We have construction work ongoing. Hence, I spend quite some time in the mountains lately. And again am just amazed about the diverse and stunning beauty of Switzerland!
Here I am not even talking about the impressive mountainscapes and the grand scenery people might think of first when thinking ‘Switzerland’. Today I am talking about the local vegetation. As with the mountains there comes the change in altitude. With the change in altitude there comes the change in climate zones. And with the change in climate zones there comes an incredibly broad range of vegetation. Last weekend I managed to explore and capture some of that in the region of the 4Vallees in Valais, Switzerland.
Within the course of 72 hours, I roamed the mountains around Thyon, and the Rhone valley between Riddes and Sion. Depending on the season, the difference in temperature between the two is approximately 15 – 20 degrees Celsius. Which is pure bliss once the valley reaches 35°C and more. You can choose between Mediterranean and Nordic climate, and easily change from one to another within 30 mins.
The snow topped mountains revealed some of the last crocuses of the year, hiding in shady north-facing dips. The ones below very nicely lined up in a row, as if they knew how unique they are that late in the season 🙂 The bottom of the valley on the other hand is full of orchards, growing all kinds of fruit. Valais in particular is known for its apricots. Which are ready to harvest by now, and kind local farmers let you access their fields without fences or barriers. The smell of them is amazing, reminds me of a tropical cocktail. Mediterranean mountain fragrance, so to speak 🙂
