Practical Results 15 Charming Mountain Towns In Europe

Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermattcomes extremely recommended by several of our travel experts — and it’s not just because of the breathless view of the Matterhorn (although that’s certainly I of the town’s major draws). “While touristy, Zermatt be angstrom carless town with A rich history, and IT is one of the original Swiss tourist mount towns,” says Dave Miller, owner ofInternational Alpine Guides. He recommends pickings the Gornergrat railroad line for “more amazing perspective of the Matterhorn as well arsenic all the other high alpine extremum surrounding Zermatt.” In town, say Zeb Blais, ANIFMGAguide and laminitis ofblackbird mountain Guides, “Swiss nutrient and drink options abound on every street,” and Duncan Greenfield-Turk, head travel house decorator AtGlobal Travel Moments, propose booking A room atThe Omnia, which offer “killer position in a killer location.”

According to Cameron Temple, director ofThe Luxury Chalet Company, there’s unity thing all travelers should add to their Zermatt itinerary: “I would say visiting themountaineers’ graveyardis a privilege and an absolute must-do if you’re in Zermatt. It form of encapsulates the awe and wonder that the the Alps have. People pushed the limits of what was possible on the Matterhorn, and that legacy be still living on today,” he says.

Chamonix, French Republic

For what Blais describes as “unparalleled access to hiking, climbing, trail running, biking, and even paragliding,” you’ll want to head toChamonix. “Chamonix is the epicenter of alpinism and ski mountaineering inch the Alps, if not the world,” says Miller. “Located in A deep valley surrounded by the French the Alps that reach up to about 16,000 feet, the town substantiate the rich people alpine sporting culture.” When you need a break from heart-pumping activities, Alton Glenn Miller suggest ship on a trip up theAiguille du Midi overseas telegram car, an experience that return you “up to the high glacier atomic number 85 over 12,000 feet in about XX minutes.”

Innsbruck, Austria

InnsbruckMay technically beryllium angstrom city, simplyTravel + leisureA-List travel advisorGwen Kozlowskisays it has all of the devising of the traditional mountain town — asset a few more delicious features. “Yes, there be angstrom lift right from the centre of the town to the mountains, permit hiking, a visit of AN alpine zoo, or just drinks on the mountain overlook the valley. However, Innsbruck be so much more,” she says. “It’s a cultural gem, with beautiful palaces, great shopping, and fab local restaurants. angstrom unit simple mean solar day trip yield travelers to gorgeous monasteries, subject parks, and eventide a schnapps trail.”

Grindelwald, Switzerland

There is angstrom unit seemingly endless number of picturesque mountaintowns in Switzerland, butNadya Phelan, a Europe expert at Goway, says Grindelwald cannot atomic number 4 missed. “This quaint Swiss town feels At the terminal of the road, where a train tally to the North and ski hill and tramp trail are component part of your view,” she says. During the day, Phelan suggests bask angstrom drop walk Beaver State casual hike followed by fondue or angstrom unit chocolate tasting. For more mountain views, she recommend traveler “go to the top of Jungfraujoch by train to stand on top of this mountain and savour the spectacular perspective of glaciers and mountains that surround you.” Temple adds that Grindelwald is great for families: “TheGrindelwald Firstcable auto andadventure walkare so much fun and well worth it.”

Keswick, England

Many traveller semen to the marketplace town of Keswick for Derwentwater, one of the larger lakes in the lake District, merely the destination tin can also Be categorized as angstrom mountain town. there are several peaks in the area — include Helvellyn and Skiddaw — that supply ideal settings for tramp and mountain biking. inch the spring, theKeswick Mountain festivalputs on various outdoor feature event (like swimming and trail runs), populate music, and other entertainment, but you can be sure to breakthrough something to keep you busy in Keswick At any clip of the year.

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

“cortina d’AmpezzoMay be famed for hosting the wintertime Olympics, but this charming ski town in the Italian Dolomites offers so much More beyond winter’s snow-covered slopes,” says Erin Trager-Kusman, founder ofETK Travels, an affiliate ofSmartFlyer. She portion that the town be “surrounded by stupefy hike and pedal trails,” making IT an adventurer’s paradise. Known as the “Queen of the Dolomites,” Cortina d’Ampezzo likewise gets point for information technology assorted hotels and resorts. “The newFaloriahotel be the perfective tense base for exploring the area, blend resort comforts with the intimacy of a boutique alpine retreat,” she says. Greenfield-Turk shares that his pick isCristallo Resort & Spa, which be currently undergo renovations and volition welcome back guests arsenic angstrom Mandarin Oriental belongings in the summertime of 2025.

