Summer holidays in Austria

Get out, dive in, stay outside longer

To the alpine pasture in the morning, to the lake at midday and sitting in front of the hut long into the evening. Summer in the mountains doesn’t have to be a sports programme. It can combine movement, water, peace and time together in a single holiday place.

Personally checkedMountain summer
like it used to be
1
Hiking from the hutTrails often begin right outside the door
2
Water nearbySwimming lakes, mountain lakes, streams and ponds
3
Honestly describedLocation and trails are stated honestly
4
Personally checkedWe know our hosts
Selected by us

Four different ways to experience the mountain summer

High up on the alpine pasture, by a private pond, simply at the forest edge or comfortably with bus and mountain lifts.

Zarze Almhütte in Matrei in Osttirol
High alpineMatrei · East Tyrol

Zarze Almhütte

At 1,880 metres, with an approach on foot and hiking trails in the Hohe Tauern. For everyone who really wants to get up high.

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Mühlenhütte am Privatteich im Mostviertel
WaterPielachtal · Lower Austria

Mühlenhütte

Private pond, rowing boat, forest and room for up to five. A summer place for quiet days by the water.

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Waldhüttl am Karwendelgebirge
Simply outdoorsKarwendel · Tyrol

Waldhüttl

Hiking trails and forest roads from the hut, barbecue area and farm shop next door. Lots of summer, little effort.

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Walser Lodge im Kleinwalsertal
Comfort & mountain liftsKleinwalsertal · Vorarlberg

Walser Lodge

Bus outside the door, hiking trails and in summer several mountain lifts included. Good for a mountain summer without a daily car trip.

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The summer magazine

A mountain summer has more than just one summit

Each card leads to the matching chapter in the guide or to its own in-depth page.

01 · Trails

Hiking directly from the hut

From a stroll to a day tour: the right route begins with an honest self-assessment.

Plan hiking
02 · Water

Mountain lakes and swimming lakes

Walk first, then swim – or spend the whole day by the water. Both are part of summer.

Plan a swimming day
03 · Bike

Cycling between valley and alpine pasture

Valley cycle path, forest road or mountain bike tour: the route has to suit the group.

Choose a bike tour
04 · Family

Summer without a constant programme

A stream, animals, forest and a small Jause (snack) often take children surprisingly far.

To family holidays
05 · Sommerfrische

Up high when it gets hot down below

Altitude, shade and a clever daily rhythm make hot days more pleasant.

Escape the heat
06 · Enjoyment

Shop regionally and barbecue

Farm shop, farmers’ market and barbecue evenings make the evening in front of the hut special.

Shop regionally
Summer is allowed to suit you

Summit, lake or simply the terrace?

Couples, families, solo travellers and friends don’t need the same holiday day. In the hut finder you additionally choose number of people, dog, sauna, region and travel time.

No compulsory programme. The best mountain summer is not the one with the most metres of altitude, but the one you like to think back on.

Frequently asked

Summer in the mountains – briefly answered

When is the best time for summer holidays 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 lifts, alpine pastures and trails have different season times.

Do we have to be especially sporty for a mountain holiday?

No. Walking paths, alpine pastures, swimming lakes, valley cycle paths and mountain lifts 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 exact 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 begin nearby. Route and surface should suit your riding ability.

What belongs in the rucksack even in summer?

Water, sun and rain protection, a warm layer, sturdy shoes, phone, map and a small first-aid kit.

Summer outside the hut door?

In the hut finder, “Hiking & mountain holidays” is already set – or tell us who you are travelling with and we’ll search with you.