Blossoms and water
Lovely valley and alpine pasture trails. Choose higher tours only according to current conditions.
Guide to mountain summer
Summer holidays in the mountains – well planned, experienced at ease
The right location, a realistic daily plan and enough freedom for weather, water and breaks. That's how many possibilities become a holiday that doesn't have to be reorganised every morning.
01 · Travel season
Early summer, high summer or mountain autumn?
Each season has its own character. In early summer the meadows bloom, some higher trails still carry snow. In high summer, lakes and long evenings beckon. In autumn, trails and huts often become quieter, but some alpine pastures and mountain railways close earlier.
Lakes and early starts
Hiking in the morning, water and shade in the hot hours.
Clear air and autumn
Quieter trails, mushrooms, Almabtrieb (cattle drive) and shorter days.
Please always check the opening times of alpine pastures, mountain railways and excursion destinations for your actual travel dates.
02 · The right starting point
High alpine pasture, hut by the forest or a flat with a bus connection?
The right accommodation doesn't depend on the view alone. Consider how often you want to drive, whether an approach on foot is part of it, whether children are travelling with you and how important shopping, a lake or a mountain railway are.
Honest details matter more to us than a spectacular headline – our accommodations state what the location and trails are really like.
03 · Hiking
The tour suits the whole group – not just the strongest
Check trail length, metres of altitude, difficulty, weather and the way back. Better to start smaller on the first day of the holiday. A good rhythm and enough reserves bring more joy than a too-ambitious start.
Alpenverein principle: careful planning, complete equipment, suitable footwear and realistic self-assessment make mountain hiking safer and more enjoyable.
04 · Cycling
Valley cycle path, forest road or mountain bike tour?
The term “cycling” says little about the route. Pay attention to surface, gradient, traffic, riding bans and your own reserves. Downhill especially takes concentration.
In Austria, helmet requirements apply to children depending on age; since May 2026, an extended helmet requirement applies to e-bikes up to the age of 14.
05 · Mountain and swimming lakes
A swimming day doesn't need a summit first
A lake can be the destination of a hike – or simply the whole holiday day. Mountain lakes are often cold and unsupervised. At swimming lakes, signs, swimming zones and supervision duties apply.
06 · Weather & heat
Start early, don't force everything at midday
In a mountain summer, sun, heat, thunderstorms, rain and cool evenings can all occur on the same holiday day. Earlier starts help with heat and thunderstorm tendency – but they don't replace a weather check.
07 · With children or a dog
Short trails, shade and water are often more important than the big destination
With children, visible destinations like an alpine pasture, stream, animals or a lake help. With a dog, water, ground, grazing animals and leash rules count.
In both cases, the daily plan should have reserves – take breaks early, keep the way back in mind.
08 · Enjoying regionally
The summer evening is allowed to taste of the region
Farm shop, farmers' market or regional producer: cheese, bread, eggs, meat, vegetables and honey make self-catering easier. Barbecuing isn't just for high summer – a cool evening by the fire is part of a mountain holiday too.
09 · Packing list
What almost always comes along in a mountain summer
10 · A loose weekly plan
Not every day needs a big goal
Arriving
A short walk from the hut, shopping, eating outside.
Hiking
A suitable tour with an alpine pasture or lake as the destination.
Water & rest
Swimming lake, stream or an afternoon at the hut.
Bike or outing
Valley cycle path, mountain railway or a regional market.
Free day
Let weather and mood decide.
Repeat the favourite spot
Not everything has to be new to stay good.
The best mountain summer isn't the one with the most metres of altitude, but the one you like to think back on.
Once more, briefly
Frequently asked questions about summer holidays
When is the best time for a summer holiday in the mountains?
That depends on altitude and activity. In early summer the alpine pastures bloom, in high summer lakes and higher trails beckon, in autumn the days become quieter and clearer. Mountain railways, alpine pastures and trails have different seasons.
Do we have to be particularly sporty for a mountain holiday?
No. Walking paths, alpine pastures, swimming lakes, valley cycle paths and mountain railways make a mountain summer possible even without a summit programme.
Which accommodation suits families?
Short distances, safe surroundings, enough space and activities that suit the children's age matter more than as many metres of altitude as possible.
Can I combine hiking and swimming?
Yes. Many regions combine easy hiking trails with swimming lakes, mountain lakes or pools. The actual distance is stated with the accommodation or region.
Is cycling possible directly from the hut?
At several houses, forest roads, valley cycle paths or mountain bike routes start nearby. Route and surface should match riding ability.
What belongs in the backpack even in summer?
Water, sun and rain protection, a warm layer, sturdy shoes, phone, map and a small first-aid kit.
The summer plan is set. Now the hut is missing.
In the hut finder, “hiking & mountain holidays” is already selected – or tell us who you’re travelling with and we’ll search with you.