Swiss, Austrian & German Alps

Snow-capped mountains piercing the sky, Alpine lakes lapping against sun-drenched shores, and a range of outdoor activities to get your heart pumping; it’s no wonder the Alps are among the most popular travel destinations on the planet. Stretching over 750 miles and spanning eight countries, the iconic mountain range displays nature at its best. In summer, Alpine valleys blossom with a verdant array of flora that encircles traditional villages and emerald lakes. In the colder months, waterfalls freeze, lakes frost over, and blankets of snow cover mountainsides, forming a winter wonderland befitting any fairytale.

Austria, Alps

Photo by Daniel Muller

Overview

When’s the best time to go to Swiss, Austrian & German Alps?

The Alps boast activities throughout the year for a whole spectrum of travelers, from mountain thrill-seekers to families on a relaxing break. Winter lures skiers, snowboarders, and shoppers seeking unique gifts at the various Christmas markets. Towns like St. Moritz and Zermatt are full of glitz and glamour, while St. Anton and Verbier appeal to those looking to shred up the piste and then dip into a thumping après-ski scene. In the summer months, climbers tackle a plethora of novice ascents and challenging, multi-day hikes, while cyclists head to the mountainous foothills, where trails wind around shimmering lakes, into forests, and alongside fields of deer, ibex, and other Alpine wildlife. Of course, cities like Salzburg, Innsbruck, Lucerne, and Munich have year-round appeal thanks to their range of cultural offerings.

How to get around Swiss, Austrian & German Alps

Thanks to well-maintained roads and a punctual train system, traveling through the Alps is actually quite easy. Driving through the mountain range can be somewhat of an adventure—especially on the awe-inspiring grand passes in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland—but border crossings require minimal fuss. Just know that you’ll need to show your passport at certain checkpoints, and that each country may have their own highway toll regulations and vehicle licenses to purchase upon entry. Those wishing to explore the region by train can plot their route through Eurail, which offers access to trains all around Europe.

Can’t miss things to do in Swiss, Austrian & German Alps

The Alps boast some of the most sublime lakes in the world, including Lake Constance, which spans Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Along its 167 miles of shoreline, visitors can find both magical castles and charming towns. Of all the Alpine mountains, the Matterhorn stands above the rest thanks to its almost-symmetrical pointed peak that only the most daring attempt to climb. Other must-see places include the picturesque town of Hallstatt, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road (the highest surfaced mountain pass road in Austria), and the Eisriesenwelt, which is the largest ice cave in the world.

Food and drink to try in Swiss, Austrian & German Alps

While many of Europe’s finest chefs have opened high-end, modern restaurants in the Alps, the region’s traditional cuisine revolves around a few staple dishes. In Switzerland, it’s all about bubbling fondue and dripping wheels of raclette cheese enjoyed in snow-covered Alpine lodges. Austrian fare focuses on hearty meat-and-potato dishes, with Tiroler gröstl (a meat, potatoes, and onion recipe) being a particular favorite, while Germany prefers Weisswurst (thick white sausages) and oversized pretzels. An ancient farming region, the Alps still lead the world in sustainable, small-scale agriculture and organic farming practices, turning out some of the best meats and cheeses in the world. In terms of drinks, beer is a staple, particularly in Bavaria and Salzburg, where the craft brewery movement is thriving. Also popular, however, is Austrian schnaps, a type of distilled fruit brandy produced in the Tyrol region.

Culture in Swiss, Austrian & German Alps

Unsurprisingly, Alpine life very much centers around outdoor adventures. In Switzerland, families spend summer months exploring the mountains, camping by lakes, or sipping locally produced wine until darkness descends in quaint villages. The German and Austrian Alps have a close cultural bond, sharing a strong dedication to Roman Catholicism and a pride for their farms and fairytale castles. Of course, Austrians also enjoy their own traditions, including a love for folk music and brass bands. Come winter, all three countries come alive with Christmas markets and celebrations.

