View allAll Photos Tagged AlpineScenery

In October the Engadin landscape is dominated by colorful larches. The small river in the picture is the young Inn River, seen between Lej da Champfèr and St. Moritz Bad.

Thank you for your visits / comments / faves!

The Aare Gorge is a section of the river Aare that carves through a limestone ridge near the town of Meiringen, Switzerland. As the Ice Age was coming to an end around 10,000 years ago, water from melting glaciers eroded a deep, narrow chasm through the limestone barrier.

Length: 2 kilometres.

Width: Between 30 meters and just 1 meter.

The picture shows the east entrance to the Aare Gorge.

 

Thank you for your visits / comments / faves!

I took the photo from the train (Rhaetian Railway), when travelling from Chur towards Ilanz, Grisons, Switzerland. The Rhine gorge is largely inaccessible by road, but one can visit it by train or hiking. It is a popular location for rafting and kayaking.

Many thanks for your visits / comments / faves!

Lake Staz / Stazersee / Lej da Staz, Engadin, Switzerland.

Lake Staz is located at 1,809 meters above sea level. It is nestled in the forest between St. Moritz and Pontresina. In summer, it is known as a bathing resort.

Thank you for your visits / comments / faves!

Nestled in the rugged heights of Valmasque Valley, this alpine lake reflects the jagged peaks and clear blue sky like a natural mirror. The water is so transparent that submerged rocks are visible beneath the surface, adding depth to the serene composition. Surrounded by steep slopes, gravel shores, and sparse vegetation, this tranquil scene captures the raw elegance of Mercantour National Park. A moment of stillness in the wild heart of the French Alps.

Photo taken when hiking to the Chamanna Segantini above the summer and winter sport resort Pontresina. Stunning view towards the town of St. Moritz, Engadin, Switzerland.

Thank you for your visits / comments / faves!

View from Weissfluh summit (2,843 m), which can be reached by the Parsenn Funicular and cable car from Davos (Grisons/Graubünden). If you prefer, you can also hike up there, no problem.

 

Many thanks for your visits / comments / faves!

Eccoci in marcia verso il nuovo anno, amici ed amiche accomunati dalla passione per questi ambienti e la fotografia, con l'augurio per tutti che il 2018 possa essere bello e positivo come la più bella delle giornate vissute lassù.

 

All Together

Here we are marching towards the new year, friends and friends united by the passion for nature and photography, with the hope for all that 2018 can be beautiful and positive as the most beautiful of the days spent in outdoor.

 

Enlarged view

 

All rights reserved © Nick Photography

 

In the secluded heights of Valmasque Valley, a pristine alpine lake lies perfectly still, mirroring the jagged cliffs and brilliant blue sky above. The water’s clarity reveals submerged stones near the shore, while the surrounding rocky terrain and steep ridges frame this tranquil scene with dramatic elegance. Captured in Mercantour National Park, this image is a testament to the quiet majesty of the French Alps—where silence speaks and nature reflects its own grandeur.

The valley of the river Reuss in the Canton of Uri (Central Switzerland) is the northern access to the Gotthard Pass, one of the major transit routes across the Alps (for both motor vehicles and railways). I took the picture near Erstfeld, when hiking on the so called "Via Gottardo".

Thank you for your visits / comments / faves!

I took the photo from the train (Rhaetian Railway), when travelling from Chur towards Ilanz, Grisons, Switzerland. The Rhine gorge is largely inaccessible by road, but one can visit it by train or hiking. It is a popular location for rafting and kayaking.

Many thanks for your visits / comments / faves!

Gordolasque Waters – Where Mist Meets Stone In the heart of Mercantour National Park, this secluded waterfall flows gently over smooth rocks into a crystal-clear pool, surrounded by boulders, conifers, and steep cliffs. Mist drifts across the jagged peaks, adding a dreamlike atmosphere to the rugged alpine terrain. A moment of serenity carved by water and time—where nature whispers through stone and sky.

Glacier en larmes,

Sous le ciel bleu de Vanoise,

La fonte murmure.

 

Crying glacier,

Beneath Vanoise’s blue skies,

The melt whispers low.

Upper Engadin scenery between Celerina and Samedan, Grisons, Switzerland. I have taken the photo from a RhB train, when travelling from St. Moritz to Chur.

