I have no idea how long they have been there, but the alps are more than history. Sometimes you feel you can touch then, althogh they are at least 2 hours drive away on the motorway. Other days you do not see them at all due to the mist and atmospheric conditions. Last week I was lucky and got a clear view, although there were a few clouds hanging around, These belong to the Bernese Alps with their permanent layer of snow. I have been to the top, but only by mountain railway and in Summer. The view from he top is naturally super.