For Families

It’s hard to think of a family vacation as varied as an Alps sojourn. Not only can young ones learn to ski and snowboard under the tutelage of expert instructors, they can also get their adrenaline pumping with backcountry runs and snow-park jumps. The varied trails and winding roads offer never-ending challenges for bikers, while nature reserves provide forays into Alpine wildlife. Families can also look forward to an enchanting range of lakes, as well as roaring rivers for rafters, riverboarders, and kayakers.

Local travel tips for Swiss, Austrian & German Alps

In many Alpine villages, Sunday is a day of rest. Several remain almost completely silent for the entire day but, even during the week, late-night noise is a huge no-no. Up in the mountains, Alpine huts have been providing food and shelter to travelers for centuries, adding a friendly element to backcountry explorations. Language is varied throughout the Alps, with different regions speaking local dialects like Bavarian. Switzerland even has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh.

Guide Editor

Simon Willis is a travel journalist flirting between Europe and South America. As a keen skier and cheese-lover, Simon has spent much of the last decade exploring the Alps, searching for fresh-powder runs and the finest raclette. When keen for a change, he heads to Colombia and Peru, where he has trained to become a cowboy and lived in an Andean Quechua community. His work has appeared in the Washington Post, The Boston Globe, The Guardian, Sky Delta Magazine, and AFAR, among others. You can find him on Twitter at @simonwillis11.

Resources to help plan your trip
Along with Vienna, Salzburg and the Alps are Austria’s top draws and the perfect place to spend the second half of a two week trip. Mozart’s Salzburg is adorned with beautiful gardens, a mighty fortress and great museums. Salzburg is the perfect gateway to the Austrian Alps, dotted with quaint villages like Hallstatt, pristine lakes and Austria’s most well known resorts, including the famous Kitzbühel. Trek through the Alps or just enjoy the views from cities like Salzburg and Innsbruck.
Cold weather is the best excuse to snuggle up. The Alps offer a signature blend of adventure and luxury, tailor-made for the kind of people who seek out the joy of fresh powder. From the slopes to sleigh rides to chalets, the Alps are the perfect place to get cozy.
The Alps are the ultimate playground for stylish outdoor enthusiasts. Spend days skiing powder runs or hiking to alpine lakes, then recover with a spa treatment and gourmet meal at a five-star lodge.
Spanning over 1,000 miles, including 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites, 22 lakes, and Switzerland’s most famous cities, the Grand Tour is a road trip that should be on every traveler’s must-do list. It’s also an odyssey made easy thanks to Swiss efficiency, from charging stations for electric vehicles to the best photo stops mapped for you. Read on for highlights—and make it to the end to learn about a Grand Tour virtual experience that is so cool only the Swiss could pull it off.
The glorious peaks enveloped in pristine snow are just one reason skiers and hikers flock to the French Alps. Another is the scene—here, it’s about as glitzy as it gets, with everything from luxury hotels and Michelin-starred dining to world-class shopping and a lively après-ski nightlife that draws visitors from all over the world.
Whether you’re basing your stay in Switzerland, Austria, or Germany, the Alps offer a range of accommodations. Spend the night at a trendy hotel in the city, relax in style at a lake resort, or sleep slope-side in a mountain chalet.
Clear alpine lakes, bucolic valleys, dramatic craggy peaks, fresh mountain air, perfect chalets, the gentle tinkling of cowbells carried on the breeze: The Swiss Alps remain the most iconic mountain landscape in the world. Drive over breathtaking mountain passes, hike meticulously maintained trails, ski pristine powder, indulge in a world-class spa – the picture-perfect scenery will stay with you long after you leave.
Snowcapped mountains piercing the sky, Alpine lakes lapping against sun-drenched shores, and a range of outdoor activities to get your heart pumping—it’s no wonder the Bavarian Alps continue to draw curious travelers from all over the world. No matter the season, the iconic region displays nature at its best. In summer, Alpine valleys blossom with a verdant array of flora that encircles traditional villages and emerald lakes. In the colder months, waterfalls freeze, lakes frost over, and blankets of snow cover mountainsides, forming a winter wonderland befitting any fairy tale.
Sign up for our newsletter
Join more than a million of the world’s best travelers. Subscribe to the Daily Wander newsletter.