Via GeoAlpina
Via GeoAlpina is an international project of the Alpine countries. The route runs from Trieste to Monaco and explains the specific geological features to hikers along the way.
The origins of Via GeoAlpina lie with the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) and UNESCO. They launched the project as part of the United Nations' International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE) in 2007. The project brings together institutions from the six Alpine countries: Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland.
Switzerland's participation is handled via the Federal Office of Topography (swisstopo) and the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT). The Via GeoAlpina project is being implemented alongside the Via Alpina. The route, which interconnects hiking trails of all the countries within the Alps from Trieste to Monaco, traverses some of the most outstanding beauties of nature and cultural monuments in Europe.
For the first time, the Via GeoAlpina project brings a scientific perspective to the Via Alpina initiative. The aim is to gain wide-ranging insights into the geosciences of the Alps. A particular focus is placed on geological, geomorphological and hydrological aspects as well as natural hazards and the exploitation of rocks.
As they walk along a marked footpath, tourists and hikers of all ages are informed about the history of the formation of the Alps and the secrets of our planet.
