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ALPS: favorites (FRANCE, ITALY, SLOVENIA, SWITZERLAND)

471 images Created 15 Nov 2011

Tom Dempsey's favorite photos of the Alps of Europe include Switzerland (Matterhorn, Berner Oberland, Eiger, Monch, Jungfrau, Lauterbrunnen Valley, Bernina Range, Engadine), France (Chamonix, Mont Blanc), Italy (Dolomites), Slovenia (Julian Alps, Lake Bled), architecture with sgraffito, churches, flowers, hikers, cows, horses, ducks, dramatic sunrise & sunset.

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  • At Refugio Baita Segantini, fog swirls around the Pala group (Pale di San Martino) and reflects in a pond. The sharp pyramid of Cimon della Pala (or Cimone, 3184 m/10,446 ft) is known as the Matterhorn of the Dolomites (il Cervino delle Dolomiti). To its left is Cima della Vezana (3192m), highest of the Pala Dolomites. Walk from Passo Rolle to Baita Segantini near the mountain resort of San Martino di Castrozza, in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region of Italy, Europe. 200 million years ago, Triassic coral reefs fossilized into Dolomite. Collision of tectonic plates lifted the Dolomites within the Southern Limestone Alps. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 6 overlapping photos.
    13ITA-11210-15pan_Pala-Dolomites.jpg
  • The Matterhorn (4478 meters or 14,980 feet, Monte Cervino in Italian, Mont Cervin in French) catches sunrise light, seen from Zermatt, Switzerland. Small electric taxis serve Zermatt, which bars combustion-engine cars to help preserve small village atmosphere and prevent air pollution. The famous mountaineering and ski resort of Zermatt lies at 1620 meters or 5310 feet elevation at the head of Mattertal (Matter Valley) in Valais canton, Switzerland, the Pennine Alps, Europe. The German word matten means "alpine meadows." Most visitors reach Zermatt by cog railway train from the nearby town of Täsch (Zermatt shuttle). Trains also depart for Zermatt from farther down the valley at Visp and Brig on the main Swiss rail network. Hike the High Route (Chamonix-Zermatt Haute Route) for exceptional mountain scenery. Published in Wilderness Travel 1992 Catalog of Adventures. Published in "Light Travel: Photography on the Go" book by Tom Dempsey 2009, 2010.
    81ALP-09-15_Matterhorn.jpg
  • From Männlichen Gipfel see the peaks of Eiger (Ogre 13,026 feet on left), Mönch (Monk), and Jungfrau (Virgin 13,600 feet on right) in the Berner Oberland, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. Grindelwald Valley drops left and Lauterbrunnen Valley right. The world's longest continuous rack and pinion railway (Wengernalpbahn) goes from Grindelwald up to Kleine Scheidegg and down to Wengen and Lauterbrunnen. From Kleine Scheidegg, another cog train (Jungfraubahn) ascends steeply inside the Eiger to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. A gondola (gondelbahn) connects Grindelwald with Männlichen, where a cable car goes down to Wengen (Luftseilbahn Wengen-Männlichen). From Männlichen station, walk uphill 15 minutes for a stunning summit view. Published on the cover of Ryder Walker Alpine Adventures 2005 Catalog. Published in September/October 2004 Sierra Magazine (Sierra Club Outings, double page opening spread). Published in Wilderness Travel 2000, 1993, 2014 Catalog of Adventures, and 2015 Private Journeys. Featured in a Swiss movie by Meret Nora Burger.
    81ALP-04-15_Eiger-Monch-Jungfrau_MAS...jpg
  • The peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau (Ogre, Monk, and Virgin) reflect in a pond at Kleine Scheidegg in the Berner Oberland, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. The world's longest continuous rack and pinion railway (Wengernalpbahn) goes from Grindelwald up to Kleine Scheidegg and down to Wengen and Lauterbrunnen. From Kleine Scheidegg, another cog train (Jungfraubahn) ascends steeply inside the Eiger to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. UNESCO lists “Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch” as a World Heritage Area (2001, 2007). Panorama stitched from six images. Published in September/October 2007 Sierra Magazine, Sierra Club Outings. Published in "Light Travel: Photography on the Go" book by Tom Dempsey 2009, 2010.
    05ALP_0056-61pan_Eiger-Monch-Jungfra...jpg
  • Spotlit by sunset, the Pala Dolomites (Pale di San Martino) soar majestically above Passo Rolle, near the mountain resort of San Martino di Castrozza in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region of Italy, Europe. The sharp peak of Cimon della Pala (right, 3129m) is eclipsed in height by Cima della Vezana (at its left, 3192m, highest of the Pala Dolomites). 200 million years ago, Triassic coral reefs fossilized into Dolomite. Collision of tectonic plates lifted the Dolomites within the Southern Limestone Alps. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 2 overlapping photos.
    13ITA-20050-51pan_Pala-Dolomites.jpg
  • Sharp spires of the Geisler/Odle Group soar above a hiker on green Alpe di Seceda, above St. Christina and Ortisei, in South Tyrol, the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-20979_Alpe-di-Seceda_Dolomites.jpg
  • Fruit head of Pulsatilla alpina, alpine pasqueflower, or alpine anemone. From Gasthaus Passo di Giau (2236 meters), explore scenic trails of the Dolomites (Dolomiti, a part of the Southern Limestone Alps), northern Italy, Europe. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-8115.jpg
  • A duck swims across an intricate pattern of leaves reflected in the emerald and blue waters of Lake Bled (Blejsko jezero), in the Julian Alps, Slovenia, Europe. Lake Bled hosted the World Rowing Championships in 1966, 1979, 1989, and 2011. The lake is 35 kilometers from Ljubljana International Airport.
    13SLO-1371_Lake-Bled-Slovenia.jpg
  • Crepuscular rays of sunlight break through clouds near Marmolada (Ladin: Marmoleda, German: Marmolata, 3343 meters / 10,968 feet elevation), the highest mountain in the Dolomites, or Dolomiti, a part of the Southern Limestone Alps, in northern Italy, Europe. The view looks westwards from a trail west of Gasthaus Passo di Giau. The Dolomites are honored as a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-2194.jpg
  • Sgraffito (or scraffito, plural: sgraffiti) is a technique of wall decor where layers of plaster tinted in contrasting colors are applied to a moistened surface. 17th century Guarda is one of the best preserved and characteristic villages of the Lower Engadine. Visit Guarda in Graubünden canton, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. The Swiss valley of Engadine translates as the “garden of the En (or Inn) River” (Engadin in German, Engiadina in Romansh, Engadina in Italian).
