Where AFRICA Meets EUROPE in the ALPS Documentary

The landscape around the Engadine Lake District boasts superlatives: The highest shipping line in Europe, the largest ibex population in Switzerland, the oldest Swiss stone pines in Graubünden. Additionally, the Engadine lies on the cutting edge between Africa and Europe. As astonishing as it sounds, it is true in terms of plate tectonics. This is where the African and Eurasian continental plates meet. When they once collided, they formed the mountains and the so-called strike-slip fault occurred, which to this day is responsible for the fact that the valley only starts again six kilometres beyond the Maloja Pass. In between these are the four lakes. With an area of almost 10,000 square kilometres they are of great importance for the hydrologic balance, for the climate and also as rich ecosystems. On the higher mountain meadows, hill moors or rock ensembles at peaks, everything of importance in the world of Alpine flora and fauna can be found: Gentian and edelweiss, ibex and marmots, centuries-old Swiss stone pines. As short as the summer here is, it stages a powerfully scenic presentation: A symphony of colours and forms. Orgies of the suddenly exploding green of alpine pastures, dotted with the foaming spray of meltwater-bearing torrents. And in matters of weather, the whole repertoire can be observed on a single day sunbeams in the morning fog, glistening midday light, replaced by suddenly appearing spectacular cloud formations and wild thunderstorms. All told a natural spectacle that has already inspired philosophers, poets and painters who visited the Upper Engadine Lake District again and again and found inspiration and peace in its light and colours

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  Gaming