Summer holidays to alpine lakes really capture the serene beauty of the mountains. Blissful bodies of azure water sit amongst towering mountain peaks, under the welcoming warmth of sunny blue skies – what’s not to love? And there are plenty of things to do on a lakes and mountains holiday for all the family! Whether you’re looking to unwind, head on an alpine adventure or cool off from a long hike, lakes in the Alps invite every possibility.
Summer is the perfect time to visit some of the most beautiful lakes in Europe. Let us reveal some of our favourite things to do on summer holidays to alpine lakes…
Life By The Lakes…
Lakes in the Alps offer so much to entertain on a summer mountain holiday; they’re not only stunning natural landscapes, but also an exciting hub of summer Alps’ activities. Discover a plethora of opportunities to be had, in and around, these bodies of water…
Walks
There’s no better way to discover some of the most beautiful lakes in Europe than a casual stroll. Slowly meandering around the shoreline, whilst treating your eyes to its breathtaking reflections, is truly an alpine dream. Whether you purposefully head to a well-researched spot or uncover a hidden gem whilst on a hike in the Alps, enjoy the same awe-inspiring beauty.
Lake Annecy should be high on your French Alps summer holiday bucket list. It’s arguably one of the most popular lakes to visit in the Alps. Around Lac Annecy, or the ‘Venice of the Alps’ as it’s also known, scenic walking trails make for the perfect opportunity to explore charming cultural settings and a multitude of lakeside restaurants. However, our top things to do in Annecy in summer blog highlights a more comprehensive list of family options!
Across the border, Riffelsee is one of Switzerland’s best lakes, with its crystal clear waters set before the famous Matterhorn peak. It’s one of the most beautiful spots to visit during a summer holiday to Zermatt. For summer vacation to Italy, Lago Di Braies is one of our top 5 lakes in the Dolomites, and a must visit on a lakes and mountains holiday.
Natural Lakes
Lakes in the Alps are some of nature’s wonders. In the summer season, natural lakes create a mesmerizing spectacle of icy blue waters shimmering against verdant mountainsides and glittering glaciers. Natural lakes in the Alps are often formed by the melting glacial ice from the surrounding region. Examples of these include Lake Oeschinen in Switzerland and Lac de Tignes, for a French Alps lakes and mountains holiday. Serving as a haven for adventurers seeking solace, lakes in the Alps are testament to the breathtaking power of nature.
Swimming Lakes
The attraction of alpine lakes not only lies on the outside, but also within them! Amongst the myriad of water sport activities, none are more invigorating than alpine lake swimming. As such, open water swimming in the Alps is a popular activity for many on a summer mountain holiday.
Pristine lakes invite a refreshing escape from the heat, surrounded by unparalleled mountain vistas, to create a truly serene experience. We’ve highlighted some of the best lakes for summer swimming in the Alps, so you can relish this unmissable opportunity on your next lakeside holiday.
Fishing
Fishing in the Alps, where sport meets tranquillity. Sit back, cast your line, and fully absorb the relaxing atmosphere in the picturesque settings that lay before you. Teeming with a variety of fish, rivers and lakes across the Alps allow you to therapeutically connect with nature. For some of the best places to fish in the Alps, mountain destinations, such as Zermatt and Lech (or just outside at Spullersee), should be added to your list. Not only do these resorts embody the essence of mountain holidays in Europe, but the thrill of the catch provides even more reason to lure you back each year…
Fishing in the Alps is a rewarding experience for all ages. If you haven’t already, this activity is a must for any upcoming summer holidays to alpine lakes!
Watersports
Lakes in the mountains present the perfect playground for aquatic adventures. Suitable for water sport enthusiasts and fun-filled family days out alike, alpine waters are an oasis thriving with activity. From water-jumping, paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing and more, there’s something for all groups to enjoy on summer holidays to alpine lakes.
The lake in Tignes is one of the best places to enjoy watersports in the Alps! As one of the Alps’ natural lakes, with its water flowing straight from the Grande Motte glacier, Lac du Tignes has the vibe of a ‘beach in the mountains’. There are so many summer activities in Tignes to enjoy, but Acroland is what really sets apart this beautiful lake – prepare to launch yourself from one of the water slides or navigate through the on-water inflatable obstacle course! And there’s no better place to stay, to take it all in, than one of our luxury chalets in Tignes.
