A BRIEF HISTORY OF WALKING IN THE EUROPEAN ALPS
The history of walking in the European Alps is rich and multifaceted, reflecting centuries of human interaction with the majestic Alps. The European Alps have always been a significant part of European culture and subsequent history. The tracks were once used as trade routes back in ancient times, now they are mostly used for recreational hiking.
Ancient and Medieval Times
The Alps have been traversed since ancient times, primarily for trade and travel. Early routes such as the Via Claudia Augusta, initially established by the Romans, facilitated commerce and military movements across the Alps and Mountain Ranges. The Celts and Romans both utilized these passes, leaving behind a network of paths that would later be adopted as hiking tracks and then expanded upon.
During the medieval period, pilgrims and merchants frequently crossed the Alps. Religious pilgrimages, such as those to Santiago de Compostela, often involved alpine crossings. Monasteries and hospices were established along these routes, providing shelter and aid to pilgrims and travellers. The most famous of these is the Great St. Bernard Hospice, founded in 1049, which still operates today and is known for its breed of rescue dogs.
The Birth of Alpinism
The modern history of walking in the Alps began in the late 18th and early 19th centuries with the advent of alpinism. This period saw the rise of interest in the natural world and exploration for scientific and recreational purposes. The summiting of Mont Blanc Massif in 1786 by Jacques Balmat and Michel-Gabriel Paccard is often named as the birth of modern mountaineering. Their successful climb inspired other hikers and trekkers to flow in their footsteps and marked the beginning of a new era of alpine exploration.
Throughout the 19th century, the Alps became a major destination for naturalists, adventurers and biologists. The Alpine Club was established in London in 1857, the first mountaineering club in the world, formalising the sport and promoting the exploration of the Alps. The formation of the Swiss Alpine Club quickly followed in 1863, further encouraging alpine activities and the construction of mountain huts for hikers.
Development of Hiking Tourism
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, walking and hiking in the Alps began to develop as a form of tourism. The expansion of railways and the construction of alpine hotels made the Alps much more accessible to the general public, skiers and hikers. Thomas Cook has been deemed the pioneer of organised travel from Britain and is often credited as being the first person to offer guided hiking tours to the Swiss Alps, making alpine hiking a fashionable activity among the European elite.
During the period between world war 1 and world war 2, hiking clubs and organisations flourished, promoting the benefits of walking in nature, especially from lowering stress levels point of view. Trails began to be better marked, and infrastructure was improved, making the Alps a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The establishment of national parks, like the Gran Paradiso in Italy (1922) and the Vanoise in France (1963), protected the natural environment and promoted sustainable tourism for the first time.
Contemporary Hiking and Conservation
In the post-war era, hiking in the Alps became more democratised and accessible to a much broader audience. The development of long-distance trails, such as the Tour du Mont Blanc, the Haute Route and the Alta Via’s and GR walks, provided structured routes for multi-day hiking adventures and of course the opportunity for walkers to take up a supported self-guided and guided walk. Advances in outdoor gear and clothing boom made hiking more safe and comfortable and clearly on trend.
Today, the European Alps are one of the world’s premier hiking destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year, mostly because the views are just outstanding in concert with the level of quality of accommodation and hospitality is simply superb. Efforts to balance tourism with sustainable conservation have led to initiatives that protect the delicate alpine ecosystems by keeping walkers on designated tracks for one. Theis has led to more sustainable tourism practices. The Alps are unmatched in continue to inspire and challenge hikers, offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure that is unmatched.
