For many travellers, summer usually means beaches, city breaks and hot weather. But there is a growing trend for something different: the Alpine Summer.
Instead of chasing the hottest temperatures, more people are looking for cooler mountain escapes, scenic hiking trails, alpine lakes, dramatic viewpoints and fresh air. Euronews recently reported that UK search interest for “alpine summer” is up 82% year-on-year, with travellers looking to swap crowded beaches for cooler mountain destinations, hiking trails and swimming lakes.
That is exactly the kind of travel I love most.
Across Welsh Man Walking, I have put together detailed hiking guides from some of Europe’s most spectacular mountain regions, including the Dolomites in Italy, the Swiss Alps and the fjords of Norway. These are the places where summer feels different: quieter mornings, big mountain views, clear lakes, winding trails and the kind of scenery that makes every climb worth it.
If you are planning an alpine summer hiking trip, here are some of the best walks and mountain destinations to start with.
What is an Alpine Summer?
An alpine summer is simply a summer holiday spent in the mountains rather than at the beach.
It usually means cooler temperatures, high-altitude villages, walking trails, cable cars, mountain lakes, dramatic peaks and long days outdoors. For hikers, it is one of the best ways to enjoy Europe in summer without dealing with the intense heat often found in coastal resorts and busy cities.
The idea also fits into the wider “coolcation” trend, where travellers choose destinations with milder summer weather, especially during periods of extreme heat across Europe.
For me, an alpine summer is about getting into the mountains, walking real trails, staying somewhere scenic and making the most of those long summer days.
Alpine Summer in Italy: Hiking in the Dolomites
The Dolomites are one of the most spectacular mountain regions in Europe and a perfect choice for an alpine summer. The scenery is dramatic, with jagged limestone peaks, high mountain passes, turquoise lakes, rifugios and some of the best balcony views anywhere in the Alps.
Summer in the Dolomites is ideal for hiking because many of the higher routes become more accessible, cable cars are running, mountain huts are open and the trails offer everything from easy panoramic walks to tougher mountain days.
I have created a page full of hikes in the Dolomites and Places to Stay for all abilities, and it’s still growing.
- Alpine Summer Holidays, Hiking in Europe: Italy, Switzerland and Norway Walks for Families & Mountain Lovers
Instead of chasing the hottest temperatures, more people are looking for cooler mountain escapes, scenic hiking trails, alpine lakes, dramatic viewpoints and fresh air. Euronews recently reported that UK search interest for “alpine summer” is up 82% year-on-year, with travellers looking to swap crowded beaches for cooler mountain destinations, hiking trails and swimming lakes. - Monte Elmo (Helm) Hike from Versciaco (San Candido) — Panoramic Ridge Walk to Sillianer Hütte
If you want the big view day without doing anything sketchy or technical, Monte Elmo (Helm) is perfect. You’re walking right on the Italian–Austrian border ridge, with the Dolomites to one side and wide Alpine horizons to the other, plus a very achievable summit if you use the lifts to get you up high quickly. And there’s a real bit of history up here too: this whole ridge was tangled up in the WW1 era border story, and you still see traces of old military stuff dotted around the top. - Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circular Walk from Rifugio Auronzo (Classic 3 Peaks Loop) – UNESCO site, Dolomites, Italy.This is the classic Tre Cime di Lavaredo walk, the one most people picture when they think of the Dolomites. By driving (or bussing) up to Rifugio Auronzo, you start high and keep the walk to a very manageable loop while still getting huge views almost the entire way. The route circles the Three Peaks on wide, well-made trails, passes some of the best rifugi in the area, and never really feels remote or technical. It does get very busy, and once you’re there ready to start you’ll see why.
Where to Stay in the Dolomites –
For an alpine summer in Italy, choosing the right base makes a big difference. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Selva di Val Gardena, Ortisei and Corvara are all strong options depending on which walks you want to do.
I have also put together a guide to some of the best hotels with mountain views in the Dolomites, which is ideal if you want accommodation that feels part of the experience rather than just somewhere to sleep.
Alpine Summer in Switzerland: Hiking Around Interlaken and Grindelwald
Switzerland is one of the classic alpine summer destinations. It has mountain trains, glacier views, traditional villages, turquoise lakes and some of the most scenic hiking routes in Europe.
The Jungfrau Region is especially good because places like Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and Wengen give you easy access to high mountain trails without needing to hire a car, and have great accommodation options for travellers.
- Alpine Summer Holidays, Hiking in Europe: Italy, Switzerland and Norway Walks for Families & Mountain Lovers
Instead of chasing the hottest temperatures, more people are looking for cooler mountain escapes, scenic hiking trails, alpine lakes, dramatic viewpoints and fresh air. Euronews recently reported that UK search interest for “alpine summer” is up 82% year-on-year, with travellers looking to swap crowded beaches for cooler mountain destinations, hiking trails and swimming lakes. - Day 1 – 4 Day Breathtaking Hike Trip Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen Circular – Jungfrau Region, Switzerland
I have done this trip in the Jungfrau Region before, and wanted to mention it because the time of year and the weather are two factors you need to consider when looking to do these trails. I went first end of April beginning of May, I got some great deals on flights, trains and hotels, so it is a good time to go, but as I found out the trains to the top of the mountains only run for a certain number of months. - Day 2 – Hiking from Interlaken to Grindelwald via Schynige Platte & Berglauenen, to see The North Face of the Eiger!
