This is what we have always done on Mount Rainier for example. The summit that eluded us on this trip! A big cross rests on the summit of the Grossglockner, 3798 meters! Still, the Gross Glockner is a stunning, big mountain, offering incredible views from all high routes. There are many mountains in the area over 3,000 meters. Sonnenwelleck, 3,261m, Johannisberg, 3,460m, and Fuscherkarkopf, 3,331m, and others would all be fantastic, worthy destinations in the Austrian Alps.

You can order Grand Canyon books and other hiking guides from: This website is a photographic and descriptive resource of routes and climbs, not a hiking guide. By using this site the viewer releases the creator from any and all liability. Hiking/climbing is a potentially dangerous activity and requires proper equipment, skill, experience, preparedness and awareness at all times. All contents of all pages � copywrite 1997 - 2002 by Mike Mahanay, All Rights Reserved Do you have any off trail stories or descriptions you would like to add? Do you have any questions, comments, or corrections? If so, drop me a Austria mountains and peaks • peakery Grossglockner 12,461 ft / 3,798 m • 20 summits • Tyrol, Austria Grossglockner is a 12,461 ft / 3,798 m mountain peak in the Hohe Tauern Range in Tyrol, Austria. Based on peakery data, it ranks as the 1st highest mountain in Tyrol and the 1st highest mountain i...

Wildspitze 12,382 ft / 3,774 m • 14 summits • Tyrol, Austria Wildspitze is the highest mountain in the Ötztal Alps and the second highest mountain in Austria after the Großglockner. The large number of glaciers and relatively easy routes make it popular with... Kleinglockner 12,368 ft / 3,770 m • 1 summit • Tyrol, Austria Kleinglockner is a 12,368 ft / 3,770 m mountain peak near Matrei in Osttirol, Tyrol, Austria. Based on peakery data, it ranks as the 3rd highest mountain in Tyrol and the 3rd highest mountain in A... Weißkugel 12,267 ft / 3,739 m • 3 summits • Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy , Austria Weißkugel is a 12,267 ft / 3,739 m mountain peak in the Ötztal Alps in Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy , Austria.

Based on peakery data, it ranks as the 3rd highest mountain in Trentino-Alto Adige , 4t... Hofmannspitze 12,032 ft / 3,668 m • 0 summits • Tyrol, Austria Hofmannspitze is a 12,032 ft / 3,668 m mountain peak near Matrei in Osttirol, Tyrol, Austria. Based on peakery data, it ranks as the 4th highest mountain in Tyrol and the 5th highest mountain in A... Großvenediger 12,014 ft / 3,662 m • 13 summits • Tyrol, Austria Großvenediger is a 12,014 ft / 3,662 m mountain peak near Matrei in Osttirol, Tyrol, Austria. Based on peakery data, it ranks as the 5th highest mountain in Tyrol and the 6th highest mountain in A...

Hinterer Brochkogel 11,926 ft / 3,635 m • 1 summit • Tyrol, Austria Hinterer Brochkogel is a 11,926 ft / 3,635 m mountain peak near Sölden, Tyrol, Austria. Based on peakery data, it ranks as the 2nd highest mountain in Tyrol and the 6th highest mountain in Austria... Hintere Schwarze 11,890 ft / 3,624 m • 1 summit • Salzburg, Austria , Italy Hintere Schwarze is a 11,890 ft / 3,624 m mountain peak in the Ötztal Alps in Salzburg, Austria , Italy. Based on peakery data, it ranks as the 1st highest mountain in Salzburg , 7th highest mount...

Similaun 11,808 ft / 3,599 m • 6 summits • Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy , Austria Similaun is a 11,808 ft / 3,599 m mountain peak near Senales - Schnals, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy. Based on peakery data, it ranks as the 8th highest mountain in Trentino-Alto Adige , 8th highest... Teufelshorn 11,759 ft / 3,584 m • 0 summits • Tyrol, Austria Teufelshorn is a 11,759 ft / 3,584 m mountain peak near Matrei in Osttirol, Tyrol, Austria. Based on peakery data, it ranks as the 3rd highest mountain in Tyrol and the 9th highest mountain in Aus...