    05ALP_4307-Guarda-architecture.jpg
  • A hawkweed flower (Hieracium genus of sunflower) blooms in Alpe di Seceda, in the Geisler/Odle Group, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Puez-Geisler Group from verdant pastures to alpine wonders to U-shaped Vallunga valley, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA2-6228.jpg
  • In the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, Italy, a reconstruction shows the famous Iceman at age 45. Ötzi dates from 3300 BC and is Europe's oldest natural human mummy. The Iceman was found in 1991 fully clothed, melted out from a glacier in the Ötzal Alps, Europe. The 5000-year-old Iceman was apparently murdered at age 45 by an arrowhead lodged in his left shoulder. His copper axe pushed back the Bronze Age by 1000 years. The Iceman's tools were a delight for archeologists: a copper axe with a yew handle, a flint-bladed knife with an ash handle, a quiver of 14 arrows (with viburnum and dogwood shafts, two with fletching fins and tipped with flint), an antler tool for sharpening arrow points, an unfinished yew longbow 1.82 meters (72 in) long, a bow string, berries, two birch bark baskets, two species of polypore mushrooms strung on leather (for medicinal and tinder use), and a complex firestarting kit (with pieces of a dozen different plants plus flint and pyrite to make sparks). His valuable 9.5-centimeter axe head is almost pure copper, made by casting, cold forging, polishing, and sharpening. His copper axe's handle (haft) is 60 centimetres (24 in) long and made from carefully worked yew. Anthropologists were surprised at the sophistication of Ötzi's clothes, including: a woven grass cloak, a coat, a belt with tool pouch (scraper, drill, flint flake, bone awl and a dried fungus), a pair of leggings, a loincloth and shoes, all made of leather of different skins sewn together with sinew, plus a bearskin cap with a leather chin strap. His shoes were waterproof and wide for snow, made with bearskin soles, deer hide on top panels, plus netting made of tree bark. Soft grass cushioned the foot like modern socks. View the actual frozen mummy and possessions of Ötzi in Bolzano, the Dolomites, in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy, Europe.
    13ITA2-7087.jpg
  • Pletna boats carry tourists across Lake Bled under the medieval Bled Castle (Slovene: Blejski grad, German: Burg Veldes), which was built a little before 1011 AD on a cliff above the city of Bled, in what is now Slovenia, Europe. The distinctive two-paddle Pletna boats originated in 1590 and can carry 20 people. A colourful awning protects passengers from sun and weather. The respected title of "Pletnarstvo," Pletna oarsman, has been handed down within specific families from generation to generation. This panorama was stitched from 4 overlapping photos.
    13SLO-1392-95pan_Lake-Bled-Slovenia.jpg
  • Morteratsch Glacier (Romansh: Vadret da Morteratsch) flows from Bernina massif in Upper Engadine, Graubünden (Grisons) canton, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. A favorite walk is from Morteratsch (second train stop from Pontresina towards Bernina Pass) to Refuge Boval, which has a restaurant and overnight lodging. The trail is well graded, 5 or 6 miles round trip with 2700 feet gain. Return via lower trail for partial loop. The Swiss valley of Engadine translates as the “garden of the En (or Inn) River” (Engadin in German, Engiadina in Romansh, Engadina in Italian). Photo by Carol Dempsey.
    05ALPC_555.jpg
  • Staubbach Falls (Staubbachfall) is the highest waterfall in Switzerland, plunging 1000 feet (300 meters) into Lauterbrunnen Valley in the Berner Oberland, the Alps, Europe. The Bernese Highlands are the upper part of Bern Canton. UNESCO lists “Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch” as a World Heritage Area (2001, 2007). Panorama stitched from three images. Published in "Light Travel: Photography on the Go" book by Tom Dempsey 2009, 2010.
    05ALP_0153-155pan-Lauterbrunnental.jpg
  • The peaks of Cadini Group, Sorapiss Group, and Monte Cristallo rise (left to right) in the Dolomites, Veneto region, Italy, Europe. In the Cadini di Misurina, Cima Grande rises to 2999 meters (9839 feet), between Cima Piccola and Cima Ovest. Sorapiss and Monte Cristallo are in the Ampezzo Dolomites. The Cadini Group is in the Sesto Dolomites (Dolomiti di Sesto, or Sexten/Sextner/Sextener Dolomiten) which lie north of the Fiume Ansiei valley and Auronzo. From the Rifugio Auronzo toll road, hike for spectacular views around Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Italian for "Three Peaks of Lavaredo," called Drei Zinnen or "Three Merlons" in German). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. Panorama stitched from 4 overlapping photos.
    11ITA-8079-82pan_Sexten-Dolomites.jpg
  • Orange sunset light spotlights Croda da Lago mountain, seen from Passo di Giau,  in the Dolomites (Dolomiti, a part of the Southern Limestone Alps), northern Italy, Europe. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-2238.jpg
  • Views of the Geisler/Odle Group and a church in St. Magdalena (Santa Maddalena) village are iconic of the Dolomites mountains. See the valley and municipality of Funes (Villnöss) in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol), Italy. Enjoy great hiking here in the vast Nature Park of Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-30023_Geisler-Odle-Dolomites.jpg
  • An old covered bridge crosses the En River near the main church in Scuol (or Schuls), Lower Engadine, Grison Alps, Switzerland, Europe. Scuol is the terminal station of the "Rätische Bahn" (RhB). The Swiss valley of Engadine translates as the “garden of the En (or Inn) River” (Engadin in German, Engiadina in Romansh, Engadina in Italian). Published in "Light Travel: Photography on the Go" by Tom Dempsey 2009, 2010.
    05ALP_4258-Inn-River_Scoul.jpg
  • A lift from Passo Pordoi up to Sass Pordoi in the Sella Group gives a sweeping view of Dolomites peaks including their highest, glacier-clad Marmolada (3343 meters / 10,968 feet), Italy. From Pordoi Pass on state highway 48 (Grand Strader delle Dolomiti), take the rapid cable car ascent or hike up to the restaurant on Sass Pordoi at 2952m. Pordoi Pass (or Pordoijoch, 2239 meters/7346 feet) is the highest surfaced road traversing a pass in the Dolomites. On the Padon chain in the foreground (a ridge of volcanic origin carpeted with lush green pasture and wildflowers), we highly recommend hiking the Bindelweg/Viel del Pan trail starting from Pordoi Pass. The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. For licensing options, please inquire.
    13ITA-20611_Marmolada_Dolomites.jpg
  • Rays of setting sun backlight the Parish Church of St. Nicholas (Nikolauskirche; dedicated to San Nicolò; consecrated in 1507), in Winnebach (Prato Drava) village, Sesto Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. For cheaper lodging in Val Pusteria (Pustertal), try Winnebach (Prato alla Drava) village near the Austrian border, beneath the Sexten/Sesto Dolomites (Italian: Dolomiti di Sesto; German: Sextener Dolomiten), in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol), Italy. Winnebach (Prato Drava) is in the comune (municipality) of Innichen/San Candido. The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, in Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-30313_Winnebach_Prato-Drava_Pu...jpg
  • Mountain bikers push their bicycles up the Panoramaweg/Panorama Trail. Views of the Geisler/Odle Group and a church in St. Magdalena (Santa Maddalena) village are iconic of the Dolomites mountains. See the valley and municipality of Funes (Villnöss) in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol), Italy. Enjoy great hiking here in the vast Nature Park of Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-30148_Geisler-Odle-Dolomites.jpg
  • Wolkenstein Castle was built in the 1200s, was named for a 1400s troubadour, collapsed in 1525 AD, was rebuilt but then fell into disrepair. Vallunga/Langental valley makes a perfect walking destination in Puez-Geisler Nature Park, in Val Gardena, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Dolomites, in the South Tyrol region (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol). For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 8 overlapping photos.
