Alpenraum

Alpenraum refers to the geographic, ecological, and cultural zone associated with the Alps in Central Europe. The term is used in geography, regional planning, and cultural studies to describe areas that lie within or around the Alpine mountain system. The core area includes parts of France, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, and Slovenia, with boundaries varying by context.

Geographically, the Alps extend roughly east–west across the continent, featuring high peaks such as Mont Blanc, Dufourspitze, and Piz Bernina. The landscape comprises glaciers, rugged rock faces, deep valleys, and numerous passes; climate and ecosystems shift with altitude from mixed forests to alpine meadows and tundra.

Economically, the Alpenraum is dominated by tourism, including skiing, mountaineering, and hiking, alongside valley agriculture and hydropower. Population is concentrated in valleys and plains, while many communities maintain long-standing cultural traditions and languages.

Languages spoken in the Alpenraum reflect its diversity, including German, French, Italian, Romansh, and Slovene. Environmental pressures, notably climate change and intensive tourism, drive conservation efforts and cross-border cooperation to preserve landscapes, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.