Grosses Wiesbachhorn 11,693 ft / 3,564 m • 4 summits • Salzburg, Austria Grosses Wiesbachhorn is a 11,693 ft / 3,564 m mountain peak near Kaprun, Salzburg, Austria. Based on peakery data, it ranks as the 2nd highest mountain in Salzburg and the 11th highest mountain in... Rainerhorn 11,677 ft / 3,559 m • 2 summits • Tyrol, Austria Rainerhorn is a 11,677 ft / 3,559 m mountain peak near Matrei in Osttirol, Tyrol, Austria. Based on peakery data, it ranks as the 7th highest mountain in Tyrol and the 11th highest mountain in Aus...

Großer Ramolkogel 11,647 ft / 3,550 m • 0 summits • Tyrol, Austria Großer Ramolkogel is a 11,647 ft / 3,550 m mountain peak near Sölden, Tyrol, Austria. Based on peakery data, it ranks as the 3rd highest mountain in Tyrol and the 12th highest mountain in Austria.... Schalfkogel 11,614 ft / 3,540 m • 1 summit • Tyrol, Austria Schalfkogel is a 11,614 ft / 3,540 m mountain peak near Sölden, Tyrol, Austria. Based on peakery data, it ranks as the 4th highest mountain in Tyrol and the 13th highest mountain in Austria. The n...

Hochvernagtspitze 11,611 ft / 3,539 m • 3 summits • Tyrol, Austria Hochvernagtspitze is a 11,611 ft / 3,539 m mountain peak in the Ötztal Alps in Tyrol, Austria. Based on peakery data, it ranks as the 11th highest mountain in Tyrol and the 15th highest mountain i... Watzespitze 11,588 ft / 3,532 m • 1 summit • Tyrol, Austria Watzespitze is a 11,588 ft / 3,532 m mountain peak near Serfaus, Tyrol, Austria. Based on peakery data, it ranks as the 6th highest mountain in Tyrol and the 15th highest mountain in Austria. The ...

Punta di Vallelunga 11,578 ft / 3,529 m • 0 summits • Tyrol, Austria Punta di Vallelunga is a 11,578 ft / 3,529 m mountain peak in the Ötztaler Alpen Range in Tyrol, Austria. Based on peakery data, it ranks as the 13th highest mountain in Tyrol and the 17th highest... Weißseespitze 11,568 ft / 3,526 m • 0 summits • Tyrol, Austria Weißseespitze is a 11,568 ft / 3,526 m mountain peak in the Ötztal Alps in Tyrol, Austria. Based on peakery data, it ranks as the 7th highest mountain in Tyrol and the 16th highest mountain in Aus...

Marzell Ovest 11,568 ft / 3,526 m • 1 summit • Austria , Italy Marzell Ovest is a 11,568 ft / 3,526 m mountain peak near Senales - Schnals, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy. Based on peakery data, it ranks as the 18th highest mountain in Austria and the 127th highe... Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Salzburg, Austria Order Grossglockner High-Alpine Road The Grossglockner High Alpine Road makes Austria’s highest mountain accessible for everyone. The famous alpine road leads you right into the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park, the Grossglockner and its glacier, the Pasterze. At 12,460 feet, the pyramid-shaped Grossglockner is not only the highest mountain in Austria, it also counts among the highest peaks in the Alps. It is the epitome of an impressive natural experience!

Drive up to the base of the mountain, the Kaiser-Franz Josephs Höhe, and you literally feel the size and power of these majestic peaks, the massive glaciers and the elemental force of nature. Start your adventure in Heiligenblut, a picturesque little village with its picture-perfect Gothic pilgrimage church. As you wind your way up the 30-mile long road, you find that with each bend, the views become more enticing. Stop at one of the multiple lookout-points to take pictures of this unique world of blossoming alpine meadows, fragrant mountain forests, massive cliffs and glaciers. On your way to the top, you’ll pass through all vegetation zones, from cornfields in the valley to the eternal ice. At 8,200 feet, you will have reached the foot of the Grossglockner, the “Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe”, from where you can explore various hiking routes: Take a 30-minute walk directly to the massive Pasterze glacier on a safe, well-marked trail, or take part in one of the guided tours with a national park ranger.