    13ITA-50493-501pan_Vallunga_Dolomite...jpg
  • From Rifugio Guido Lorenzi on Monte Cristallo in the Ampezzo Dolomites, look northeast across blue ridges of the Sesto Dolomites (Dolomiti di Sesto, or Sexten/Sextner/Sextener Dolomiten) towards the pyramids of Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Italian for "Three Peaks of Lavaredo," called Drei Zinnen or "Three Merlons" in German). A lift to Forcella Staunies on Monte Cristallo gives unforgettable views over the Dolomites mountains (part of the Southern Limestone Alps) near Cortina d'Ampezzo, in the Province of Belluno, Veneto region, Italy, Europe. Monte Cristallo lies within Parco Naturale delle Dolomiti d'Ampezzo. Directions: From Cortina, drive 6km east on SR48 to the large parking lot for Ski Area Faloria Cristallo Mietres (just west of Passo Tre Croci Federavecchia). Take a chair-lift from Rio Gere to Son Forca (rising from 1698m to 2215m). Then take the old style ovovia (egg-shaped) Gondellift Forcella Staunies to Rifugio Guido Lorenzi (2932m) for astounding views. Climbers enjoy spectacular via ferrata routes here. Cortina gained worldwide fame after hosting the 1956 Winter Olympics. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 2 overlapping photos.
    13ITA-40174-75pan_atop-Monte-Cristal...jpg
  • On a sunny day, hike from the end of the road in Vrata Valley to see Mount Triglav, in Slovenia, Europe. Mount Triglav (9396 feet) is the highest peak in the Julian Alps, which were named Julius Caesar, who founded some nearby cities. The scenic Vrata valley extends from Mojstrana village through a mixed forest of beech, spruce and fir, along crystal clear Triglavska Bistrica creek, to the north face of Triglav, in Triglavski narodni park, Slovenia’s only national park. In 1991, Slovenia declared full sovereignty from Yugoslavia. 80% of its 2 million people speak Slovene. In 2004, Slovenia joined NATO and the EU (European Union), and later adopted the Euro € currency. Slovenia is the richest Slavic nation per capita. This panorama was stitched from 10 overlapping photos.
    13SLO-1111-20pan_Mt-Triglav-Slovenia.jpg
  • Pericnik Waterfall plunges 52 meters (170 feet, not counting an upper cascade), in Vrata Valley, near Mojstrana, Slovenia, Europe. A fun trail passes behind the falls through a cave. The scenic Vrata valley extends from Mojstrana village to the north face of Triglav, in Triglavski narodni park, Slovenia’s only national park. In 1991, Slovenia declared full sovereignty from Yugoslavia. 80% of its 2 million people speak Slovene. In 2004, Slovenia joined NATO and the EU (European Union), and later adopted the Euro € currency. Slovenia is the richest Slavic nation per capita. The panorama was stitched from 6 overlapping photos.
    13SLO-1082-87pan.jpg
  • Vintgar Gorge (Blejski Vintgar / Soteska Vintgar) is a beautiful canyon of pools and rapids 1.6-km long (1 mile) in Slovenia near the settlement of Zgornje Gorje, four km northwest of Bled, in the Upper Carniola region of Slovenia, Europe. Discovered in 1891, the intriguing gorge has been open for viewing from wooden observation walkways and bridges since 1893. Due to the ancient Bohinj Glacier damming the Radovna River into a lake, the river was diverted from eastward flow to its present northeast course, carving sheer canyon walls 50 to 100 meters (160 to 330 ft) deep through a soft layer of triassic limestone between the peaks of Borst and Hom, and emptying into the Upper Sava River Valley.
    13SLO-1449_Vintgar-Gorge-Slovenia.jpg
  • From Männlichen Gipfel, a wide vista sweeps from left to right: Grindelwald Valley, Wetterhorn, Eiger (middle pyramid, the Ogre 13,026 feet elevation), and Lauterbrunnen Valley in the Berner Oberland, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. A gondola (gondelbahn) connects Grindelwald with Männlichen, where a cable car goes down to Wengen (Luftseilbahn Wengen-Männlichen). From Männlichen station, walk uphill 15 minutes for a stunning view. The world's longest continuous rack and pinion railway (Wengernalpbahn) goes from Grindelwald up to Kleine Scheidegg and down to Wengen and Lauterbrunnen. From Kleine Scheidegg, another cog train (Jungfraubahn) ascends steeply inside the Eiger to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. Two vertical miles (3000 meters) of mountain rise from valley bottom to Eiger top. UNESCO lists “Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch” as a World Heritage Area (2001, 2007). Panorama stitched from 5 images. Published 2.4 meters wide on a private kitchen backsplash in Switzerland 2009. Published in "Light Travel: Photography on the Go" book by Tom Dempsey 2009, 2010.
    05ALP_0191-195pan_Grindelwald-Lauter...jpg
  • The town of Bled and glacially formed Lake Bled (Slovene: Blejsko jezero) are popular tourist sites in the Julian Alps in northwestern Slovenia. A medieval castle stands above the lake on the north shore, the former seat of the Austrian Bishops of Brixen. The lake surrounds Bled Island (Blejski otok, the only natural island in Slovenia), upon which stands the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary (Slovenian: Cerkev Marijinega vnebovzetja), built in the 15th century and now popular for romantic weddings. Lake Bled hosted the World Rowing Championships in 1966, 1979, 1989, and 2011. The lake is 35 kilometers from Ljubljana International Airport.
    11SLO-9210.jpg
  • Crepuscular rays shine on Gasthaus Passo di Giau (2236 meters), where you can explore scenic trails of the Dolomites (Dolomiti, a part of the Southern Limestone Alps), northern Italy, Europe. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO. Panorama stitched from 12 overlapping photos. Published in Wilderness Travel 2015 Catalog of Adventures.
    11ITA-2206-17pan_Passo-di-Giau_Dolom...jpg
  • Dent Blanche (upper right 4356 meters or 14,291 feet, "White Tooth") rises above Lake Moiry and fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium) in Val de Moiry, Valais (Wallis) canton, Switzerland, Pennine Alps, on the High Route (Chamonix-Zermatt Haute Route), Europe. Published in Ryder-Walker Alpine Adventures "Inn to Inn Alpine Hiking Adventures" Catalog 2006 (cover image), 2008, 2011.
    05ALP_4059_Lac-de-Moiry_fireweed_Den...jpg
  • A field of yellow buttercup flowers (Ranunculus genus) blooms at Pordoi Pass in Italy, Europe. In the distance rise the Langkofel/Sassolungo Group (left) and Sella Group (right). We highly recommend hiking the Bindelweg/Viel del Pan trail for a majestic perspective on the Queen of the Dolomites, glacier-clad Marmolada (3343 meters / 10,968 feet). Take state highway 48 (Grand Strader delle Dolomiti) to Pordoi Pass and hike up the Padon chain, a ridge of volcanic origin carpeted with lush green pasture and wildflowers. Hike an easy 5 miles with 1000 feet gain round trip to Rifugio Viel del Pan; or walk one way 4 miles to the lift at Porta Vescovo down to Arabba village, where an SAD bus can return you to Pordoi Pass during lift hours; or walk 3 hours to Lago di Fedaia and bus back. Pordoi Pass (or Pordoijoch, 2239 meters/7346 feet) is the highest surfaced road traversing a pass in the Dolomites. The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. The panorama was stitched from two overlapping photos, focused near and far.
    13ITA-20845-46pan_Ranunculus-flower_...jpg
  • A yellow Potentilla flower blooms in wild alpine gardens of Graubünden canton, Grison Alps, Switzerland, Europe. Cinquefoil or Potentilla is a genus containing over 300 species of flowering plants in the rose family, Rosaceae.