St. Moritz in summer is also a paradise for alpine watersports. With over 90 lakes in St. Moritz, there’s plenty of opportunity for leisurely recreation or more invigorating days out, from stand-up paddleboarding to sailing, and even kite surfing. Featuring optimum conditions and a spectacular view to behold almost every day, Lake Silvaplana presents the best spot for windsurfing in St. Moritz!
Moments in the Mountains…
It’s the combination of a lakes and mountains holiday that really invites you to connect with nature in its purest form and utilise the best of both worlds! Relaxation and adventure both await in the mountains of your summer holiday to the Alps…
Hiking
The mountains are made to be explored, and hiking in the Alps is a fantastic way to do so. Lakes and mountains holidays allow you to embark on an adventure ascending to new heights. Meander through luscious alpine meadows, and discover new hidden gems amongst the rugged landscape. As one of the most popular things to do on a summer mountain holiday, hiking provides the perfect excuse to capture gorgeous photos and fully admire the full extent of the beautiful alpine backdrop!
Walking holidays in the Alps don’t have to be a challenge! Whether you’re a leisurely explorer or a seasoned mountaineer, there are a range of difficulty levels for everyone. Themed trails in the Arlberg, such as ‘The Green Riddle Ring’, or the Wolli’s Adventure Park and Furi Adventure World in Zermatt, are perfect for all the family. Alternatively, head on a number of hiking trails in the Alps that encompass shimmering mountain lakes; a select few examples can be seen in our ‘On Yer Hike!’ blog, showcasing walking routes in Chamonix, Verbier and Zermatt.
Biking
For cycling enthusiasts, and those seeking an adrenaline-fuelled adventure, biking in the Alps covers all bases. Road cycling and mountain biking in the Alps are both popular choices, that are growing in popularity on summer mountain holidays. Whether it’s summiting the cols climbed by professionals in Le Tour de France or Giro d’Italia, or experiencing exhilarating descents across a selection of bike parks in the Alps, cycling holidays appeal to all ages. For those who prefer to watch than participate, summer bike events are held across multiple mountain resorts. Check our Summer Alps Events Calendar to stay up to date with everything that’s happening!
Lakes and mountains in Italy, in particular a summer holiday to the Dolomites, beckon bikers to explore the natural landscape. Summer destinations in the Dolomites, including resorts such as Arabba and Selva Val Gardena, encourage adventures around the Sella massifs. In summer, the Portes du Soleil in France is also an attractive option, Morzine in particular! And following a tough two-wheeled session, the local alpine lakes are the perfect spot to cool off.
Views
Summer in the Alps showcases a truly spectacular setting, unlike any other. Amidst the beauty of nature’s grandeur, the mountains paint picturesque panoramas that are sure to leave visitors to marvel at the wonders standing before them. Across the Alps, majestic peaks protrude through clear blue skies, towering above the landscape below, and reflected in ice-clear lakes. Wherever you turn on a lakes and mountains holiday, there’s a picture-postcard photo opportunity.
Wildlife
Once the snow melts, vibrant hues and splashes of colour transform the mountains into a verdant paradise. In summer, the Alps are rife with nature. Blankets of wildflowers spread across the rugged terrain, creating a tapestry of life for many of the mountain’s furry friends. Ibex, chamois and marmots are some of the more well-known species that have adapted to life on the mountains. And after a long winter of hibernation, many of these can be spotted on the mountains whilst on a hike. Make sure to check off the ones you see in our guide of animals in the Alps…
Restaurants & Refuges
It’s not only lakes that provide a welcoming respite for summer mountain explorations. Perched along high-altitude, picturesque trails, mountain refuges and restaurants offer the perfect chance to rest weary legs. Admire wide-sweeping panoramas from their terraces, as you quench your thirst or sample a taste of hearty, local cuisine. Refuge du Plan de l’Aiguille, pictured above, is perfect when taking a break on a hike in Chamonix!
Summer holidays to alpine lakes hold an irresistible allure, where memories linger in the hearts of those that visit. If you’d like to start planning your own mountains and lakes holiday, then don’t hesitate to contact our Summer Alps Specialists. Call us or send an email, to find the best summer chalets for a lakes and mountains holiday in the Alps. Or start your own research on where to go! Take a look at our top 5 destinations for a lakes and mountain holiday to help you get started…