Thank you for your visits / comments / faves!

Hiking from Furtschellas to Val Fex above Sils, Engadin, Switzerland. Beautiful view to Lake Sils and Maloja.

Thank you for your visits / comments / faves!

Near Silvaplana-Surlej, Upper Engadin, Grisons, Switzerland.

Thank you for your visits / comments / faves!

Above the lac de la fous – Near the Refuge de Nice, the Mercantour landscape unfolds in dramatic layers—meadows tinged with orange, scattered boulders, and jagged peaks rising into a misty sky. A narrow stream cuts through the valley, tracing nature’s quiet rhythm beneath overcast light. This high-altitude wilderness is raw, remote, and deeply poetic—a place where silence speaks louder than words.

Unnamed lake near the Morteratsch camping site, Pontresina, Grisons, Switzerland.

Thank you for your visits / comments / faves!

High-alpine plain (on 1,720 meters a.s.l.) between Celerina and Samedan in the Upper Engadin Valley, Grisons, Switzerland. Nearby there are also a golf course and an airfield.

Thank you for your visits / comments / faves!

Morning hike to the Saoseo Lake (Lagh da Saoseo), Val da Camp, Grisons, Switzerland.

Thank you for your visits / comments / faves!

Near the view point Marmorè above Sils, Engadin, Switzerland.

Thank you for your visits / comments / faves!

Fex Valley (Val Fex), near Fex-Crasta, Sils, Engadin, Switzerland.

Thank you for your visits / comments / faves!

Morning hike to Lej Muragl above Pontresina, Engadin, Switzerland.

Thank you for your visits / comments / faves!

A quiet scene from Col de la Cayolle, located in Mercantour National Park. At over 2,300 meters altitude, a shallow alpine pond mirrors golden grasses and scattered rocks. Rugged slopes rise in the background beneath a clear blue sky, in complete silence. Late summer light, no human presence—just untouched nature, where stone meets grass.

I took the photo on a hiking tour near Moosfluh, Bettmeralp, Switzerland.

Many thanks for your visits / comments / faves!

Captured at Les Laquettes, in the Néouvielle range, Hautes-Pyrénées. A fallen trunk anchors the foreground, resting on a dirt trail lined with young pines and scattered rocks. The lake is calm and clear, reflecting the blue sky and surrounding forested slopes. In the background, wooded ridges rise with rocky outcrops. Bright daylight, complete silence—untouched nature where water, wood, and granite meet

The valley of the river Reuss in the Canton of Uri (Central Switzerland) is the northern access to the Gotthard Pass, one of the major transit routes across the Alps (for both motor vehicles and railways). I took the picture near Gurtnellen, when hiking on the so called "Via Gottardo".

Thank you for your visits / comments / faves!

Into the Clouds of Mercantour From the heights of the Gordolasque Valley, the Mercantour landscape unfolds in raw beauty—steep rocky slopes, scattered boulders, and a winding trail that disappears into the mist. The valley stretches below, bathed in shifting light as clouds cling to jagged peaks. A place of solitude and grandeur, where every step feels like a passage through time and stone.

A small alpine lake near Silvaplana, Engadin, Switzerland.

Thank you for your visits / comments / faves!

This is the lower end of the Morteratsch Valley. The source of the creek is the Morteratsch Glacier, which ends some 3 km further up the valley. Photo taken near the Morteratsch railway station.

Thank you for your visits / comments / faves!

Gordolasque Cascade – Alpine Pulse of Mercantour High in the Mercantour National Park, this pristine waterfall tumbles through rugged rock formations into a crystal-clear pool, revealing smooth stones beneath the surface. Surrounded by steep cliffs and sparse alpine vegetation, the scene captures the raw energy and serenity of mountain wilderness. A perfect fusion of motion, texture, and light—where water carves its story into stone.

Gordolasque Valley – Wild Heart of Mercantour Tucked deep within the Mercantour National Park, the Gordolasque Valley offers a raw and majestic alpine landscape. Towering peaks, scattered boulders, and a winding stream create a dramatic scene shaped by time and nature. This untouched corner of the French Alps is a haven for hikers, wildlife, and anyone seeking the silence of high-altitude wilderness. A place where geology, water, and light converge in perfect harmony.