If you choose to continue your drive over the mountain pass to Salzburg, you’ll find yourself following ancient trails. Finds like pre-Celtic bronze knives, Celtic gold jewelry, a Roman Hercules statue, and medieval pack-animal bridles are proof that this road was already well traveled 200 years B.C. Until the highpoint of trade in the 17th century, the Hochtor was the third most important trade route over the eastern Alps.

Grossglockner High-Alpine Road Grossglockner High Alpine Road © Großglockner Hochalpenstraße Grossglockner-Hochalpenstrasse- Naturerlebnis-(4)--grossglockner.at © grossglockner.at weg fuscher toerl grossglockner hochalpenstrasse © Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse Gletscherstrasse Grossglockner © grossglockner.at auffahrt gletscherstrasse mit blick auf grossglockner grossglockner © Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse Grossglockner High Alpine Road © grossglockner.at Grossglockner High Alpine Road © Großglockner Hochalpenstraße Grossglockner-Hochalpenstrasse- Naturerlebnis-(4)--grossglockner.at © grossglockner.at weg fuscher toerl grossglockner hochalpenstrasse © Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse Gletscherstrasse Grossglockner © grossglockner.at auffahrt gletscherstrasse mit blick auf grossglockner grossglockner © Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse

 Grossglockner High Alpine Road © grossglockner.at Tirol Climbing Grossglockner (3797 m) – Austria’s Highest | Climb Big Mountains Climbing Grossglockner (3797 m) – Austria’s Highest Climbing Grossglockner (3797 m) – Austria’s Highest “The challenge, the sun, the infinite glaciers and the smell of snow all blend together into one very unique experience on this mountain so sacred to Austrians.” Prices Guide-client ratio: 1:3.

For smaller groups, get our special offer. Not included See more details under "Equipment and Info" CBM VIP price I think you should be a VIP member, coz it's cool. . Duration: 2 days “I’m heading out for a stroll this weekend” – is what you tell everyone at work. Just a few days later, you amuse curious and jealous eyes with incredible shots from Austria’s roof and attempt the impossible – which is: putting into words the feeling of the challenge, the sun, the infinite glaciers and the smell of snow all blending together into one very unique experience on this mountain so sacred to Austrians. You do not need mountaineering experience for this peak, but you should have adequate stamina and previous experience on via ferratas or climbing easy rock – just to make sure you don’t get nervous with heights… If you still have doubts about the successful climb, come with us and try yourself out on Grossvenediger , the 4th highest mountain in Austria. It’s more like trekking on a glacier, well, an “exhausting walk”, but you meet almost every difficulty you will have to face on the big brother.

Your Guides September 23, 2017, Sat Further Info A really nice "first alpine peak". It will get crowded on the weekends, so if you can, come on a weekday and ask us for a guide. If the "official" dates are not good for you, let us know. We are quite flexible. The dates between March-April-May are winter ascents, previous alpine experience is a must. Is this trip for you? Alpine trekking - up to 1200 m of vertical in a day on short trips Longer trips with high daily loads of 1000 m+ vertical Climbs involving 1000 m+ of vertical climbing above 4000 meters Same as Level 3 with the addition of speed as a must Climbs to summits over 6000 meters in altitude Technical difficulty grades Trekking on rocks or snow to 25 degrees steepness, no hands required Alpine Grade PD - 30-45 degree snow/firnice axe required, may have to use with hands, as you may meet UIAA Grade III rock.

Alpine grade AD: 40-55 degree slopes or UIAA grade-III rock "My feet are shaking!" Alpine grade D: 50-70 degree snow-walls or UIAA IV-V rock: serious stuff D graded climbs None of our package trips do this level, but you can request an expert to accompany you for your D or higher graded project. Culture shock grading As far as the cultural environment of your country/area of destination, we have set up grades to indicate what degree of culture shock you may expect. Your usual cultural environment, no big surprises in relation to Anglo/Saxon way of life A little different than what you are used to at home, but no big suprises Your trip is a cultural experience in itself, with amusing differences form what you're used to at home. This is a different world; you have to significantly alter your expectations and behaviour. Possibility of extreme culture shock; forget any rules you may have brought from home, life runs completely differently than what you can even dream up. Physical Difficulty Itinerary Opinion of a client from 2013 “I had real fears about my first climb.

