Most Beautiful Alpine Towns to Visit in Summer
There’s something truly magical about the Alps in summer. While the winter months might steal the spotlight with their snow-covered slopes and ski chalets, the warmer season reveals a completely different side to this iconic mountain range—one of lush green valleys, wildflower-strewn meadows, mirror-like lakes, and quiet cobbled villages where time seems to slow down.
From France to Austria, the Alps stretch across some of Europe’s most picturesque corners, dotted with colourful towns that feel pulled straight from a storybook. Think wooden chalets decked with flower boxes, trails that start from your doorstep, and long sunny days spent hiking, cycling or simply watching the clouds drift by with a coffee (or a glass of crisp white wine) in hand.
In this guide, we’re exploring the most beautiful Alpine towns to visit in summer—whether you’re after a peaceful nature retreat, a base for outdoor adventures, or a postcard-perfect village to unwind and soak up the views. We’re keeping it strictly Alpine here, with stunning spots across France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Germany—each one offering its own unique charm.
Annecy, France
Why visit in summer
Set at the foot of the French Alps near the Swiss border, Annecy is often dubbed the “Venice of the Alps”—and for good reason. Its pastel-hued Old Town, laced with canals and flower-covered bridges, sits beside one of Europe’s cleanest lakes, surrounded by soaring peaks. In summer, Annecy transforms into an outdoor haven: the lake shimmers in the sunshine, trails open for hiking and biking, and café terraces fill with locals enjoying long, sun-soaked afternoons. It’s the kind of place where alpine adventure meets laid-back lakeside living.
Top things to do
Wander the canals of the Old Town and visit the Château d’Annecy
Swim, paddleboard or kayak in Lake Annecy’s turquoise waters
Cycle the scenic 42km lakeside loop (e-bike friendly!)
Hike to panoramic viewpoints like Semnoz or Mont Veyrier
Enjoy dinner at sunset in lakeside Albigny
Hidden gem
Time your visit for the Fête du Lac in early August—a stunning fireworks show over the lake, choreographed to music and drawing visitors from across France.
Annecy, France.
Chamonix, France
Why visit in summer
Chamonix might be one of Europe’s most iconic ski resorts, but in summer it offers a whole new kind of magic. Nestled at the base of Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest peak, this high-mountain town buzzes with climbers, hikers and laid-back travellers soaking in the epic scenery. Long, sunny days make it ideal for exploring the trails, riding cable cars to dizzying viewpoints, or just watching the peaks glow pink at sunset from a terrace with a drink in hand.
Top things to do
Ride the Aiguille du Midi cable car for jaw-dropping views over Mont Blanc
Hike the Grand Balcon Nord or Lac Blanc trail
Try paragliding, mountain biking or trail running
Take the train to the Mer de Glace, France’s largest glacier
Stroll the vibrant town centre and sample Savoyard cuisine
Hidden gem
Head to the less-visited hamlet of Les Bois for peaceful forest walks and views of the Drus—one of the Alps’ most dramatic rock formations.
Chamonix, France.
Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Why visit in summer
Tucked into a glacial valley flanked by vertical cliffs and dotted with waterfalls, Lauterbrunnen is one of the most striking villages in the Swiss Alps. Summer reveals its full cinematic beauty: green meadows carpeted in wildflowers, cowbells echoing across the valley, and meltwater cascading from 72 waterfalls. With easy access to mountain adventures and car-free villages like Wengen and Mürren, Lauterbrunnen is both a serene base and a gateway to some of Switzerland’s best alpine scenery.
Top things to do
Walk the flower-filled path to Trümmelbach Falls, hidden inside a cliff
Take the cogwheel train up to Wengen or hike to Mürren
Ride the cable car to Schilthorn for panoramic views of the Bernese Alps
Visit Staubbach Falls, one of Europe’s highest free-falling waterfalls
Try a scenic paraglide over the valley for unforgettable views
Hidden gem
Stop by the lesser-known hamlet of Gimmelwald—a rustic, off-the-beaten-path village with jaw-dropping views and a peaceful, timeless atmosphere.
Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Why visit in summer
Set beneath the towering Matterhorn, Zermatt is a car-free alpine town that’s just as impressive in summer as it is in ski season. With its fresh mountain air, wildflower-strewn hiking trails, and jaw-dropping glacier views, it’s a dream for outdoor lovers. Summer in Zermatt is all about alpine adventure with a luxury twist—think panoramic train rides, scenic hikes, boutique hotels, and crisp wine on sunny terraces.
Top things to do
Hike the Five Lakes Trail for perfect reflections of the Matterhorn
Take the Gornergrat railway up to one of the most scenic viewing platforms in Europe
Ride the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car for year-round snow
Enjoy fine dining or a spa treatment at one of Zermatt’s elegant hotels
Explore the charming car-free streets and stylish alpine shops
Hidden gem
Visit the tiny alpine hamlet of Findeln above Zermatt, home to some of the area’s best mountain restaurants—with unbeatable views and fewer crowds.
Zermatt, Switzerland.