© All right reserved

Scattata con Polaroid Now +

Pellicola i-Type Colot Film

Non manipolata digitalmente

Digitalizzata

Lago Cornisello Superiore_Val Nembrone_Dolomiti del Brenta

Luglio 2025

 

Taken with Polaroid Now +

i-Type Colore Film

Not digitally Manipulated

Lago Cornisello Superiore_Val Nembrone_Dolomiti del Brenta July 2025

photo rights reserved by Ben

 

Khurtisi Castle is located near the Jvari Pass in the Kazbegi region of northern Georgia. This historic fortress once played a crucial strategic role in guarding the mountain passage. Although the castle is now in ruins, its remains still bear witness to the rich history and importance of the Caucasus as a trade route. The remains show a typical medieval Georgian architectural style, with sturdy stone walls and a strategic location on a hill, which offers a magnificent view of the surrounding valley. Khurtisi Castle is a place where history and nature harmoniously merge, with a serene and timeless atmosphere against the backdrop of the imposing Mount Shani. Mt. Shani, a majestic peak of approximately 4,451 meters high, is located in the vicinity of the Jvari Pass and is considered one of the prominent mountains in the region. The mountain not only offers a challenge to experienced mountaineers, but also acts as a visual icon in the landscape. The snow-capped peak of Mount Shani towers over the valleys, with sheer rock faces and glistening ice fields, creating an impressive backdrop for the historic Khurtisi Castle.

 

The Jvari Pass, located at 2,379 meters, is part of the Georgian Military Highway, a historic route that connects Tbilisi to Vladikavkaz in Russia. The pass is known for its spectacular views, with winding roads that wind through deep gorges and past picturesque villages. Together, Khurtisi Castle and Mount Shani create a unique blend of history, culture and natural beauty, making the Jvari Pass an unforgettable destination.

 

Khurtisi Castle ligt nabij de Jvari-pas in de regio Kazbegi, in het noorden van Georgië. Het is een historisch fort dat ooit een strategische rol speelde bij het bewaken van de doorgang door de bergen. Het kasteel, hoewel tegenwoordig een ruïne, getuigt van de rijke geschiedenis en het belang van de Kaukasus als handelsroute. De overblijfselen tonen typische middeleeuwse Georgische bouwstijl, met robuuste stenen muren en een strategische ligging op een verhoging, wat een prachtig uitzicht biedt over de vallei. Het kasteel is een plek waar geschiedenis en natuur samenkomen, en het biedt een serene, tijdloze sfeer tegen de achtergrond van de ruige berg Shani. Mount Shani is een indrukwekkende piek die tot ongeveer 4.451 meter reikt. De berg ligt dicht bij de Jvari-pas en wordt beschouwd als een van de prominente toppen in de regio. Shani is niet alleen een uitdaging voor bergbeklimmers, maar het is ook een visueel icoon voor de omgeving. Het wordt vaak bewonderd door reizigers die de Georgian Military Highway volgen. De besneeuwde top van Mount Shani torent majestueus boven de omliggende valleien uit, met steile rotswanden en glinsterende ijsvelden. Het is een perfecte achtergrond voor het historische Khurtisi Castle. De Jvari-pas 2.379 meter hoog maakt deel uit van de Georgian Military Highway, een historische route die Tbilisi met Vladikavkaz in Rusland verbindt. De pas staat bekend om zijn adembenemende uitzichten, met kronkelende wegen die door diepe kloven en langs pittoreske dorpjes slingeren.

View from Chamanna Paradis, above Pontresina, Engadin, Switzerland.

Thank you for your visits / comments / faves!

photo rights reserved by Ben

 

The Snostskali River meanders through the Sno Valley, adding a dynamic element to the picture. In autumn, the river is filled with meltwater from the mountains, creating a powerful and lively scene. Along the banks, low shrubs and trees are dressed in warm autumn colours. The valley is a combination of gentle hills and steep slopes, typical of this region of the Caucasus. Here and there, agricultural terraces are visible, which are evidence of centuries of habitation and careful use of the landscape. Sno is a picturesque mountain village near Stepantsminda, a popular base for trekking and mountaineering in the Kazbegi region of northern Georgia. Hiking trails to the Chaukhi Pass attract adventurers. This pass leads to Juta, another mountain village that serves as a starting point for treks to the impressive Chaukhi peaks. The North Chaukhi Mountain towers over the landscape with its height of approximately 3,842 meters. The region is known for its rugged, untouched nature and breathtaking views of the Caucasus. The snow-capped peaks of the North Chaukhi Mountain form a beautiful contrast with the warm tones of the valley. Sno and its surroundings are distinguished by dramatic landscapes, medieval fortresses and the proximity of the imposing Kazbek Mountain. The area is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers looking for adventure and peace in nature.

