The Alps in Summer: A Different Kind of Escape

Forget the crowds, the queues, and the clichés — summer in the Alps is a revelation. Think snow-capped peaks melting into wildflower-strewn meadows, alpine lakes shimmering under clear blue skies, and fresh, pine-scented air that makes you feel instantly lighter.

Whether you’re hiking along high-altitude ridgelines, cycling through picture-book villages, or simply soaking in the view from a spa perched above the clouds — this is slow travel at its finest.

What to Expect
☀️ Temperatures from June to September hover between 15°C and 25°C — ideal for long days outdoors and cool, restful nights.

🗓 Mid-July to August brings alpine festivals, flower-filled pastures, and the most reliable weather window for longer mountain treks.

🌿 Top Experiences in the Alps This Summer

✨ Wake Up in Style

Start your day in a boutique alpine hotel or chalet — from forest lodges to contemporary mountain retreats like eriro in Austria or The Chedi Andermatt in Switzerland. With views across sweeping valleys and coffee on your private balcony, it’s a morning unlike any other.

🥾 Hike the Best Alpine Trails

The Alps offer hiking for every level of adventurer:

• Five Lakes Trail, Zermatt – with mirror-like lakes reflecting the Matterhorn

• Lechweg Trail, Austria – a gentler route dotted with wild swimming spots and picnic-perfect meadows

• Alta Via 1, Dolomites – a more challenging trek for seasoned hikers

🚴 E-Bike Through the Mountains

Explore effortlessly on two wheels. The Sellaronda MTB Tour is a must for thrill-seekers, while quieter gravel paths in the Engadin region offer a slower pace with stunning views. Many hotels offer e-bike rentals and trail maps for your stay.

🧘‍♀️ Restore with Alpine Wellness

Wellness in the Alps is woven into the landscape. Enjoy outdoor yoga with mountain views, hammams carved into rock, or soak in rooftop hot tubs under the stars. Try glacier-fed cold plunges and herbal saunas at properties like Badrutt’s Palace or Schloss Elmau Luxury Spa Retreat

🛶 Explore Alpine Lakes

• Paddleboard on Lake Brienz

• Swim or kayak in Lake Achensee, Austria

• Discover hidden corners of Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

These crystal-clear waters offer a refreshing counterpart to the mountain trails.

🧀 Flavours of the Alps

Savour rustic, regional cuisine with a view:

• Chez Vrony, Zermatt – traditional dishes made with organic, locally sourced ingredients

• Restaurant Spycher, Zermatt – Swiss classics with flair — think truffle fondue, venison, and mountain wines, with warm, attentive service

• Farm-to-table experiences and wine tastings in South Tyrol or Austrian vineyards add a delicious twist to your journey

🎻 Immerse in Alpine Culture

Summer is festival season. Don’t miss:

• Verbier Festival, Switzerland – world-class classical music in an intimate alpine setting

• Local Bergfeste and village fairs – where folklore, food, and tradition meet

From artisan markets to silent concerts held in natural amphitheatres, there’s always something to discover.

Need-to-Know
🎒 Most mountain hotels open from mid-June to mid-September
🚠 Many cable cars are free or discounted with hotel stays
🧳 Pack for layers — you’ll want hiking gear and something elegant for dinner under the stars