Monte Rosa, Switzerland

Monte Rosa, Pennine Alps, Switzerland
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MonteRosa001.jpg
Author: Jackph


Monte Rosa is the tallest mountain in Switzerland. In fact it is located in Valais canton, near the border with Italy. The mountain stands 4,634 m (15,203 ft) above sea level. Its peak, Dufourspitze, is the tallest point in the Pennine Alps.

Both Monte Rosa and the more popular Matterhorn are visible from the village of Zermatt, the main tourist town of the area. Although taller than the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa is earlier to climb due to its shape. The first ascend was made in 1855.

Encircling Monte Roasa is the Gorner Glacier. It descends on the western side of the mountain flowing in the direction of Zermatt. On the Italian side of Monte Rosa is Capanna Regina Margherita, the highest mountain shelter in Europe. It stands at 4,556 m (14,947 ft) above sea level.

Today it is possible to make a trek around Monte Rosa. Such a trip takes about 10 days to complete. It takes you through ancient trails that have been in use for centuries. You pass through a wide range of landscapes from glacial crossings to larch forests and meadows.

Trekking around Monte Rosa, you also pass through three different cultures. On the high Valais section, the people speak German. In the Aosta Valley, the people originally spoke French but now Italian. Then in the Lombardy and Piedmont valleys, Italian predominates.

Dufourspitze, Monte Rosa, Pennine Alps
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:DufourspitzeStrahlhorn.jpg
Author: Jackph

 Latest updates on Penang Travel Tips