Geographic Divisions

Many geographers divide the Alps into three main topographic sections: the Western, Central, and Eastern Alps.

The Western Alps consist of a high, narrow chain with many branches. Ranges here include the Maritime, Cottian, and Graian Alps.

The Central Alps have the highest average elevations in the system. Ranges here include the Bernese, Pennine, Lepontine, and Rhaetian Alps. Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps, is here.

The Eastern Alps are generally lower and broader than the Western Alps. At the widest point, they are 150 miles (240 km) from north to south and have numerous ranges, separated mainly by tributaries of the Danube. The ranges include the Bavarian, Tyrolean, and Carnic Alps, the Hohe and Niedere Tauern, the Dolomites, and the Julian Alps.