But our guide considered not just his or the fast members’ pace, but ours (the slower ones’) as well. So we all reached the summit cross and got back safely but well worn out. And as soon as I got home, I started to plan my next trip to the Alps! :)” Day 1: Hiking to Erzherzog-Johann Hütte, 3451m Meeting is in the parking lot above Lücknerhaus. You are leaving your car at 2200 meters and need to tackle a vertical of 1250 meters to get to Erzherzog-Johann Hütte, the highest standing mountain hut in the country. This will take you about 5-6 hours. It’s a long way up and you will need to use your crampons to get there. The hut is a nice place to stay for the night and you can get used to the elevation. Day 2: Summiting Grossglockner, 3797m You have only 350 meters of vertical to tackle before standing on the peak, but still it’ll be an early rise around 6 AM.

Soon after leaving the hütte, you’re looking at a 40 degree snow/firn slope about 50-100 meters in length depending on conditions. After that, it’s easy rock. After easy rock, it’s tougher rock climbing but it won’t exceed Grade II. This means you don’t have to worry, there’s no experience needed; you’ve done this sort of stuff as a kid (yeah, yeah, that was a long time ago..). But, your guide will be belaying you, which will make you feel safe. You first ascend Kleinglockner and descend a bit lower to the saddle between Kleinglockner and Grossglockner, called Glocknerscharte. It’s quite exposed and – as a matter of fact – can be crowded. But no worries, you can avoid it with an early start. After crossing Scharte, you’re pretty much on Grade II rock all the way to the summit. Take some pics from the “roof of the country” and try to take in the views. The descent is the same way you came up. Walk back down to the parking lot.

On your way down, your mind involuntarily begins to plan your next ascent – on a 4000er. May we suggest Mont Blanc right away? You’re definitely fit for it after a successful summiting of Grossglockner. Equipment and Info Geography The Grossglockner (3798m) is the highest mountain of Austria. Part of the larger Glockner Group of the Hohe Tauern range, it lies on the border between the Austrian states of Carinthia and Tyrol. The Pasterze, Austria’s most extended glacier, is on the Grossglockner’s eastern slope. The normal route leads to the summit from two sides of the mountain: From Kals (and Heiligenblut.) Both starting points meet at the Adlersruhe, where the Erzherzog Johann Hut is located. This is the highest mountain Hut of Austria at an elevation 3450m. The region around the mountain has formed part of the Grossglockner-Pasterze special protected area within the High Tauern National Park. The view from the Grossglockner summit is one of the farthest of all mountains in the Eastern Alps.

It ranges out to 220 km or, taking account of atmospheric refraction, almost 240 km. Its view over more than 150,000 km2 of the earth’s surface reaches as far as the Upper Swabian Plateau in the northwest, to Regensburg and the peaks of the Bohemian Forest in the north, to Mt. Ortler in the west, to the Padan Plain in the south, and to Mt. Triglav and the Totes Gebirge range in the east. Weather In the Alps above 3000 meters, it’s hard to predict the temperatures even a few days ahead. Even in early summer, it can be as cold as -10 Celsius in the morning when you start out from the hut, and as hot as +10-13 on the glacier, with the glacier, which feels a lot hotter with the intensive sunshine penetrating the thinner atmosphere and reflecting back from the snow. If the weather forecast predicts a big, Europe-wide cold front with storms (i.e. no chance of being able to climb), then we cancel the trip and postpone it to a later date, agreed on by everyone.

Even if good weather is predicted, we can still run into a snowstorm and fog. For the sake of your safety and enjoyment, the guide will turn the group around on the summit bid. That means no summit. This is a decision you have to accept. There is no democracy on guided trips; the guide is responsible for the group’s safety, so he makes the calls. Strength, Stamina This is an introductory alpine climb and everyone leading a sporty lifestyle (i.e. exercising 3 times a week for at least an hour, working up a sweat) can manage the climb. You do not need mountaineering experience for this peak, but we recommend to have have previous experience on via ferratas/easy rock climb. If you want to increase your chances, you can climb with us on Grossvenediger, as a preparation climb. After the Grossvenediger climb (the 4th highest peak of Austria, and also one of the most popular easy 3000-er) you will be well acclimatised, and you will use your ice axe and crampons confidently on the Grossglockner.