 

The North Chaukhi Mountain stands at approximately 3,842 meters. This impressive peak is part of the Chaukhi Range in the Greater Caucasus, located in Georgia's Kazbegi district. Hikes around the Chaukhi Pass, situated at an elevation of about 3,338 meters, are popular among adventurers exploring the region. The mountain serves as a stunning backdrop to the valleys surrounding Sno and Juta. In the foreground, the Snostskali River winds through the valley, contributing to the area's breathtaking natural landscape.

 

De Snostskali-rivier kronkelt door de vallei van Sno en voegt een dynamisch element toe aan de foto. In de herfst is de rivier gevuld met smeltwater uit de bergen, wat zorgt voor een krachtig en levendig tafereel. Langs de oevers staan lage struiken en bomen gehuld in warme herfstkleuren. De vallei is een samenspel van zachte heuvels en steile hellingen, kenmerkend voor deze regio van de Kaukasus. Hier en daar zijn landbouwterrassen zichtbaar, wat wijst op eeuwenlange bewoning en zorgvuldig gebruik van het landschap. Sno is een pittoresk bergdorp vlakbij Stepantsminda, een geliefde uitvalsbasis voor trektochten en bergbeklimmingen in de Kazbegi-regio, in het noorden van Georgië. Wandelroutes naar de Chaukhi-pas trekken avonturiers aan. Deze pas leidt naar Juta, een ander bergdorp dat fungeert als startpunt voor tochten naar de indrukwekkende Chaukhi-pieken. De North Chaukhi Mountain torent met zijn hoogte van ongeveer 3.842 meter boven het landschap uit. De regio staat bekend om haar ruige, ongerepte natuur en adembenemende uitzichten op de Kaukasus. De besneeuwde toppen van de North Chaukhi Mountain vormen een prachtig contrast met de warme tinten van de vallei. Sno en haar omgeving onderscheiden zich door dramatische landschappen, middeleeuwse forten en de nabijheid van de imposante Kazbek-berg. Het gebied is een geliefde bestemming voor wandelaars en natuurliefhebbers die op zoek zijn naar avontuur en rust in de natuur.

The glaciers on the south side of Mount Rainier are clearly visible in this close-up view from Reflection Lake. Mount Rainier has 28 named glaciers, along with numerous unnamed snowfields, making it the most heavily glaciated peak in the contiguous United States.

Ein kleiner, stiller Bergsee liegt eingebettet in eine saftig grüne Almlandschaft, über der sich dramatische Wolken auftürmen. Im Hintergrund ragt ein markanter Gipfel aus dem dunklen Wald hervor und verleiht der Szene eine mystische Tiefe. Zwei einsame Almhütten, weidende Kühe und das Spiegelbild des Himmels im ruhigen Wasser erzeugen eine einzigartige Mischung aus Ruhe und Erhabenheit. Das Bild erzählt von der Kraft der Natur und der friedlichen Abgeschiedenheit der Berge.

A small, tranquil alpine lake rests quietly in a lush green mountain landscape, as dramatic storm clouds gather overhead. In the distance, a distinctive peak rises above the forest, adding a sense of mystery and depth. Two isolated mountain huts, grazing cows, and the reflection of the sky in the calm water create a powerful blend of serenity and majesty. The image captures the raw beauty of nature and the peaceful solitude of the highlands.

Clouds cover the top Mount Rainier. Glaciers are visible on the lower slopes. Mount Rainier has 28 named glaciers, along with numerous unnamed snowfields, making it the most heavily glaciated peak in the contiguous United States.

Perched on rugged rocks in the heart of Mercantour National Park, this mountain goat stands watch over the valley below. Its presence adds life and character to the dramatic alpine landscape, where jagged peaks rise into the mist and sunlight dances across stone and grass. A fleeting moment of connection with the wild—graceful, resilient, and timeless.

