From Zermatt and its Matterhorn to the lakes of Bavaria, Musement shares five of the best summer holidays in the Alps.
It’s easy to associate the Alps with the winter as those craggy snow-capped peaks offer some of the best slopes in Europe for skiing. But with rolling green landscapes, flowing waterways, and sunshine, they’re also quite majestic during the summer and early autumn, the perfect getaway for anyone looking to eschew crowds. Here are five ideas for spending your summer holidays in the Alps.
1. Chamonix, France
Located at the base of the fabled Mont Blanc, Chamonix and its slopes are abuzz during winter—and the town is just as delightful during the summer. The Aiguille du Midi cable car operates year-round and offers sublime views of Mont Blanc, the Glacier des Bossons, the Aiguille Verte peak, the shard-like Aiguille du Dru, and the craggy Aiguilles de Chamonix. While that’s worth the trip alone, there are plenty of activities to enjoy such as climbing, hiking, the underground Grotte de Glace ice cave, paragliding, and mountain biking. You can even hop on the Mont Blanc Tramway for more views.
2. Bormio, Italy
Each winter, this Alpine resort in Northern Lombardy hosts the Alpine World Cup skiing championship. Yet Bormio is just as appealing in the summer as it is in the winter. Stelvio National Park offers hiking, cycling, fishing, and other ways to be at one with nature. The region is also home to healing hot springs that date back to the Roman times as evidenced by the Pliniana spring, named for Pliney the Elder (who sadly perished when trying to rescue a friend from the infamous Mt. Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD).
3. Wilder Kaiser, Austria
Located in the eastern part of the state of Tyrol, Wilder Kaiser is comprised of four main villages, Ellmau, Going, Scheffau, and Söll, and offers a myriad of activities that appeal to all ages. While hiking along the trails, you’ll find climbing areas suited to all ages and experience levels. Anyone looking to explore on two wheels can choose from an array of mountain biking options. Swim in Lake Ahornsee or Badesee Going, enjoy the spa at Kaiserbad Ellmau leisure center, see remnants from the Ice Age in the Moorlands, or ride the gondola from Söll to the Magical Witches’ Water park.
4. Zermatt, Switzerland
While the Matterhorn is on full display in Zermatt any time of the year, summer is especially exquisite for seeing the alpine meadows at their greenest. In addition to all the quintessential summer activities like hiking, climbing, and mountain biking. Plus, the nearby lakes offer an array of activities, from relaxing on the beach of Leisee to fly fishing in Riffelsee to waterskiing in Schailsee. Yet, if you want to nurture your inner winter bunny, you can rise early to go summer skiing on the Theodul Glacier, a sport best experienced while the sun hasn’t peaked.
5. Bavaria, Germany
This alpine German state, home to Munich, is just dreamy in the summertime, thanks a good part to its lake district. where you can relax on the shore or partake in water activities at Eibsee lake, known for its emerald-turquoise water, or Walchensee, a vast blue breathtaking wonder. There are of course several trails for biking and hiking, and if you’d like to get a culture fix, explore Neuschwanstein Castle, which looks like it’s been ripped right out of a storybook.