    05ALP_6077-yellow-Potentilla-flower-...jpg
  • A bee gathers nectar and pollinates a purple knapweed flower (Centaurea genus), at Passo Cibiana, Dolomites, part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Italy, Europe. Centaurea is a genus of hundreds of species of herbaceous thistle-like flowering plants (commonly called knapweed, starthistle, centaury, or centory) in the family Asteraceae. Centaurea are found only north of the equator. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-50305_bee_Centaurea.jpg
  • A wild alpine Lilium bulbiferum flower (commonly called Orange Lily, Fire Lily, or Tiger Lily) blooms on Monte Civetta, in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. From Alleghe village, take a scenic lift to hikes on impressive Monte Civetta (3220 meters or 10,564 feet elevation). The Dolomites or Dolomiti are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, in Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-20105_Orange-Lily.jpg
  • A Six-spot Burnet moth (Zygaena filipendulae, a black insect with 6 red wing spots, in the Zygaenidae family) sips nectar from a Knapweed (Centaurea genus) flower in the Dolomites, Italy, the Alps, Europe. Geisler/Odle Group, near St. Magdalena (Santa Maddalena). See the valley and municipality of Funes (Villnöss) in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol), Italy. Enjoy great hiking here in the vast Nature Park of Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-30033_Six-spot-Burnet-moth_kna...jpg
  • Marmots are large ground squirrels in the genus Marmota. This animal lives atop Alpe di Seceda, in the Geisler/Odle Group, above Ortisei, in South Tyrol, the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles), including the deeply glaciated U-shaped valley of Vallunga (Langental). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-20934_marmot_Dolomites.jpg
  • Pers Glacier flows from Piz Palü (3901 meters or 12,799  feet) into the Morteratsch Glacier (Romansh: Vadret da Morteratsch) in the Bernina massif, in Upper Engadine, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. A favorite walk is from Morteratsch (second train stop from Pontresina towards Bernina Pass) to Refuge Boval (see its Swiss flag), which has a restaurant and overnight lodging. The trail is well graded, 5 or 6 miles round trip with 2700 feet gain. Return via lower trail for partial loop. The Swiss valley of Engadine translates as the “garden of the En (or Inn) River” (Engadin in German, Engiadina in Romansh, Engadina in Italian).
    05ALP_5254-Morteratsch-Glacier.jpg
  • Marmolada reflects in Lago di Fedaia, a two-part reservoir just west of Passo di Fedaia (2057 meters or 6749 feet) along Strada Statale 641, at the head of Val di Fassa, in the Veneto region of Italy, Europe. Marmolada (Queen of the Dolomites) is capped by the biggest (and only skiable) glacier in the Dolomiti: Ghiacciaio della Marmolada. Known as Marmoleda in Ladin, the highest peak in the Dolomites rises to 3343 meters (10,968 feet) elevation at Punta Penia. The World War I museum at Serauta lift station describes the amazing City of Ice (Die Eisstadt or Citta di Ghiaccio, 1917), where Austrian soldiers inside the Marmolada Glacier built quarters in tunnels extending 12 kilometers with a vertical drop of over 1000 meters! Nine thousand Austrian and Italian soldiers died on the front line in a stalemate on and around Marmolada over 2 years. After Austria lost World War I, its South Tirol became Italy's Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region (bordering the Veneto). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, in Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 8 overlapping photos.
    13ITA-20378-85pan_Lake-Fedaia_Marmol...jpg
  • Brass crow sculpture, Pontresina, Switzerland. The Morteratsch Glacier flows from Bernina massif (4049 meters or 13,284 feet) in Upper Engadine, Switzerland, in the Grison Alps, Europe. The Swiss valley of Engadine translates as the “garden of the En (or Inn) River” (Engadin in German, Engiadina in Romansh, Engadina in Italian).
    05ALP_5173-Bird-sculpture-Chamanna-P...jpg
  • Sharp spires of the Geisler/Odle Group soar above green Alpe di Seceda, above St. Christina and Ortisei, in South Tyrol, the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (South Tyrol) region of Italy. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-20944_Alpe-di-Seceda_Dolomites.jpg
  • Hiking trails above Pontresina give good views of Piz Palü (3901 meters or 12,799  feet) and the Bernina massif, in Upper Engadine, Grison Alps, Switzerland, Europe. The Swiss valley of Engadine translates as the “garden of the En (or Inn) River” (Engadin in German, Engiadina in Romansh, Engadina in Italian). Panorama stitched from 2 overlapping images.
    05ALP_5167-68pan_Bernina-Massif.jpg
  • Trekkers pose in a pasture on Muottas Muragl mountain with a view of St. Moritz, St. Moritzer See (Lake), and Upper Engadine Valley, in Graubünden canton, Grison Alps, Switzerland, Europe. Reach Muottas Muragl by funicular railway from a train station between Samedan-St. Moritz and Pontresina on the Bernina Express line. The Swiss valley of Engadine translates as the “garden of the En (or Inn) River” (Engadin in German, Engiadina in Romansh, Engadina in Italian). Panorama stitched from 4 overlapping images. For licensing options, please inquire.
    05ALP_5139-42pan_St-Moritz_Muottas-M...jpg
  • Young people hike towards Torrione di Vallesinella in the Brenta Dolomites. From the ski resort of Madonna di Campiglio in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region of Italy, the Passo Groste lift takes you directly into the Brenta Dolomites to enjoy scenic mountain hiking trails. 200 million years ago, Triassic coral reefs fossilized into Dolomite. Collision of tectonic plates lifted the Dolomites within the Southern Limestone Alps. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 4 overlapping photos.
    13ITA-10647-50pan_Brenta-Dolomites.jpg
  • Surprisingly young children climb and rappel (abseil) while harnessed and roped on a practice wall in downtown Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Europe. Afternoon sun rays burst through clouds over the Ampezzo Dolomites. The mountain town of Cortina d'Ampezzo (Ladin: Anpëz, German: Hayden, at 1224 meters/4016 feet elevation) is surrounded by the Dolomites (Dolomiti, a part of the Southern Limestone Alps) at the top of Valle del Boite in the Province of Belluno, Veneto region, Italy. This ski resort hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 3 overlapping photos.
    13ITA2-7006-08pan.jpg
  • San Luzi protestant parish church was built in Gothic style in Zuoz, one of the best preserved villages in Upper Engadine. Visit Graubünden canton in Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. Sgraffito (or scraffito, plural: sgraffiti) is a technique of wall decor where layers of plaster tinted in contrasting colors are applied to a moistened surface. The Swiss valley of Engadine translates as the “garden of the En (or Inn) River” (Engadin in German, Engiadina in Romansh, Engadina in Italian). The church steeple pierces a blue sky.
    05ALP_5115-Zuoz-architecture.jpg
  • Bright yellow algae grows in a tarn (mountain pond) which reflects peaks of Dents des Veisivi (left) and Aiguilles de la Tsa (right) above Arolla Valley, part of Val d'Hérens, in Valais (Wallis) Canton, Switzerland, Europe. Hike the High Route (Chamonix-Zermatt Haute Route) for classic mountain scenery. Panorama stitched from 3 images. Published in "Light Travel: Photography on the Go" book by Tom Dempsey 2009, 2010. Published in Ryder-Walker Alpine Adventures "Inn to Inn Alpine Hiking Adventures" Catalog 2006-2009, 2011-12.
    05ALP_3200-3202pan-Dents-des-Veisivi...jpg
  • Tree leaves turn bright orange and yellow in Upper Engadine, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. The Swiss valley of Engadine translates as the “garden of the En (or Inn) River” (Engadin in German, Engiadina in Romansh, Engadina in Italian).
    05ALP_5070-fall-color.jpg
  • The medieval Bled Castle (Slovene: Blejski grad, German: Burg Veldes) was built a little before 1011 AD on a cliff above Lake Bled, above the city of Bled, in what is now Slovenia, Europe. Bled Castle’s chapel was built in the 1500s and renovated around 1700 with illusionist frescoes. This panorama was stitched from 3 overlapping photos.