Yosemite National Park with Tenaya Canyon, Half Dome, Liberty Cap, Little Yosemite Valley, Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall seen from Glacier Point

California

USA

Val Fex / Fex Valley / Fextal. One of the most beautiful places in the Engadin Region, Switzerland. You may have noted the brownish snow in the background. This is due to Saharan dust deposited on it.

Thank you for your visits / comments / faves!

photo rights reserved by Ben

 

The Jvari Pass, also known as the Cross Pass, is a mountain pass in the Greater Caucasus Mountains in Georgia. It is located at an elevation of approximately 2,379 meters above sea level and is one of the most iconic locations along the historic Georgian Military Road, a major communication route connecting Tbilisi with Vladikavkaz in Russia. The Jvari Pass offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and rivers. The landscape changes throughout the seasons, with green meadows in summer and snow-capped peaks in winter. The nearby Gudauri ski resort lies on the southern side of the pass and is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The pass has a rich history and was a strategic passage for trade, troops, and travelers for centuries. It is named after the Georgian word Jvari, meaning cross, referring to the ancient crosses that were placed along the route. The Tergi River rises near the pass and flows through the Darial Gorge. Glaciers and spectacular waterfalls can also be found in the area. During the winter months, the pass can be impassable due to heavy snowfall, but in the summer it is a popular route for tourists and adventurers. Hiking and trekking opportunities: The area around the pass offers numerous opportunities for trekking and photography.

 

A journey from Ananuri Fort through the Jvari Pass is one of the most impressive experiences you can have in Georgia, the contrast between the colorful autumn landscapes and the sudden snow-capped mountains is breathtaking and feels almost magical. The Start: Autumn beauty at Ananuri Fort. As you continue along the Georgian Military Road, nature slowly begins to change. The colorful forests gradually make way for bare mountain slopes, and the air becomes fresher. As you get closer to the Jvari Pass, you notice the first signs of snow. The peaks of the mountains seem to be sprinkled with sugar, and the temperature drops noticeably. As you reach the higher parts of the Jvari Pass, you are surrounded by a completely white landscape. The snow-capped peaks, frozen rivers and icy air create a serene and almost otherworldly atmosphere. The contrast with the autumn colors from earlier on the route makes the transition all the more spectacular. It feels like you have experienced two completely different seasons in one day.

 

Een reis van Ananuri Fort door de Jvari Pass is één van de meest indrukwekkende ervaringen die je in Georgië kunt hebben, het contrast tussen de kleurrijke herfstlandschappen en de plotselinge sneeuwbedekte bergen is adembenemend en voelt bijna magisch. De Jvari Pass, ook bekend als de Kruispas, is een bergpas in het Grote Kaukasusgebergte in Georgië. Het ligt op een hoogte van ongeveer 2.379 meter boven zeeniveau en is een van de meest iconische plekken langs de historische Georgische Militaire Weg, een belangrijke verbindingsroute die Tbilisi met Vladikavkaz in Rusland verbindt. De Jvari Pass biedt een spectaculair uitzicht op de omliggende bergen, valleien en rivieren. Het landschap verandert door de seizoenen heen, met groene weiden in de zomer en besneeuwde toppen in de winter. Het nabijgelegen skigebied Gudauri ligt aan de zuidkant van de pas en is een populaire bestemming voor wintersporters. De pas heeft een rijke geschiedenis en was eeuwenlang een strategische doorgang voor handel, troepen en reizigers. Het is genoemd naar het Georgische woord Jvari, wat kruis betekent, verwijzend naar de oude kruizen die op de route zijn geplaatst. Nabij de pas ontspringt de Tergi-rivier, die door de Darialkloof stroomt. In de omgeving vind je ook gletsjers en spectaculaire watervallen. Tijdens de wintermaanden kan de pas onbegaanbaar zijn door zware sneeuwval, maar in de zomer is het een populaire route voor toeristen en avonturiers. Wandel- en trekkingsmogelijkheden: Het gebied rondom de pas biedt talloze mogelijkheden voor trekking en fotografie.

photo rights reserved by Ben

 