Soglio, Switzerland
Why visit in summer
Often described as the “gateway to paradise” by poet Rainer Maria Rilke, Soglio is a tiny stone village perched on a sun-drenched terrace in the Bregaglia Valley. Unlike the big alpine names, this one flies well under the radar—making it perfect for travellers seeking tranquillity, authenticity, and views that seem painted rather than real. In summer, Soglio is a haven of cobbled lanes, flower-filled gardens, and dramatic peaks rising all around.
Top things to do
Wander the narrow alleys past stone houses and alpine gardens
Hike the panoramic Sentiero Panoramico trail above the valley
Visit the Church of San Lorenzo for peaceful views over the mountains
Explore the artists’ workshops and historic Hotel Palazzo Salis
Watch the sunset over the granite peaks of the Sciora group
Hidden gem
Take the short but stunning trail from Soglio to Castasegna through ancient chestnut groves—an easy hike with shady stretches and sweeping valley views.
Soglio, Switzerland.
Vipiteno (Sterzing), Italy
Why visit in summer
Tucked into a valley at the northern edge of Italy’s South Tyrol region, Vipiteno (also known by its German name, Sterzing) is a colourful blend of Alpine and Italian charm. Once a medieval trading post, the town today is a relaxed summer escape where pastel-painted houses line cobbled streets and the surrounding peaks beckon with forest trails and cable cars. Summer here is all about lazy strolls, mountain hikes, and hearty Tyrolean meals under the sun.
Top things to do
Wander the pedestrianised Old Town with its pastel facades and Gothic towers
Take the cable car up to Monte Cavallo for panoramic hikes and alpine pastures
Sample local speck and cheese at traditional South Tyrolean restaurants
Visit the Zwölferturm (Twelfth Tower) for town views
Day trip to nearby alpine lakes like Lago di Racines
Hidden gem
Head to the nearby Gilfenklamm (Ratschings Gorge), where a wooden walkway winds through marble cliffs, past waterfalls and mossy rock walls—a shaded adventure perfect for hot days.
Sterzing, Italy.
Ortisei (Val Gardena), Italy
Why visit in summer
Located in the heart of the Dolomites, Ortisei is a picture-perfect alpine town where dramatic limestone peaks rise above rolling green meadows and flower-filled balconies. In summer, it becomes a base for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers exploring the incredible scenery of Val Gardena. With its blend of Ladin, Italian, and Austrian culture, Ortisei offers not just beauty—but a warm and welcoming atmosphere too.
Top things to do
Ride the Seceda cable car for one of the most iconic views in the Dolomites
Hike the Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm), Europe’s largest alpine plateau
Explore the town’s woodcarving shops and Ladin heritage
Relax in a café on the pedestrian promenade with a spritz or gelato
Visit the Church of St. Ulrich for traditional alpine architecture
Hidden gem
Venture out early to the Resciesa Plateau for a peaceful sunrise hike—the soft morning light over the Dolomites is pure magic, and you might have the trail all to yourself.
Ortisei, Italy.
Aosta, Italy
Why visit in summer
Tucked in a wide alpine valley near the French and Swiss borders, Aosta is a fascinating blend of Roman ruins, medieval charm, and soaring mountain views. It’s one of the few alpine towns where you can wander through ancient arches in the morning and hike glacial valleys by afternoon. In summer, Aosta basks in sunshine, with vibrant markets, nearby national parks, and easy access to some of Italy’s most scenic alpine trails.
Top things to do
Explore Roman sites like the Arch of Augustus and the Teatro Romano
Ride the cable car up to Pila for panoramic hikes and MTB trails
Wander the old town’s stone streets and sample local Fontina cheese
Day trip to Gran Paradiso National Park for wildlife spotting
Visit medieval castles scattered across the valley
Hidden gem
Stop by the Marché Agricole—a weekly farmer’s market where you can sample Valdostan honey, mountain cheeses, and handmade liqueurs straight from the producers.
Aosta, Italy.
Hallstatt, Austria
Why visit in summer
Clinging to the edge of a glassy lake and backed by soaring mountains, Hallstatt looks like it’s been lifted straight out of a fairytale. Summer brings long, golden days perfect for exploring the town’s historic alleys, lakeside walks, and nearby salt caves. Although it’s no longer a secret, Hallstatt still rewards visitors who linger into the evenings or head up into the hills to escape the crowds and soak in the alpine calm.
Top things to do
Stroll the lakefront promenade and snap that famous postcard view
Take a boat out on Lake Hallstatt or hop on a scenic ferry
Visit the Hallstatt Salt Mine and Skywalk viewpoint
Wander the market square and visit the bone chapel in the Catholic church
Hike or e-bike up to the Echern Valley for quieter trails and waterfalls
Hidden gem
Catch the first boat or stay overnight to experience Hallstatt before the day-trippers arrive—early morning mist over the lake and empty streets give the town a dreamy, timeless quality.
Hallstatt, Austria.
Alpbach, Austria
Why visit in summer
Voted Austria’s most beautiful village, Alpbach is a floral wonderland in summer. Wooden chalets with carved balconies overflow with bright red geraniums, and the surrounding hills come alive with green pastures and pine forests. Perched on a sunny plateau in the Tyrolean Alps, it’s the perfect place to unwind, hike at your own pace, and take in the slower rhythm of alpine life.
