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Rhaetian Alps
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Rhaetian Alps
Rhaetian Alps

Rhaetian Alps

mountains, Europe
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Also known as: Alpes Rhétiques, Alpi Retiche, Rätische Alpen
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Italian:
Alpi Retiche
German:
Rätische Alpen
French:
Alpes Rhétiques
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Rhaetian Alps, segment of the Central Alps extending along the Italian-Swiss and Austrian-Swiss borders but lying mainly in Graubünden canton, eastern Switzerland. The mountains are bounded by the Lepontine Alps and Splügen Pass (west-southwest), the Hinterrhein River (west), the Lechtaler Alps (northeast), the Ötztal Alps and Resia Pass (east-northeast), and the Valtellina (valley of the upper Adda River; south). Bernina Peak (13,284 feet [4,049 meters]), on the Italian border, is the highest point. Included within the Rhaetian Alps are the subranges of Silvretta, Rhätikon, and the Albula and Bernina Alps. The Engadin (valley of the Upper Inn River) cuts northeast to southwest among these subranges. In the eastern part (between the Inn River and Ofen Pass) is the Swiss National Park (founded 1914; area 65 square miles [169 square km]), which is noted for its rugged Alpine scenery and its wildlife. Many health resorts and winter sports centers lie within the range.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Mindy Johnston.