Mount Kazbek 5,054 meters is one of the highest and most iconic mountains in the Caucasus, located on the border of Georgia and Russia. This dormant stratovolcano is part of the impressive Khokh mountain range and is known for its glaciers, rugged landscapes and spiritual significance. The name Kazbek comes from Georgian and means icy peak, which perfectly suits the eternal snow and glaciers that cover the mountain. The ascent of Mount Kazbek usually starts from the village of Stepantsminda, also known as Kazbegi. This small mountain village is located at an altitude of about 1,750 meters and serves as a base for adventurers. The most iconic start of the hike is the trek to the Gergeti Trinity Church, an ancient church at an altitude of 2,170 meters, against the backdrop of the mighty Kazbek. From the church, the real adventure begins. The route leads through alpine meadows, rocky slopes and icy paths. After several hours of climbing, hikers reach the Gergeti Glacier, a vast ice field that stretches across the northwestern slopes of the mountain. The terrain here becomes more rugged, and those hoping to reach the summit should be well prepared and have mountaineering experience. The Gergeti Glacier, also known as the Ortsveri Glacier, lies between 2,900 and 3,200 meters above sea level and offers a surreal landscape of deep blue crevasses and snow-capped slopes. The glacier is a popular destination for day hikes, but requires sturdy shoes and warm clothing, even in summer.

 

Mount Kazbek has deep significance in Georgian mythology. According to an old legend, the mountain is said to be the place where Amirani, the Georgian version of Prometheus, was chained as punishment for stealing fire from the gods. This adds to the mountain’s mystical allure. Whether you are a seasoned mountaineer or a hiker who wants to experience the beauty of the Caucasus, Mount Kazbek offers a unique journey for everyone. From the pilgrimage to Gergeti Trinity Church to the challenging climb over the glacier, this mighty mountain leaves an unforgettable impression.

 

Mount Kazbek 5.054 meter is een van de hoogste en meest iconische bergen in de Kaukasus, gelegen op de grens van Georgië en Rusland. Deze slapende stratovulkaan maakt deel uit van het indrukwekkende Khokh-gebergte en staat bekend om zijn gletsjers, ruige landschappen en spirituele betekenis. De naam Kazbek komt uit het Georgisch en betekent ijzige top, wat perfect past bij de eeuwige sneeuw en gletsjers die de berg bedekken. De beklimming van Mount Kazbek begint meestal in het dorp Stepantsminda, dat ook wel bekendstaat als Kazbegi. Dit kleine bergdorp ligt op ongeveer 1.750 meter hoogte en dient als uitvalsbasis voor avonturiers. De meest iconische start van de hike is de tocht naar de Gergeti Trinity Church, een eeuwenoude kerk op 2.170 meter hoogte, tegen de achtergrond van de machtige Kazbek. Vanaf de kerk begint het echte avontuur. De route leidt door alpenweiden, rotsachtige hellingen en ijzige paden. Na enkele uren klimmen bereiken wandelaars de Gergeti-gletsjer, een uitgestrekt ijsveld dat zich over de noordwestelijke hellingen van de berg uitstrekt. Hier wordt het terrein ruiger, en wie de top wil bereiken, moet goed voorbereid zijn en ervaring hebben met bergbeklimmen. De Gergeti-gletsjer, ook wel bekend als de Ortsveri-gletsjer, ligt tussen 2.900 en 3.200 meter hoogte en biedt een surrealistisch landschap van diepblauwe ijsspleten en besneeuwde hellingen. De gletsjer is een populaire bestemming voor dagwandelingen, maar vereist stevige schoenen en warme kleding, zelfs in de zomer. Of je nu een doorgewinterde bergbeklimmer bent of een wandelaar die de schoonheid van de Kaukasus wil ervaren, Mount Kazbek biedt voor iedereen een unieke reis. Van de pelgrimstocht naar Gergeti Trinity Church tot de uitdagende klim over de gletsjer, deze machtige berg laat een onvergetelijke indruk achter.

Ebensee / Salzkammergut

Austria

Morning hike along Tannensee towards Tannalp, Obwalden, Switzerland.

Surface elevation: 1,976 m.

Thank you for your visits / comments / faves!

Back side of Half Dome, Liberty Cap, Nevada Falls and Little Yosemite Valley seen from John Muir Trail

Yosemite National Park

California

USA

View taken in the Brienz/Meiringen area of Switzerland on 10th October 2006. Canon EOS 350D.

2 4 5 6 7 ••• 22 23