Top things to do
Wander the village and admire its traditional wooden architecture
Hike to Wiedersbergerhorn for panoramic views and alpine huts
Visit the Alpbach Farmhouse Museum to learn about Tyrolean life
Use the Alpbachtal Card for free cable cars and public transport
Relax in the quiet of high alpine meadows, perfect for picnics
Hidden gem
Take the easy walk from Alpbach to the quiet hamlet of Inneralpbach—fewer visitors, untouched mountain scenery, and a lovely place for lunch with a view.
Alpbach, Austria.
Zell am See, Austria
Why visit in summer
Zell am See offers the ultimate alpine triple threat: lake, mountain and glacier—all in one place. Set beside the turquoise waters of Lake Zell and framed by the snow-dusted peaks of the Hohe Tauern, this small Austrian town is buzzing in summer with swimmers, cyclists, and hikers making the most of the outdoors. Whether you’re after a relaxing lakeside holiday or an active alpine escape, Zell am See delivers.
Top things to do
Swim, paddleboard or cruise on Lake Zell’s clear blue water
Take the Schmittenhöhe cable car for sweeping mountain views and trails
Ride the Glacier Jet to the top of Kitzsteinhorn for summer snow
Walk or cycle the 11km path around the lake
Dine at a lakeside restaurant with sunset views over the water
Hidden gem
Visit the charming Elisabethpark for a peaceful break by the lake—and don’t miss the nearby Romanesque church of St. Hippolyt, one of the oldest in the region.
Zell am See, Austria.
Mittenwald, Germany
Why visit in summer
Tucked between the Karwendel and Wetterstein mountains, Mittenwald is a colourful Bavarian village known for its painted façades and centuries-old violin-making tradition. In summer, the town is a peaceful base for alpine hikes, gorges, and lazy afternoons with a beer in hand. With pastel buildings, flower-filled balconies, and backdrop views that look almost too perfect, Mittenwald is often overlooked—and all the better for it.
Top things to do
Wander the historic Altstadt and admire the Lüftlmalerei murals
Visit the Geigenbaumuseum to learn about Mittenwald’s violin-making history
Hike the Leutaschklamm gorge for waterfalls and cliffwalks
Ride the Karwendelbahn cable car to 2,244m for ridge walks and photo ops
Try hearty Bavarian fare at a traditional beer garden with mountain views
Hidden gem
Head up early to Lautersee or Ferchensee—two mountain lakes just above town that are perfect for a morning dip or a quiet forest walk before the midday hikers arrive.
Mittenwald, Germany.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
Why visit in summer
As Germany’s most famous alpine resort, Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers a winning mix of culture, outdoor adventure and striking natural beauty. Sitting at the foot of the Zugspitze—the highest peak in Germany—it’s a dream destination for hikers, climbers and anyone who wants to breathe in that pure alpine air. Summer brings wildflower-filled meadows, mountain lakes, and open-air cafés, all wrapped in classic Bavarian charm.
Top things to do
Take the Zugspitzbahn cogwheel train to the summit of Zugspitze
Hike the stunning Partnachklamm gorge through narrow rock walls and waterfalls
Explore the traditional frescoed streets of Partenkirchen’s old quarter
Visit the Olympic Ski Stadium and walk up to the Eckbauer for peaceful views
Enjoy a cold Weißbier and a plate of käsespätzle in a shady beer garden
Hidden gem
Head to the nearby village of Wamberg—Germany’s highest church village—for a quiet hike, sweeping views of the Alps, and a glimpse of rural mountain life far from the main trail.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.
Honorable Mentions
Not every alpine escape gets the spotlight it deserves. These lesser-known towns might not be on every postcard, but they’re every bit as scenic—and often far quieter than their famous neighbours.
Bad Gastein, Austria
A historic spa town perched on a cliffside, with Belle Époque buildings, thermal springs and misty mountain views. Perfect for those after a mix of wellness and hiking.
Evolène, Switzerland
Deep in the Val d’Hérens, Evolène is a charming traditional village where you’ll still hear the local patois spoken. Come for the hiking, stay for the peace and authenticity.
Les Gets, France
Popular in winter, but underrated in summer—Les Gets offers mountain biking, meadows full of alpine wildflowers, and a family-friendly atmosphere without the summer crowds of nearby Chamonix.
Seefeld in Tirol, Austria
A high plateau village near Innsbruck that’s perfect for scenic walks, cycling, and relaxed afternoons in cafés. Its slower pace makes it ideal for a low-key mountain break.
Evolène, Switzerland.
Summer in the Alps is a best-kept secret waiting to be discovered. Far from the buzz of ski lifts and après-ski bars, these alpine towns reveal a softer, slower rhythm—where lakes sparkle under the sun, wildflowers colour the hillsides, and life spills out onto cobbled squares and quiet mountain paths.
Whether you’re chasing high-altitude hikes, fairy-tale villages, or peaceful spots to switch off for a while, the Alps deliver all that and more. So skip the beach crowds this summer and head for the hills—you might just find your new favourite escape above the clouds.