There is hardly a better peak to get a real sense of mountaineering on than Grossglockner. However, it is important that you arrive well rested. Spending the night at almost 3000 meters can be uncomfortable. You may get a slight headache or experience minor stomach problems. If you come well rested and drink enough, your chances of getting worn out by altitude are smaller. If you experience any of these signs, let your guide know. He won’t give you pills or anything, but rather send you to sleep – by morning, you’ll be fine! Gaining altitude on the summit climb, you’ll most likely find yourself losing breath often. This is normal, don’t worry. About 3-5% of our clients get headaches or experience discomfort, but it usually doesn’t keep ’em from summiting. The Hut You’ll spend the night before the ascent in Erzherzog-Johann-Hütte – the very highest hut in the country with its 3451m elevation. The food is great. (The price includes ONLY breakfast, but you can order warm dinner for your comfort. The dinner cost around 20€).

So is the beer and the wine, but it gets a bit expensive at this altitude. You’ll be staying in rooms that accommodate 6-10 climbers and sleep in bunk beds, which is your usual setting in huts in the Alps. you need to bring sandwiches/energy bars/candy bars for the climb bring a 1.5 liter bottle – you can fill it on the way and also in the hut you can buy warm food and drinks in the huts you need to bring sandwiches/energy bars/candy bars for the climb bring a 1.5 litre bottle. you can fill it on the way The hut in the season is very busy. So if you want to go for sure, make your reservation at least 2 months in advance, otherwise we cannot guarantee the accommodation for you in Erzherzog-Johann-Hütte. In this case we will suggest another date or an other hut to stay. Equipment Price includes equipment hire, so you need not worry about technical gear. Of course, you may bring your own gear if you prefer, but regrettably, we can’t discount the price of the trip, should you bring your own mountaineering gear.

What you do need to bring is good climbing boots broken in, so they won’t hurt your feet. Here is a list that may be helpful to get yourself organised before the trip: underclothing waterproof pants – make sure you treat them with water-repellent prior to your trip waterproof jacket/softshell – make sure you treat it with water-repellent prior to your trip climbing pants suncream (min. factor 30) and lip balm sticks sunglasses light and thin sleeping bag liner for huts climbing boots The Three Layers – A Climber’s Gear Guide Your Guides CBM's mountain guides have to meet serious professional and personal requirements before they can join our team. Their professional skills are measured according to an objective system of criteria. For climbing trips in the Alps, our guides must hold a valid IFMGA/UIAGM certification. Of course, we don't want you to be in uncool company, so we only work with guides we're happy to be around ourselves. Your CBM guide will know when to be empathic and when to give you a needed kick in the butt to make the most out of your trip. :) About Us ClimbBigMountains, proudly built and managed out of Budapest is an insured and licensed Travel Agency.

We're regulated internationally by the MKEH , which works under the supervision and along the lines of the European Union's Supervisory Body for Travel agents ( the ECTAA ) and regulates the hell out of the industry to make sure your booking is safe and insured. Read more about us and check our fascinating Terms and Conditions . The Alps - Highest Mountain Range in Europe The Alps The Alps are the youngest and highest mountain system in Europe. They stretch across the western and southern part of the continent in a broad arc. The mountain range starts near the Mediterranean Sea on the border between France and Italy. Then it curves north- and eastward through northern Italy, Switzerland Liechtenstein, southern Germany, Austria and Slovenia. The Alps are about 1,000 km long, the broadest section over 260 km wide. The highest peak, Mont Blanc, situated on the border between France, Italy and Switzerland, rises 4807 meters above sea level . Other famous peaks are the Monte Rosa, the Matterhorn, the Großglockner and the Zugspitze. The whole mountain range is divided into three sections: The western Alps lie west of the Great St. Bernard Pass and include the highest mountains.

