Final answer:
Travel between Switzerland and Austria is made difficult by the challenging Alpine terrain that includes high peaks, narrow passes, and steep valleys, along with extreme weather conditions and natural hazards like avalanches. The physical geography of this mountainous region inherently hinders travel despite modern infrastructure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary factor that makes travel difficult between Switzerland and Austria is the rugged Alpine terrain that dominates the region. These two landlocked countries in Central Europe are characterized by their mountainous landscapes, which include high peaks, narrow passes, and steep valleys. Travelling through such terrain can be challenging due to the need to navigate through or around mountains, the potential for extreme weather conditions such as heavy snowfall, and the risk of natural hazards like avalanches.
Both Switzerland and Austria have developed infrastructure to facilitate travel, such as tunnels, railroads, and well-maintained roads, but the physical geography of the region inherently makes travel more difficult compared to flat or less mountainous areas. Furthermore, historical contexts, such as the battles between Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces in the Alps during war times, illustrate how the Alpine ranges have long been a formidable barrier to movement and supply.
The Alpine Center, with Liechtenstein nestled between Switzerland and Austria, is a testament to the complex interplay of geography and human endeavour in the region. While modern advancements have mitigated some travel challenges, the geography of the Alps continues to shape the experiences of people and goods in transit between these countries.