Coolcation in the mountains – how altitude really turns into relaxation
The right accommodation, a smart daily rhythm and tours that don't lie in the blazing sun for hours. No weather promises – but things you can influence.
What is a coolcation?
Coolcation is an English name for a fairly old idea: when it gets hot down below, you simply head up into the mountains. Not to freeze through the whole holiday – but to sleep better, hike more comfortably and spend the midday heat by the stream instead of in a traffic jam.
And the best part: The altitude works for you. All accommodations on this page lie above 800 metres above sea level – there, summer is naturally airier than in the valley. Entirely without air conditioning.
Our yardstick: “Escaping the heat” is a good holiday direction. “Guaranteed heat-free” would simply be dishonest.
Altitude helps – and the location does the rest
A hut at 1,800 metres is a different starting point than an attic flat in the valley. Add a few things that make summer even more pleasant: shade at the house, a cool bedroom and forest or stream nearby.
High up: often more pleasant mornings and evenings, but the approach and weather changes can be more demanding. Comfort location: you stay somewhat lower, but reach higher areas effortlessly by bus and mountain railway.
The mountain night is your air conditioning
In the mountains, the night cools by itself – usually much more than in the valley. You just have to let the freshness into the house and keep it there during the day. It takes no more than a few simple steps.
The AGES also recommends exactly that: air early, in the evening and at night, darken during the day.
Out early, slow at midday, back outside in the evening
You don't have to get up at five every day. But on really hot days the morning belongs to the trails, midday to the shade and the evening to the terrace – on the mountain the air quickly turns light again, while in the valley it still stands still.
Drinking enough is part of it. As a thirst quencher, alcohol is about as helpful as a wood stove in August.
The Austrian health portal recommends drinking regularly – ideally water or unsweetened teas.
Hiking on hot days – no problem with the right trails
On the mountain, hiking is good even in high summer – if the tour fits. Forest paths, north faces, water along the way and higher destinations are the nicer choice on hot days than the long, shadeless southern ascent.
Basics of tour planning: 10 recommendations for mountain hiking from the Alpenverein (Alpine Club).
With children or a dog: altitude helps, planning too
Children and dogs benefit from the mountain air just as much – shade, water, trail length and the option to turn back at any time remain important.
With children: short trails, early starts, drinking breaks and a shady spot at the accommodation. With a dog: check water along the way beforehand, avoid hot ground – more in our safety chapter and on Holidays with a dog.
Arrival without a hot car park marathon
A good coolcation doesn't start with four hours of traffic jam. In the Kleinwalsertal you take the train to Oberstdorf and then use the WalserBus – at the Walser Lodge the stop is nearby.
At the Zarze, the ascent is part of it. At Pietschacher and Breitberg you drive right up to the hut. That's not a difference in quality – just a different holiday.
What really comes along on hot mountain days
For outdoors: water bottle, sun protection, headwear, light clothing, sturdy shoes. For the mountain: light rain jacket, warm layer, offline map and first-aid kit – high summer doesn't mean a weather guarantee.
Frequently asked questions about coolcation
All accommodations on this page lie above 800 metres. Even 1,100 metres can be noticeably more pleasant if location and house fit – 1,700 or 1,880 metres are considerably more alpine.
No. Coolcation is about location and daily rhythm, not about giving up comfort. The Walser Lodge shows that a modern holiday flat also fits the theme well.
Easily reachable houses like Pietschacher, Walser Lodge or Breitberg are less complicated. At the Zarze, the approach is deliberately part of the experience.
Not in principle. Ask about shading, ventilation and bedroom position – large windows are lovely, but also warm in high summer.
Reduce tours, avoid the midday heat, drink enough and look after more sensitive companions. Seek medical help if symptoms occur.
You want to enjoy summer, not fight it?
In the hut finder, “Escaping the heat” is already selected.