The day before, we looked up at the mountain (Schynige Platte) we were heading to and all seemed fine, no snow, no rain, and it was pretty clear, which wasn’t the case the next morning. We woke up to pretty much a monsoon whilst we were getting ready, and then we discovered that 6 inches of snow had fallen over night at the top of the mountain.
Alpine Summer in Norway: Fjords, Cliffs and Cooler Mountain Trails
Norway might not always be the first place people think of when they hear “alpine summer”, but it absolutely fits the idea. In fact, if you want dramatic scenery, cooler summer temperatures and unforgettable hiking routes, Norway is one of the best places in Europe.
The landscapes are different from Italy and Switzerland. Instead of classic alpine villages and limestone peaks, you get fjords, cliffs, waterfalls, mountain plateaus and vast open views.
- Alpine Summer Holidays, Hiking in Europe: Italy, Switzerland and Norway Walks for Families & Mountain LoversInstead of chasing the hottest temperatures, more people are looking for cooler mountain escapes, scenic hiking trails, alpine lakes, dramatic viewpoints and fresh air. Euronews recently reported that UK search interest for “alpine summer” is up 82% year-on-year, with travellers looking to swap crowded beaches for cooler mountain destinations, hiking trails and swimming lakes.
- Kayak Lysefjord – 3 Hour Guided Kayaking Adventure on a Norwegian Fjord with Nordic Paddling.
Region: Stavanger, Norway Place To Stay: Stavanger is the closest city to Lysefjord, and is more than likely where you will fly into. You can… Read more: Kayak Lysefjord – 3 Hour Guided Kayaking Adventure on a Norwegian Fjord with Nordic Paddling. - Hike to Fantapytten from Høllesliheia – Lysefjord’s Infinity Pool, A return hike along several Mountain Cliffs and Gorges with Out of thie World Panoramic View-points.Hiking to Fantapytten, Lysefjord’s ‘Infinity Pool’, is a tough task, and should not be tried if you have mobility issues, or you’re not used to hiking. BUT, if you can do it, it will take your breath away, it’s a brand new trail, and you’ll spend approximately 75% of your time close along the fjord.
Fantapytten is a spectacular hike near Lysefjord, with dramatic cliff scenery, mountain pools and huge panoramic views. It is exactly the kind of walk that makes Norway such a strong alpine summer destination.
This route gives you that mix of wild landscape, exposed viewpoints and peaceful mountain terrain that feels completely different from the busier parts of the Alps.
Best for: fjord views, mountain pools and dramatic Norwegian scenery.
Kjeragbolten is one of Norway’s most famous hiking destinations, known for the boulder wedged between the cliffs high above Lysefjord. It is a challenging walk, but the views are incredible.
This is a route for confident hikers who want a big mountain day and one of Norway’s most iconic viewpoints.
Best for: adventure, famous photo spots and dramatic cliff scenery.
Pulpit Rock is one of Norway’s best-known hikes and a brilliant introduction to fjord hiking. The walk leads to a huge cliff platform high above Lysefjord, with one of the most famous views in the country.
It is popular, but it remains one of those walks that is absolutely worth doing, especially if you start early or visit outside the busiest part of the day.
Best for: iconic views, first-time Norway hikers and fjord scenery.
Italy, Switzerland or Norway: Which Alpine Summer Destination Should You Choose?
If you want classic alpine scenery, rifugios, dramatic limestone peaks and beautiful mountain villages, choose the Dolomites in Italy. If you want easy transport, mountain railways, glacier views, lakes and polished hiking infrastructure, Switzerland is hard to beat.
If you want wilder landscapes, fjords, cliffs, waterfalls and cooler summer temperatures, Norway is probably the most dramatic choice. All three offer something different, and together they make a perfect starting point for planning an alpine summer hiking adventure in Europe.
Tips for Planning an Alpine Summer Hiking Trip
Even in summer, mountain weather can change quickly, so it is important to plan properly. Check the forecast, carry layers, take enough water, download your GPX route and make sure the walk is suitable for your fitness and experience.
Accommodation can also book up quickly in popular alpine areas, especially in places like Cortina, Grindelwald, Interlaken, Lofoten and the main Norwegian fjord regions. If you are travelling in July or August, it is worth booking early.
For many routes, cable cars, mountain railways and buses can make planning much easier, but always check the latest timetables before setting off.
Final Thoughts
The rise of the alpine summer trend makes complete sense. More people are looking for summer holidays that feel cooler, more active and more connected to nature.
For hikers, it is one of the best ways to travel. You can spend your days walking through mountain landscapes, swimming in lakes, staying in scenic villages and enjoying some of the most spectacular views in Europe.
Whether you choose the Dolomites, the Swiss Alps or the fjords of Norway, an alpine summer is about escaping the heat, getting into the mountains and making the most of long days outdoors.
If you are planning your own trip, start with the walking guides below and build your route around the places that inspire you most.