The iconic mountain region of Europe – the Alps. France, Italy, Austria , Germany, and more – discover summer in the mountains for a perfect trip to embrace the outdoors with kids.
A holiday in the spectacular and lush mountains of the alps is the perfect destination for a memorable family holiday.
The beautiful beaches, islands and historic cities of europe have long attracted people from across to the globe.
As a family, we adore the sun, sea, and sand of the gorgeous holiday destinations of the med, but for us, nothing will ever top summer in the alps; and here is why…
The scenic beauty
The number one reason to visit the alps is to experience and see this wonder of nature with your own eyes. You get to show your kids the miraculous beauty of this earth.
The alps is one of the top, most beautiful mountain ranges in the world. It offers stunning beauty of iconic mountains with snow-capped peaks, clear, pristine lakes, lush alpine forests, and sweeping majestic valleys. The first time we saw the European alps in all their glory, it truly took our breath away and has to be experienced to be believed.
There are many beautiful and varied landscapes in the world, but mountains and lakes are a hard one to beat, and the alps have the best of both.
Outdoor activities
For families that love the outdoor and want to see their kids spending time in nature, the alps are the ideal choice. There are countless opportunities to walk and hike, swim, kayak, climb and cycle. There are activities suitable for ages and abilities, from paragliders jumping off cliffs to toddler friendly adventure playgrounds at 1600m above sea level! Our kids are kept busy and active and most all they have loads and loads of fun- they love all the activities on offer.
Swimming in the lakes
So, OK, this one really comes under the previous heading of outdoor activities, but it’s so good I had to give it a special mention of its own! It’s why, although I’d love to visit for winter sports aswell, I would always pick summer in the alps as swimming in the lakes is my absolute favourite.
Swimming all day in a cool, clear and still lake on a baking hot day is my idea of heaven. The kids adore it, and we create so many precious memories playing in the water together, having fun.
The fresh water feels soft and soothing on your skin, and a big plus is that the kids don’t get sore eyes or throat like they do spending time in salt water at the beach.
It’s just so pleasant, you can take boats or paddle boards out, all with towering mountains around you.
Accessibility and mountain infrastructure
The alps are perhaps the most accessible major mountain range in the world. A huge range of cable cars, mountain trains and funiculars operate through the mountains to take you right up to the biggest peaks, offering stunning vistas and the chance to experience the ‘top of europe’ easily. I was blown away on our first trip to the alps, my eldest was then only 3 months old but I was able to take him in his pram to quaint mountain villages, and view the giant peaks of the alps at close range without having to hike at all which I found to be incredible. The infrastructure in the mountain towns and villages are fantastic, and there is a plethora of cafés, restaurants, and playgrounds high up in the mountains making family travel here an absolute dream.
Mild Climate
The climate of the alps in summer is lovely; the days are generally sunny and warm, with cool mountain air stopping it from feeling to hot, although in a heat wave you can always take a dip.in the cool crystal clear water of the lakes or splash in a waterfall. Long balmy summer days make it an ideal holiday destination, and you don’t have to worry about it becoming unbearably hot for the kids.
It is in the mountains, so a degree of unpredictability is to be expected, although we have been every year with the kids and only ever had an afternoon or two of rain mixed in with sunny days or sun and cloud.
Experience the culture
Europe has a unique historic culture with towns and settlements dating back thousands of years. Each country thay the alps crosses has a distinct and diverse culture to experience, with its own language, food, architecture, traditions and history. We love exploring the medival mountain towns of the French alps, the chocolate box chalet perfection of the Swiss alps, not to mention the beautiful countries of Austria, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, Lichtenstein and Monaco.
Destination Inspiration
We have visited the alps many times, and we have old favourites that we come back to time and time again.
Switzerland.
Switzerland is a paradise for mountain lovers, and its majestic peaks are truly a wonder of nature. The Swiss Alps have 48 peaks which are over 4000m, including the famous Matterhorn, Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau to name a few. Whenever we come to Switzerland, we feel like we could be in heaven and although highly subjective, nothing tops the grandeur in views of the peaks, pristine lakes and waterfalls of Switzerland. It is so well organised, and is super accessible with a massively broad range of treks, hikes, and outdoor pursuits aimed at all levels. The alpine playgrounds of Switzerland are fantastic and a real highlight of a family trip to Switzerland, we couldn’t believe how great they were and really make planning family days out in the mountains easy.
