A quick summary of the Alps and some useful info
The Alps refers to one of Europe’s highest and most extensive mountain ranges. They span roughly 1,200 kilometres (750 miles) across 8 different countries. On a Nordic Visitor tour, you can visit up to 5 of these countries, and get a real taste for what the Alps have to offer.
You can soak up history by visiting ancient castles and lavish palaces in Germany and Austria. For jaw-dropping landscapes, you can head to Switzerland and Liechtenstein. And, for a foodie’s destination like no other, Italy is a must-see.
With many of these countries dating back 100s of years (some even to years BCE), it won’t come as a surprise to learn that they are steeped in history. There’s plenty to see and do on a Nordic Visitor Alpine adventure.
But that’s not all – there’s also lots to eat and drink. With 100s of Michelin-starred restaurants, countless cosy cafés, and plentiful bars across all 5 countries, you’re spoiled for choice.
- Discover it all on a classic Alps tour
Here’s a few quick facts about each country:
Germany
Capital: Berlin
Population: 83.8 million
Currency: Euro
Language: German
Total area: 357,592 km2
Time zone: Central European Time (CET) in winter and Central European Summer Time (CEST) in summer
Country code: +49
Emergency services: 112
Location: Germany is in Western Europe, and borders 9 other countries (that’s more than any other European country!). It also has borders with the North and Baltic Seas.
Form of government: Democratic and federal parliamentary republic.
Switzerland
Capital: Bern
Population: 8.8 million
Currency: Swiss Franc
Language: German, French, Italian and Romansh
Total area: 41,285 km2
Time zone: CET in winter and CEST in summer
Country code: +41
Emergency services: 112
Location: Switzerland is a landlocked country in Western Europe. It’s nestled between France, Germany, Austria and Italy.
Form of government: Direct democracy under a federal council.
Austria
Capital: Vienna
Population: 9 million
Currency: Euro
Language: German
Total area: 83,871 km2
Time zone: CET in winter and CEST in summer
Country code: +43
Emergency services: 112
Location: Austria lies on the eastern side of the Alps and shares borders with Germany, the Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy and Switzerland.
Form of government: Democratic republic.
Liechtenstein
Capital: Vaduz
Population: 39,000
Currency: Swiss Franc
Language: German
Total area: 160 km2
Time zone: CET in winter and CEST in summer
Country code: +423
Emergency services: 112
Location: Liechtenstein is Europe’s 4th smallest country, and is bordered only by Switzerland and Austria.
Form of government: Semi-constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy.
Italy
Capital: Rome
Population: 58.9 million
Currency: Euro
Language: Italian
Total area: 302,073 km2
Time zone: CET in winter and CEST in summer
Country code: +39
Emergency services: 112
Location: Italy is made up of a peninsula that extends into the Mediterranean Sea and a number of islands off its south and west coasts. It’s bordered by France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia.
Form of government: Democratic republic.