The central Alps lie between the Great St. Bernard and Lake Constance. The eastern Alps stretch east of Lake Constance into Austria, northern Italy, southern Germany and Slovenia. They are the lowest section of the mountain range . How the Alps were formed Millions of years ago the area of today’s Alps was covered by a large sea that separated Europe and Africa. The southern land mass started moving northwards. This movement folded rock layers at the bottom of the sea. Heat and pressure transformed the rock and pushed the material upwards . Today these regions are the highest parts of the Alps. Most of the newly formed rock is granite and gneiss, but many ranges consist of limestone which also formed on the seabed. During the Ice Age, which started about a million years ago, the Alps were covered with a thick blanket of snow. Glaciers moved down valleys and made them wider and deeper. As they moved they took rock and other material with them, creating moraines. When glaciers started to melt water filled up behind these natural dams and created the alpine lakes we know today. The largest of these glaciers is the Aletsch in Switzerland which reaches a length of about 25 km.

The longest glacier of the eastern Alps is the 8 km long Pasterze, at the foot of the Großglockner. The ice and snow of the alpine regions helped create the large rivers of today : the Rhine, Rhone, Danube and the Po. The Aletsch Glacier in Switzerland - Jo Simon on Flickr Climate In general, the Alps have a highlands climate . Higher areas are colder than the valleys and they get more rainfall and snow because cold air cannot hold as much moisture as warm air. Sometimes warm dry foehn winds, blow downward along the mountain sides. The air originates in the Mediterranean area, climbs over the southern Alps where it loses almost all of its moisture and on the back side becomes so dry and warm that its melts the snow and ice . This often leads to a rise in temperature of up to 20 °C in the colder valleys . Plants and vegetation Many kinds of plants grow in the various areas of the Alps. The valleys have rich, green pastures with beech and oak trees growing in the lower regions. These trees are deciduous, which means they lose their leaves each year. The higher areas are dominated by evergreens mainly spruce, pine and fir trees.

Above the tree line, which is located between 1700 and 2000 meters above sea level you can find alpine meadows, mosses, shrubs and unique flowers like the Edelweiss. The highest parts of the Alps (regions above 2 800 metres) are covered with snow, ice and barren rock. Animals Animals living in alpine regions must become used to living in higher mountain locations. The ibex is a sturdy wild goat that lives above the tree line. alpine marmots are thick-bodied squirrels that hibernate in burrows. The chamois is a graceful animal that looks like an antelope. Alpine marmot - Dev Anubis Economy Farming is an important economic activity in valleys and on the sunny sides of the lower slopes. Small family farms are very common in alpine areas. The main crops are barley, oats and rye, as well as corn and wheat. Farmers also raise cattle, goats and sheep. Dairy farms produce milk and other products for a large part of the population. Wine is grown in sunny areas of the southern Alps up to a sea level of 600 meters.

Most of the energy comes from the hydroelectric power plants that operate either high up in the mountains or on rivers. These power stations produce enough energy so that surpluses can be exported to other European countries. In the 20th century tourism became one of the main sections of the economy. Skiing resorts have become popular throughout the region. Famous winter resorts include Grenoble and Chamonix (France), St. Moritz (Switzerland), Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Germany) and Kitzbühel and the Arlberg in Austria . Numerous Olympic Games have also taken place in the Alps. Skiing resorts in the Alps History and Transportation People have lived in the Alps for thousands of years. German cultures developed in the eastern Alps while Roman culture influenced the western part. By 500 B.C. Celtic tribes controlled much of the region. In the 1st century B.C. the Romans took over . They built roads through alpine valleys and across mountain passes to link Rome with its northern provinces. These roads allowed the Romans to expand their influence to other parts of central and western Europe. Throughout the Middle Ages these routes have been used by merchants , religious leaders and soldiers .

During the past two centuries railroads, tunnels and motorways have been built in order to connect the southern part of Europe with the north. There are more than 40 natural passes in the Alps. The Brenner Pass (1374 metres) is the most widely used pass of the eastern Alps. It connects western Austria and northern Italy with a major motorway and a railroad. Building tunnels under the mountains belongs to the most difficult types of construction work. The St. Gotthard Road Tunnel has a length of 17km and is one of the longest motorway tunnels in the world . It is part of the St. Gotthard road, the most frequently used transit route through the central Alps . The Great St. Bernard tunnel was the first major motorway tunnel to connect Italy and Switzerland. The Mont Blanc road tunnel links France and Italy, and the Arlberg tunnel is the longest in the eastern Alps, connecting the Tyrol with Vorarlberg. Climbing the Alps Few people attempted to conquer the Alps in the early centuries . Many alpine peaks were first climbed during the mid 1800s when mountaineering became a popular sport. Today, professional guides use modern equipment to help people reach the highest peaks.