    13SLO-1310-12pan_Bled-Castle-Sloveni...jpg
  • Above Rifugio Tuckett e Sella (2272m) rise the peaks of (left to right) Campanile di Vallesinella (2946m), Castelletto Superiore (2700m), Cima Sella (2917m) in the Brenta Dolomites, Italy, Europe. From the ski resort of Madonna di Campiglio in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region of Italy, the Passo Groste lift takes you directly into the Brenta Dolomites to enjoy scenic mountain hiking trails. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-10760_Brenta-Dolomites.jpg
  • Sgraffito (or scraffito, plural: sgraffiti) is a technique of wall decor where layers of plaster tinted in contrasting colors are applied to a moistened surface. 17th century Guarda is one of the best preserved and characteristic villages of the Lower Engadine. Visit Guarda in Graubünden canton, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. The Swiss valley of Engadine translates as the “garden of the En (or Inn) River” (Engadin in German, Engiadina in Romansh, Engadina in Italian).
    05ALP_5018-Guarda-architecture.jpg
  • Sgraffito (or scraffito, plural: sgraffiti) is a technique of wall decor where layers of plaster tinted in contrasting colors are applied to a moistened surface. Old wooden shutters frame a traditional window in the 17th century town of Guarda, in Graubünden canton, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. Guarda is one of the best preserved and characteristic villages of the Lower Engadine. The Swiss valley of Engadine translates as the “garden of the En (or Inn) River” (Engadin in German, Engiadina in Romansh, Engadina in Italian). Published in Ryder-Walker Alpine Adventures "Inn to Inn Alpine Hiking Adventures" Catalog 2006-2009, 2011.
    05ALP_4306-Guarda-architecture.jpg
  • A traveler fills a water bottle at a fountain decorated with statue and flowers, in Scuol, Engadine, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. Scuol (or Schuls) is the terminal station of the "Rätische Bahn" (RhB), at 1244 meters or 4081 feet elevation in Graubünden canton. The Swiss valley of Engadine translates as the “garden of the En (or Inn) River” (Engadin in German, Engiadina in Romansh, Engadina in Italian). Published in Ryder-Walker Alpine Adventures "Inn to Inn Alpine Hiking Adventures" Catalog 2006, and in Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures 2014.
    05ALP_4237-Scuol-fountain.jpg
  • Monte Civetta (3220 meters or 10,564 feet elevation) rises high above hiker trails accessible via lift from Alleghe resort village, in the Dolomites, Belluno province, Veneto region, Italy. The Dolomites or Dolomiti are part of the Southern Limestone Alps in Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 6 overlapping photos.
    13ITA-20177-82pan_Monte-Civetta.jpg
  • A rock cairn balances above Arolla village (municipality of Evolène), in Val d'Hérens, Valais (Wallis or Valley) canton, Switzerland, on the High Route (Chamonix-Zermatt Haute Route), Europe. Snow dusts peaks of Les Dents des Veisivi (left) and Les Aiguilles de la Tsa (right) in the Pennine Alps. Published in "Light Travel: Photography on the Go" by Tom Dempsey 2009, 2010.
    05ALP_3173-fanciful-cairns.jpg
  • Trekkers are silhouetted against clouds billowing from Mont Blanc massif (15,782 feet or 4810 metres; or Monte Bianco in Italian; the highest peak in Western Europe) at Lacs des Cheserys, on the High Route (Chamonix-Zermatt Haute Route) above Chamonix, France, Europe. Panorama stitched from 2 overlapping images.
    05ALP_3000-01pan-Lacs-des-Cheserys_M...jpg
  • Beneath Dent du Geant in the Mont Blanc massif, helmeted climbers descend from spectacular Aiguille du Midi (12,600 feet), a station on the téléphérique (cable car, aerial tramway) from Chamonix, France, the Alps, Europe.
    05ALP_2133_Dent-du-Geant-climbers.jpg
  • Dôme du Goûter (center 14,121 feet or 4304 meters) is a shoulder of massive Mont Blanc (in clouds on left at 15,782 feet elevation). Massive glaciers fill the view from Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix, France, Europe..  Panorama stitched from 3 overlapping images. One of 17 photos published in Ryder-Walker Alpine Adventures "Inn to Inn Alpine Hiking Adventures" Catalog 2006.
    05ALP_2128-30pan-Mont-Blanc.jpg
  • Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium) grows by the Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice), a classic glacier easily accessible via cog railway or day hike from Chamonix, France, Europe. At 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) long, it is the longest glacier in France. The glacier was once easily visible from Chamonix, but has been shrinking and is now barely visible from below. In the 1700s and 1800s, the glacier descended down to the hamlet of Les Bois, where it was formerly known as Glacier des Bois. Above rise the sharp Needles of Chamonix (Les Aiguilles du Chamonix).
    05ALP_2001-Mer-de-Glace-fireweed-Cha...jpg
  • Three women hike Wasenegg Ridge. Left to right are Eiger (the Ogre, 13,026 feet), Mönch (the Monk), and Jungfrau (the Virgin, 13,600 feet) in the Berner Oberland, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. The Bernese Highlands are the upper part of Bern Canton. UNESCO lists “Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch” as a World Heritage Area (2001, 2007). Published in Wilderness Travel 2017 Catalog of Adventures.
    05ALP_0243-Wasenegg-hikers-Eiger-Mon...jpg
  • Cows graze an alpine pasture in Sefinental across from Jungfrau mountain (13,600 feet) and the Lauterbrunnen Wall in Berner Oberland, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. UNESCO lists “Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch” as a World Heritage Area (2001, 2007). Panorama stitched from 4 images. Published in Ryder-Walker Alpine Adventures "Inn to Inn Alpine Hiking Adventures" Catalog 2007-2009, 2011, 2012, 2013.
    05ALP_0235-238pan_Jungfrau_cows.jpg
  • The village of Gimmelwald nestles in Lauterbrunnen Valley under peaks of the Lauterbrunnen Wall, in the Berner Oberland, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. In the left half rise mountain peaks of Jungfrau, Mönch, Eiger, and Wetterhorn. UNESCO lists “Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch” as a World Heritage Area (2001, 2007). This panorama of the Lauterbrunnen Wall was stitched from 4 images. Published on cover of the Ryder-Walker Alpine Adventures "Inn to Inn Alpine Hiking Adventures" Catalog 2007.
    05ALP_0226-229pan-Lauterbrunnen-Wall.jpg
  • From Männlichen Gipfel, a wide vista sweeps from left to right: Grindelwald Valley, Wetterhorn, Eiger (middle pyramid, the Ogre 13,026 feet elevation), and Lauterbrunnen Valley in the Berner Oberland, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. A gondola (gondelbahn) connects Grindelwald with Männlichen, where a cable car goes down to Wengen (Luftseilbahn Wengen-Mannlichen). From Mannlichen station, walk uphill 15 minutes for a stunning view. The world's longest continuous rack and pinion railway (Wengernalpbahn) goes from Grindelwald up to Kleine Scheidegg and down to Wengen and Lauterbrunnen. From Kleine Scheidegg, another cog train (Jungfraubahn) ascends steeply inside the Eiger to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. Two vertical miles (3000 meters) of mountain rise from valley bottom to Eiger top. UNESCO lists “Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch” as a World Heritage Area (2001, 2007). Panorama stitched from 7 images. Published 2.4 meters wide on a private kitchen backsplash in Switzerland 2009. Published in "Light Travel: Photography on the Go" book by Tom Dempsey 2009, 2010.
