The Alps are home to a wide range of languages and cultures which in turn have produced many tales and legends. Some legends can be found in different guises throughout the Alps.

A whole plethora of mythical creatures and animals (the ibex Zlatorog in Slovenia, the dahu in the western Alps, the seven-headed wyvern in the Luberon, the Macun dragon in the Swiss National Park), together with witches and above all the Devil feature heavily in these tales (e.g. devil's bridge stories). But there are also references to God, giants such as Ortler, fairies, kings, princes and lowly shepherds!

The marvellous and the magical were often combined with the realities of mountain life as the inhabitants wove stories and legends around these imaginary beings.

Find out about the book "The Alpine Protected Areas – a fantastic world"

Exhibition Mythical Mountains