Title: Alps - Wikipedia
Headings: Alps
Alps
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Contents
Etymology and toponymy
Geography
Passes
Highest mountains
Geology and orogeny
Minerals
Glaciers
Rivers and lakes
Climate
Ecology
Flora
Fauna
History
Prehistory to Christianity
Christianity, feudalism, and Napoleonic wars
Exploration
The Romantics and Alpinists
The Nazis
Largest cities
Alpine people and culture
Tourism
Avalanche/snow-slide
Transportation
References
Notes
References
Works cited
External links

Content: Passes
See also: Principal passes of the Alps
Teufelsbrücke (Devil's Bridge) on the route to the Gotthard Pass; the currently used bridge from 1958 over the first drivable bridge from 1830
The Alps have been crossed for war and commerce, and by pilgrims, students and tourists. Crossing routes by road, train or foot are known as passes, and usually consist of depressions in the mountains in which a valley leads from the plains and hilly pre-mountainous zones. In the medieval period hospices were established by religious orders at the summits of many of the main passes. The most important passes are the Col de l'Iseran (the high