    05ALP_0189-195pan_Grindelwald-Lauter...jpg
  • The Wetterhorn or "Weather Peak" (12,143 feet) rises above a cow pasture at Kleine Scheidegg in the Berner Oberland, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. A hiker pets a large cow. The Bernese Highlands are the upper part of Bern Canton. In 2001, UNESCO honored Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn as a World Heritage Area. UNESCO lists “Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch” as a World Heritage Area (2001, 2007). Published in Wilderness Travel 2013 Catalog.
    05ALP_0028-Cow-Wetterhorn.jpg
  • The Lauterbrunnen Breithorn rises to 3780 meters or 12,402 feet elevation above Lauterbrunnen Valley, as seen from Wengernalpbahn cog train near Wengen, Switzerland, in the Alps, Europe. Staubbach Falls (Staubbachfall), the highest waterfall in Switzerland, plunges 1000 feet (300 meters) into Lauterbrunnen Valley in the Berner Oberland. The world's longest continuous rack and pinion railway (Wengernalpbahn) goes from Grindelwald up to Kleine Scheidegg and down to Wengen and Lauterbrunnen. The Bernese Highlands are the upper part of Bern Canton. UNESCO lists “Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch” as a World Heritage Area (2001, 2007).
    05ALP_0013-Lauterbrunnen-Valley.jpg
  • From Rifugio Guido Lorenzi on Monte Cristallo in the Ampezzo Dolomites, look northeast across blue ridges of the Sesto Dolomites (Dolomiti di Sesto, or Sexten/Sextner/Sextener Dolomiten) to the pyramids of Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Italian for "Three Peaks of Lavaredo," called Drei Zinnen or "Three Merlons" in German). A lift to Forcella Staunies on Monte Cristallo gives unforgettable views over the Dolomites mountains (part of the Southern Limestone Alps) near Cortina d'Ampezzo, in the Province of Belluno, Veneto region, Italy, Europe. Monte Cristallo lies within Parco Naturale delle Dolomiti d'Ampezzo. Directions: From Cortina, drive 6km east on SR48 to the large parking lot for Ski Area Faloria Cristallo Mietres (just west of Passo Tre Croci Federavecchia). Take a chair-lift from Rio Gere to Son Forca (rising from 1698m to 2215m). Then take the old style ovovia (egg-shaped) Gondellift Forcella Staunies to Rifugio Guido Lorenzi (2932m) for astounding views. Climbers enjoy spectacular via ferrata routes here. Cortina gained worldwide fame after hosting the 1956 Winter Olympics. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 8 overlapping photos.
    13ITA-40194-201pan_atop-Monte-Crista...jpg
  • Walk in beautiful Vallunga/Langental through a deeply glaciated U-shaped valley, in Puez-Geisler Nature Park (Italian: Parco naturale Puez Odle; German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler) near Selva di Val Gardena, in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The mostly Ladin-speaking town of Sëlva Gherdëine (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Italian: Selva di Val Gardena) is in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomiti, part of the Southern Limestone Alps. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO. Panorama stitched from 3 overlapping photos.
    11ITA-8257+63-64_Vallunga_Puez-Geisl...jpg
  • The peaks of the Cadini Group jut high in the Sesto Dolomites near Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Europe. In the Cadini di Misurina, Cima Grande rises to 2999 meters (9839 feet), between Cima Piccola and Cima Ovest. Hike for spectacular views around Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Italian for "Three Peaks of Lavaredo," or in German called Drei Zinnen, "Three Merlons"). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, in northern Italy, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    11ITA-8077.jpg
  • A stream tumbles in a waterfall from Sella massif (Gruppo di Sella), down to Corvara, a prestigious tourist center in Alta Badia, in Val/Valle/Valley of Badia in the province of Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, Italy. Corvara is surrounded by the peaks of the Dolomites (or Dolomiti), a part of the Southern Limestone Alps in Europe. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO. Panorama stitched from 3 overlapping photos.
    11ITA-4127-4129pan_Sella-Group-water...jpg
  • Saint Sylvester's Chapel (San Silvestro) in Vallunga is dedicated to the patron saint of cattle and contains 300-year-old frescoes depicting the life of Jesus. Walk through the beautiful, deeply glaciated, U-shaped valley of Vallunga/Langental in Puez-Geisler Nature Park (Italian: Parco naturale Puez Odle; German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler) near Selva di Val Gardena, in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The mostly Ladin-speaking town of Sëlva Gherdëine (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Italian: Selva di Val Gardena) is in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomiti, part of the Southern Limestone Alps. Panorama stitched from 3 overlapping photos.
    11ITA-4065-67pan_Vallunga_Puez-Geisl...jpg
  • Walk in beautiful Vallunga/Langental through a deeply glaciated U-shaped valley, in Puez-Geisler Nature Park (Italian: Parco naturale Puez Odle; German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler) near Selva di Val Gardena, in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. The mostly Ladin-speaking town of Sëlva Gherdëine (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Italian: Selva di Val Gardena) is in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomiti, part of the Southern Limestone Alps.
    11ITA-4041.jpg
  • A hiker walks along the Morteratsch Glacier in the Bernina Range, Engadine, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. Pers Glacier flows from Piz Palü (3901 meters or 12,799  feet) into the Morteratsch Glacier (Romansh: Vadret da Morteratsch) in the Bernina massif, in Upper Engadine. A favorite walk is from Morteratsch (second train stop from Pontresina towards Bernina Pass) to Refuge Boval, which has a restaurant and overnight lodging. The trail is well graded 5 or 6 miles round trip with 2700 feet gain. Return via lower trail for partial loop. The Swiss valley of Engadine translates as the garden of the En (or Inn) River (Engadin in German, Engiadina in Romansh, Engadina in Italian). Published in Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures 2013.
    05ALP_5243-Morteratsch_Glacier_hiker.jpg
  • Horse and colt. North faces of the Geisler/Odle Group drop nearly 1000 meters into Val di Funes (Villnöß valley) in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. Puez-Geisler Nature Park (Italian: Parco naturale Puez Odle; German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler) is in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomiti, part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Italy. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-3059.jpg
  • Hikers walk under the North faces of the Geisler/Odle Group, which drop nearly 1000 meters into Val di Funes (Villnöß valley) in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. Puez-Geisler Nature Park (Italian: Parco naturale Puez Odle; German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler) is in Südtirol/South Tyrol/Alto Adige, in the Dolomiti, part of the Southern Limestone Alps, Italy. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-3043-45pan_Geisler-Odle-Group_...jpg
  • Crepuscular rays of sunlight break through clouds in the Dolomites, or Dolomiti, a part of the Southern Limestone Alps, in northern Italy, Europe. The view looks westwards from a trail west of Gasthaus Passo di Giau. The Dolomites are honored as a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-2241.jpg
  • Sunset light turns orange over sharp peaks of the Dolomites, or Dolomiti, a part of the Southern Limestone Alps, in northern Italy, Europe. The view looks westwards from a trail west of Gasthaus Passo di Giau. The Dolomites are honored as a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO.
    11ITA-2205.jpg
  • Hike scenic and historic trails around Cinque Torri in the Dolomiti Ampezzane mountains near Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Europe. Explore restored artillery bunkers and trenches from World War I conflicts between Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops. The "Five Towers" (Cinque Torri or Fünf Türme) rise to 2361 meters elevation on Averau mountain in the Nuvolao group of the Dolomites. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO. For licensing options, please inquire.