Our favourite region to visit in Sitzerland is the Bernese Oberland, which is also known as the Jungfrau region, has lush Valley, amazing waterfalls, and large deep blue lakes. The Bernese Oberland in central Switzerland offers dramatic Highlights include the iconic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, picturesque towns like Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, and the scenic train ride to Jungfraujoch or Shcnige Platte . It is ideal for hiking, swimming, watersports, paragliding; mountain biking; the list goes on. This region captures the essence of Switzerland and may have the most dramatic scenery of anywhere in Europe.
Other wonderful.region of Switzerland worth researching and exploring are Zermatt, home of the world famous Matterhorn; Ticino, Italian Switzerland, with beautiful Lugano, Locarno and Lake Maggiore, as well as the beautiful villages of Valle Verzasca and Foroglio.
France.
The French Alps are home to stunning mountain scenery and serene lakes as you would expect, but also of quaint medival towns, historic villages, and of course the amazing French food and wine, all at lower prices than that of their famously expensive neighbour Switzerland.
The beautiful Annecy is a must visit destination, not only for the stunning lake, cycle paths, and mountain trails, but fornthe lovely villages, towns and restaurants to explore.
Chamonix is a pretty town at the foot of the famous Mont Blanc, the highest peak of the European Alps.
Some other ideas for places to explore include Aix- les- Bains, a pretty spa town on the shore of Lake Bourget, Grenoble, and the stunning Morzine.
Italy
The mountainous regions of Italy of the Valle d’Aosta and the Dolomites are both part of the European Alps.
The Italian Alps are truly special, offering stunning landscapes with towering peaks, green valleys, and clear lakes. They’re perfect for all seasons—great for skiing and snowboarding in winter and ideal for hiking, climbing, and cycling in summer. You’ll find a rich mix of cultures here, with Italian, French, and German influences shaping the local architecture, food, and languages.
The history of the region is fascinating, with ancient trade routes and significant sites from past conflicts. Nature lovers will enjoy diverse plants and animals, especially in beautiful parks like Gran Paradiso and Stelvio. Plus, the food is amazing, with delicious dishes like polenta, risotto, and fantastic local cheeses such as Fontina and Grana Padano.
Some of the must-see locations include Cortina d’Ampezzo, known as the “Queen of the Dolomites,” or Courmayeur, at Mont Blanc’s base, offers stunning views via the Skyway cable car.
Bormio combines great skiing with relaxing thermal baths. Aosta is rich in Roman history and a gateway to Gran Paradiso National Park. Ortisei, in Val Gardena, is known for its beautiful scenery and woodcarving tradition. Selva di Val Gardena offers stunning Dolomite views, and lastly, Madonna di Campiglio, nestled in the Brenta Dolomites, is ideal for both scenic hikes and walks.
Germany
The region of Bavaria on southern Germany has its own unique culture and is an amazing destination.
Munich, its capital, is famous for its historic architecture, including the Marienplatz and Neuschwanstein Castle, as well as its annual Oktoberfest celebration, which attracts millions of visitors from around the world.
Bavaria is known for its traditional music, folk dances, and cuisine, including dishes like pretzels, sausages, and schnitzel. The region also has a strong beer-brewing tradition, with many famous breweries and beer gardens to enjoy!
The Bavarian Alps, located in southern Germany, are a beautiful mountain range known for their stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Highlights include the majestic Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak, and charming villages like Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Berchtesgaden. In summer, explore the numerous hiking and cycling trails. Don’t miss the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle and the scenic German Alpine Road.
Austria
Explore the wonders of the Austrian Alps. The distinguished city of Innsbruck is where imperial architecture meets breathtaking vistas. Then, venture to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart, and immerse yourself in its rich cultural heritage.
For nature enthusiasts, the tranquil beauty of Hallstatt beckons, offering serene lakeside views. Meanwhile, the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road promises awe-inspiring panoramas of majestic peaks and glaciers.
So there you have plenty of ideas for destinations for your family holiday to the alps this summer, although there are countless more villages, towns and cities to explore within this vast mountain range. I didn’t even touch on the countries of Slovenia, Monaco, and Leitchenstien!
Which ever country and location you choose, holidays in the alps all have the same things in common; breathtaking scenery, outdoor activities, and a warm summer climate to make sure your family has an unforgettable trip.
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Hi! I’m Lizzie, a mum of two living in the Cotswolds. Here on Travel Happy Family, I share all of our travels with you, where we’ve been, how we got there, and how much it cost!
If you are looking for ideas on where to travel with your kids, inspiration for new destinations, or just want to follow us on our journey, welcome, and I hope you find what we write helpful.
Happy travels! Xxx
Travel Happy Family 
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