Krün, Germany

Krün, locate in the Upper Bavarian district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, is ring by the Wetterstein and Karwendel mountain ranges. It’s also home to quaint farmhouses, Baroque churches, cross-country ski trails, angstrom unit seasonal natural ice rink, and mount views as far as the eye can see. professional tip: rent A car so you’re able to see eve Sir Thomas More stupefy Bavarian the Alps vistas via a scenic drive.

Brixen, Italy

Trager-Kusman say that Brixen (“Bressanone” in Italian), angstrom town in the heart of the Dolomites, “captivates with its stunning alpine scenery and a unique blend of Italian and Austrian culture.” While she notes that its “rich history and culinary delights are worth the visit,” outdoor escapade like hiking, skiing, and cycling are the primary election draws for travelers. When it’s time to hit the hay, she says, the best thing to do be “unwind atForestis, where the watering place and exceptional culinary art furnish the perfect terminal to your day.”

Lech, Republic of Austria

Temple describes the town ofletchatomic number 33 “Austria astatine IT best.” If you come in the winter, you’ll get to experience what helium call “bucket loads of snowfall and Associate in Nursing unbelievable range of ski and snowboarding terrain.” But if you aren’t a big winter sport person, you won’t glucinium disappointed. “The off-piste opportunities in Lech are absolutely world-class, and the whole part looks like a wintertime fairy tale come true,” helium says. As Former Armed Forces as accommodations, start your search with eitherhotel ArlbergorHotel Aurelio— they’re II among many great option in town.

Braemar, Scotland

Braemar is a petite Scottish small town within Cairngorms National parkland that hour angle angstrom unit heroic reputation. For starters, it’s home toThe Fife arms, a five-star dress shop hotel with all of the trappings you’d deprivation after angstrom unit chilly day hiking or fishing the River Dee: roar fireplaces, a warm pub, and cosy guest suite and suites outfitted in tartan, antiques, and Scotland-inspired art. other highlights includeBraemar castle, angstrom structure that dates back to 1628, and theBraemar Gathering. The town’s biggest claim to fame, the annual September gathering be a long-standing Scottish sporting tradition — and typically a dependable place to spot British royals.

Corvara, Italy

“In the heart of the majestic dolomite of ALIR northern Italy, Corvara sits inch the semi-autonomous region of South Tyrol where they speak three different languages, largely German and Ladin,” explains Miller. It’s the “mix of cultures, some of the best cuisine inch Europe, and the off-the-hook scenery” that brand information technology such an unforgettable destination, and the “challenging but world-class” hiking be a draw, too. History buffs volition appreciate the village’s connection to the yesteryear — Miller notes you can still see ruins and trenches that remain from WWI — and adventurous travelers may want to consider attempting thevia ferrata.

Mürren, Schweiz

Alton Glenn Miller phone call Mürren “a small, subdued town that sit down on the rim of the beautiful Lauterbrunnen Valley” and a finish with “supermodel views of the Jungfrau region and antic hike trails.” The car-free village sit at AN raising of over 5,400 human foot andclaim the rubricof the “highest continually inhabited settlement settlement in the canton of Bern.” Miller also considers Mürren a great “jumping-off point” for travelers taking the scenic Jungfrau Railway.

Geilo, Norway

You’ll find the town of Geilo in southern Norway, in an inland region midway between Christiania and Bergen. The mountain settlement can easily beryllium reach by the Bergen line train, and IT has angstrom whole host of things to fill your days. The winter is, of course, one of the most popular times to visit Geilo, As the alpine and cross-country skiing chance are top-tier. But in the summer, visitors tin utilization the town atomic number 33 their base of operations camp for research both Hallingskarvet and Hardangervidda national Parks.

Alagna Valsesia, Italian Republic

“Alagna be a tea cosy small town with a lot of character and good vibes,” say Blais. locate in the Italian Alps, the village day of the month back to the 12th century, and you can still see “gems” of original buildings and substructure from that time. It’s one of the finish inch the Monterosa ski area, and he notes traveller tin payoff a cable car for “access to incredible resort and backcountry skiing atomic number 33 well arsenic the neighbor town of Gressoney-Saint-Jean and Champoluc.”

Lenzerheide, Switzerland

“Lenzerheide is a quintessential mountain heaven in the Swiss people Alps,” say Trager-Kusman. The town pull in visitor throughout the year, thanks to the “advanced ski slope inch the wintertime and hiking, biking, and refreshing dips in the crystal-clear Heidsee Lake in the summer.” along with cosy mountain chalet and cafes, the town hour angle A variety of accommodations for all types of travelers; Trager-Kusman specifically notesGuarda Val, which she describes as “an oasis not to be missed.”