    11ITA-2095.jpg
  • From the ski resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo, ride a cable car lift to Tofana di Mezzo (3244 meters / 10,643 feet, third highest peak in the Dolomites) in Tofane mountain group, in the Dolomiti (a part of the Southern Limestone Alps), in the Veneto region, Italy, Europe. This ski resort hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics and motion pictures including: "The Pink Panther" (1963), "For Your Eyes Only" (1981, James Bond stunt sequences); and "Cliffhanger" (1993). Here at the head of Valle del Boite, nearby peaks include Pomagagnon to the north, Cristallo to the northeast, Faloria and Sorapiss to the east, and Becco di Mezzodì, Croda da Lago and Cinque Torri to south. The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO. Panorama stitched from 10 overlapping photos.
    11ITA-1821-1830pan_Cortina_Tofana-di...jpg
  • Lake Misurina (1751 meters elevation), near Cortina d'Ampezzo, in the Cadore mountain community, in the Dolomites or Dolomiti (part of the Southern Limestone Alps), Italy. The Dolomites mountains were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO. Panorama stitched from 2 overlapping photos.
    11ITA-1798-99pan_Lake-Misurina.jpg
  • The peaks of Cadini Group, Sorapiss Group, and Monte Cristallo rise (left to right) in the Dolomites, Veneto region, Italy, Europe. In the Cadini di Misurina, Cima Grande rises to 2999 meters (9839 feet), between Cima Piccola and Cima Ovest. Sorapiss and Monte Cristallo are in the Ampezzo Dolomites. The Cadini Group is in the Sesto Dolomites (Dolomiti di Sesto, or Sexten/Sextner/Sextener Dolomiten) which lie north of the Fiume Ansiei valley and Auronzo. From the Rifugio Auronzo toll road, hike for spectacular views around Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Italian for "Three Peaks of Lavaredo," called Drei Zinnen or "Three Merlons" in German). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. Panorama stitched from 8 overlapping photos.
    11ITA-1774-81pan_Dolomites.jpg
  • A yellow poppy flower blooms on sunny slopes of the Rosengarten/Catinaccio Group in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. From Pera di Fassa village (in Pozza di Fassa comune in Val di Fassa), in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region, Italy, take a bus or lift to visit Rifugio Gardeccia Hutte and hike in the Rosengarten mountain massif (Catinaccio Group) of the Dolomites. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-11011_yellow-poppies.jpg
  • The peaks of the Cadini Group jut high in the Dolomites range near Cortina d'Ampezzo, Veneto region, Italy, Europe. In the Cadini di Misurina, Cima Grande rises to 2999 meters (9839 feet), between Cima Piccola 2857 m (9373 ft) and Cima Ovest or "Western Peak" 2973 m (9754 ft). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, in northern Italy, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    11ITA-1761.jpg
  • Cadini di Misurina and the Sorapiss Group rise in the Dolomites mountain range near Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Europe. In the Cadini di Misurina, Cima Grande rises to 2999 meters (9839 feet), between Cima Piccola and Cima Ovest. Hike for spectacular views around Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Italian for "Three Peaks of Lavaredo," also called Drei Zinnen or "Three Merlons" in German). The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO. Panorama stitched from 4 overlapping photos.
    11ITA-1747-50pan_Dolomites.jpg
  • A pond reflects Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Italian for "Three Peaks of Lavaredo," also called Drei Zinnen or "Three Merlons" in German), which are distinctive icons of the Alps, in the Sexten Dolomites of northeastern Italy, Europe. Until 1919 the peaks formed part of the border between Italy and Austria. Now they lie on the border between the Italian provinces of South Tyrol and Belluno and still are a part of the linguistic boundary between German-speaking and Italian-speaking majorities. Cima Grande rises to 2999 meters (9839 feet), between Cima Piccola  2857 m (9373 ft) and Cima Ovest  or "Western Peak" 2973 m (9754 ft). The Dolomites were declared a natural World Heritage Site (2009) by UNESCO. Panorama stitched from 9 overlapping photos.
    11ITA-1727-35pan_Tre-Cime-di-Lavared...jpg
  • The peaks of the Cadini Group jut high above Rifugio Lavaredo in the Dolomites, near Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Europe. In the Cadini di Misurina, Cima Grande rises to 2999 meters (9839 feet), between Cima Piccola and Cima Ovest. Hike for spectacular views around Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Italian for "Three Peaks of Lavaredo," or in German called Drei Zinnen, "Three Merlons"). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, in northern Italy, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    11ITA-1661.jpg
  • The peaks of the Cadini Group jut high in the Dolomites near Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Europe. In the Cadini di Misurina, Cima Grande rises to 2999 meters (9839 feet), between Cima Piccola 2857 m (9373 ft) and Cima Ovest or "Western Peak" 2973 m (9754 ft). Hike for spectacular views around Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Italian for "Three Peaks of Lavaredo," or in German called Drei Zinnen, "Three Merlons"). The Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps, in northern Italy, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    11ITA-1652.jpg
  • Pink flowers bloom in a driveway beneath the Julian Alps, Slovenia, Europe. The pyramidal mountain peak of Spik ("Spike," 2472 meters/8110 feet) rises high above the town of Gozd Martuljek ("Martuljek Forest," formerly known as Rute) in the Julian Alps, in Kranjska Gora municipality in the Upper Carniola region, Slovenia. To the left (southeast) of Spik rises a higher summit, Oltar (2621 m), also within Triglav National Park (in Slovene: Triglavski narodni park, TNP). Historically, four linguistic and cultural groups of Europe have met in Slovenia: Slavic, Germanic, Romance, and Uralic. In 1991, Slovenia declared full sovereignty from Yugoslavia. In the 2002 census, 83% considered themselves Slovenes. Today, Slovenia is a member of the European Union, the Eurozone, the Schengen area, NATO and OECD. Per capita, Slovenia is the richest Slavic nation-state.
    11SLO-9276.jpg
  • Veliki Kozjak Waterfall (Slap Kozjak) falls 15 meters in a gorge near Kobarid, Slovenia, Europe. The trail to the waterfall passes remnants of the front line of WWI. From 1915-1917, over 600,000 Austro-Hungarian and Italian soldiers lost their lives in the Soca valley in twelve battles of the Isonzo on the Italian front in World War I. The Julian Alps (Slovene: Julijske Alpe, Italian: Alpi Giulie) stretch from north-eastern Italy to Slovenia in the Southern Limestone Alps, Europe. The namesake for the Julian Alps, Julius Caesar, founded the municipium of Cividale del Friuli at their foot. Panorama stitched from 4 overlapping photos.
    11SLO-9104-07pan_Kozjak-Waterfall_Sl...jpg
  • Walk a trail and hikers' suspension bridge along Tolminka river gorge, starting at the parking lot at the Triglavski narodni park (TNP) sign, near Zatolmin, Julian Alps, Slovenia, Europe. Loop upwards to the scenic Devil's Bridge (Hudicev most, built 1907, seen at top of photo), which carries the Tolmin-Cadrg automobile road sixty meters above Tolminka River. Tolmin gorges (Tolminska korita) are among the longest and deepest gorges in Slovenia and are the lowest point (180 meters elevation) in Triglav National Park (TNP). Panorama stitched from 6 overlapping photos.