Each year more than 2,000 alpinists ascend to the top of the Matterhorn which is considered to be one of the most difficult mountains to climb. In 1786 two Frenchmen became the first to reach the top of Mt. Blanc, Europe’s highest peak. Environmental problems In the past two centuries many changes have taken place in the alpine region. Increased industrialisation and tourism have led to air and water pollution, slope erosion and the destruction of forests. Increased trade between European Union countries has led to growing road traffic. The people of alpine valleys suffer from dust ,dirt and noise produced by traffic . It is one of the big aims of the European Union to get more traffic onto railroads in order to reduce pollution and make the Alps a better place to live and relax.

activity =something that you do aim = something that you really want to do alpinist = person who likes to climb mountains antelope = an animal with long horns that can run very fast arc = part of a curved line or circle ascend =to go up barley =a plant that you use to make food and alcohol barren = with nothing on it beech =large tree with a smooth grey cover blanket = cover, layer border = line between two countries broad = wide burrow = a place under the ground that animals make to live or sleep cattle = cows on a farm that produce milk or meat century = a hundred years conquer =here: climb up to the top of consider = think, believe consist of = to be made up of construction = building cover =to form a layer over something create = make dairy farm = farm that makes and sells milk from its cows deciduous = trees that lose their leaves in winter develop = grow dominate = here: stand out, overlook dust = dirt that is in the form of dry powder economic =about the economy economy =system of buying and selling things in a country either =one of two things equipment = tools, machines , clothes that you need to do a job expand = to make bigger fir =tree with leaves shaped like needles;

 they do not fall off in winter fold = to move one part over another frequent = often glacier = large mass of ice that moves slowly down a mountain graceful = to move in a very nice way granite and gneiss = hard rocks that are changed by heat and pressure guide = person who leads tourists hibernate = to sleep the whole winter hydroelectric = to use water power to make electricity in general =on the whole include =contain, have length =how long something is limestone = rock that has calcium in it link = connect marmot = small animal with fur and short front legs which lives under the ground meadow = field with wild grass and flowers Mediterranean = area between the southern part of Europe and the northern part of Africa melt = here: when snow and ice becomes water merchant = person who sells and buys things moisture = very, very small drops of water in the air moraine = pieces of rock and material that a glacier moves along moss = very small green plants that grow in a thick mass on trees or rock motorway = a very wide road for travelling fast over long distances mountain range = a group of mountains mountaineering = the sport of mountain climbing movement =when something moves numerous = many oak =a large tree that is common in northern countries oats =

grain from which flour is made ; it is used in cooking or as food for animals operate = work pasture = land or field covered with grass that cows or sheep can eat peak = the sharp pointed top of a mountain peak = the sharp pointed top of a mountain pine =a tall tree with long hard sharp leaves that do not fall off in winter pollution =when you make air, water or the ground dirty so it is dangerous for people popular = liked by a lot of people power station = a building where electricity is produced pressure =weight, force produce = make raise = to look after animals or grow plants so that they can be used as food range = here: group of mountains reach =get to resort = place where people go for their holidays rise = to go up or get higher rye = grain that is used for making dark bread sea level = the average height of the sea; it is used to measure how high mountains and other places are seabed = land at the bottom of the sea section = part situated = to be in a certain place slope = side of a hill or mountain soldier = member of an army who fights in a war spruce =a tree that grows in northern countries and has short leaves shaped like needles stretch = go from one place to another

 sturdy = strong suffer =here: to become worse because something bad is happening surplus = more than what is needed take over = take control of throughout = in all of throughout = in the whole of ...

transform = change transit = system of moving goods or people from one place to another various = different

Question: What is the highest mountain in Austria?
Answer: Grossglockner