    11SLO-9116-21pan_Tolmin-Gorges_Slove...jpg
  • The "Bear's Head" (Medvedova glava) chock stone hangs wedged in verdant Zadlascica river canyon, in the Tolmin gorges (Tolminska korita), Triglav National Park, Julian Alps, Slovenia, Europe. Tolmin gorges (Tolminska korita) are among the longest and deepest gorges in Slovenia and are the lowest point (180 meters elevation) in Triglav National Park (TNP). Walk a trail to the confluence of two gorges (Tolminka and Zadlascica rivers), then along Zadlascica river canyon (locally called Skakalce, "the jumps") up to a chock stone called the "Bear's Head." Walk onwards to the scenic Devil's Bridge (Hudicev most, built 1907), which carries Tolmin-Cadrg road sixty meters above Tolminka River, then loop on foot back to the parking lot at the Triglavski narodni park (TNP) sign, near Zatolmin, Slovenia, Europe.
    11SLO-9131-35pan_Bears-Head_Tolmin-G...jpg
  • The town of Bled and glacially formed Lake Bled (Slovene: Blejsko jezero) are popular tourist sites in the Julian Alps in northwestern Slovenia. A medieval castle stands above the lake on the north shore, the former seat of the Austrian Bishops of Brixen. The lake surrounds Bled Island (Blejski otok, the only natural island in Slovenia), upon which stands the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary (Slovenian: Cerkev Marijinega vnebovzetja), built in the 15th century and now popular for romantic weddings. Lake Bled hosted the World Rowing Championships in 1966, 1979, 1989, and 2011.The lake is 35 kilometers from Ljubljana International Airport. Panorama stitched from 5 overlapping photos.
    11SLO-9200-9204pan_Lake-Bled_Sloveni...jpg
  • See the steep face of Marmolata in the distance from Rifugio Gardeccia Hutte, in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. From Pera di Fassa village (in Pozza di Fassa comune in Val di Fassa), in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region, Italy, take a bus or lift to visit Rifugio Gardeccia Hutte and hike in the Rosengarten mountain massif (Catinaccio Group) of the Dolomites. 200 million years ago, Triassic coral reefs fossilized into Dolomite. Collision of tectonic plates lifted the Dolomites within the Southern Limestone Alps. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-10939.jpg
  • A mother duck leads four cute ducklings on the rippled turquoise waters of Lake Bled, Slovenia, Europe. The town of Bled and glacially formed Lake Bled (Slovene: Blejsko jezero) are popular tourist sites in the Julian Alps in northwestern Slovenia. Lake Bled hosted the World Rowing Championships in 1966, 1979, 1989, and 2011.
    11SLO-9184.jpg
  • A rowboat approaches the medieval church on glacially formed Lake Bled (Slovene: Blejsko jezero) in the Julian Alps in northwestern Slovenia, Europe. The lake surrounds Bled Island (Blejski otok, the only natural island in Slovenia), upon which stands the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary (Slovenian: Cerkev Marijinega vnebovzetja), built in the 15th century and now popular for romantic weddings. Lake Bled hosted the World Rowing Championships in 1966, 1979, 1989, and 2011. The lake is 35 kilometers from Ljubljana International Airport.
    11SLO-9192-p1.jpg
  • Horses graze in Krma Valley, Triglavski narodni park, near Mojstrana, Slovenia, Europe. Glacially-carved Krma Valley, extends from Mojstrana village to Mount Triglav, in Triglavski narodni park, Slovenia’s only national park. In Krma Valley, hike 5-6 hours/6.3miles one way on a non-technical former packhorse hut-supply route (now supplied by helicopter) from trailhead at 950m to scenic Dom Valentina Stanica / Stanicev Dom hut (2332 meters elevation), 20 km round trip, gaining 4658 feet/1420 meters, or a bit further to spectacular Kredarica Hut (aka Triglav hut / Triglavski dom na Kredarici, Slovenia’s highest hut, 2515 meters). Reservations are highly recommended. Hike to Kredarica Hut via Konjsko Sedlo pass from Krma valley 6 hrs one way, non-technical, 1650m gain, well marked with red signs. Ascent of Mount Triglav is non-technical, but is not recommended for those who fear heights: 1.5 hours up from Kredarica (contrary to 1-hour sign, due to waiting for descenders) and 1 hour back. Or stay in scenic Planika hut, 2401m. In 1991, Slovenia declared full sovereignty from Yugoslavia. 80% of its 2 million people speak Slovene. In 2004, Slovenia joined NATO and the EU (European Union), and later adopted the Euro € currency. Slovenia is the richest Slavic nation per capita.
    13SLO-1259_Krma-Valley-Slovenia.jpg
  • To the right of Rifugio Tuckett e Sella (2272m) is the peak of Cima Mandron (3040m) in the clouds. Brenta Dolomites. From the ski resort of Madonna di Campiglio in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region of Italy, the Passo Groste lift takes you directly into the Brenta Dolomites to enjoy scenic mountain hiking trails. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 6 overlapping photos. For licensing options, please inquire.
    13ITA-10731-36pan_Brenta-Dolomites_R...jpg
  • Vallesinella Falls is an exceptionally beautiful series of cascades along a short trail in the Brenta Dolomites, near the ski resort of Madonna di Campiglio in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region of Italy, Europe. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 4 overlapping photos.
    13ITA-10883-86pan_Brenta-Dolomites.jpg
  • Sunrise reflects the Rosengarten/Catinaccio group in a pond. From Pera di Fassa village (in Pozza di Fassa comune in Val di Fassa), in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region, Italy, take a bus or lift to visit Rifugio Gardeccia Hutte and hike in the Rosengarten mountain massif (Catinaccio Group) of the Dolomites. 200 million years ago, Triassic coral reefs fossilized into Dolomite. Collision of tectonic plates lifted the Dolomites within the Southern Limestone Alps. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 4 overlapping photos.
    13ITA-10931-34pan_Catinaccio-Rosenga...jpg
  • A hiker walks up a quiet road in Vallunga/Langental valley, Puez-Geisler Nature Park, Val Gardena, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe. The beautiful ski resort of Selva di Val Gardena (German: Wolkenstein in Gröden; Ladin: Sëlva Gherdëine) makes a great hiking base in the Dolomites, in the South Tyrol region (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol) of Italy, Europe. For our favorite hike in the Dolomiti, start from Selva with the first morning bus to Ortisei, take the Seceda lift, admire great views up at the cross on the edge of Val di Funes (Villnöss), then walk 12 miles (2000 feet up, 5000 feet down) via the steep pass Furcela Forces De Sieles (Forcella Forces de Sielles) to beautiful Vallunga (trail #2 to 16), finishing where you started in Selva. The hike traverses the Geisler/Odle and Puez Groups from verdant pastures to alpine wonders, all preserved in a vast Nature Park: Parco Naturale Puez-Odle (German: Naturpark Puez-Geisler; Ladin: Parch Natural Pöz-Odles). UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009.
    13ITA-50442_Vallunga_Dolomites.jpg
  • A stream flows from le Coronelle in the Rosengarten/Catinaccio group at sunrise in the Dolomites, Italy, Europe. From Pera di Fassa village (in Pozza di Fassa comune in Val di Fassa), in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region, Italy, take a bus or lift to visit Rifugio Gardeccia Hutte and hike in the Rosengarten mountain massif (Catinaccio Group) of the Dolomites. 200 million years ago, Triassic coral reefs fossilized into Dolomite. Collision of tectonic plates lifted the Dolomites within the Southern Limestone Alps. UNESCO honored the Dolomites as a natural World Heritage Site in 2009. This panorama was stitched from 6 overlapping photos.
    13ITA-10956-61pan_Catinaccio-Rosenga...jpg
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