Coolcation in the Alps: A guide to the summer escape from the heat
As summer temperatures in cities and on popular Mediterranean beaches climb above 40 degrees and heatwaves become the new normal, a growing number of travellers are changing their plans. Classic sun-baking is giving way to a new global tourism trend: coolcation.
A term created by merging English words cool i holiday signifies an escape to Northern Europe or high mountain regions. And when it comes to the perfect blend of fresh air, luxury, untouched nature, and zero heat stress, Swiss, Italian and Austrian Alps They have no competition.
Below we present a guide to the top alpine regions you must visit if you want a real, refreshing Coolcation.
Why is a “coolcation” in the Alps a masterstroke?
Summer holidays at high altitudes are no longer reserved just for mountaineers. More and more families, couples and digital nomads are choosing the Alps for several key reasons:
- Comfortable temperatures: While it is boiling in the city, in these regions daytime temperatures rarely exceed a comfortable 22 to 25 degrees, and nights are perfectly fresh for sleeping without air conditioning.
- Clean air and health: Mountain air is proven to reduce stress levels, improve sleep and provide much-needed detoxification from the daily hustle and bustle.
- Active holiday without exhaustion: Hiking, cycling, wellness and exploring idyllic villages are much more pleasant when the sun isn't beating down on your back. The region for the perfect coolcation
The Kingdom Beneath the Matterhorn: Zermatt
If you are looking for the ultimate luxury and spectacular views, Zermatt is a station where you must stop. This Swiss gem lies in the shadow of the mighty Matterhorn and is entirely closed to car traffic, which means absolute peace and clean air.
- Why visit: Zermatt offers some of the highest hiking trails in Europe. The cog railway ride to Gornergrat (at over 3,000 metres above sea level) provides a breathtaking view, while the glacier breeze cools you down instantly.
- Coolcation experience: Morning coffee with a view of the sun-drenched peaks, alongside a comfortable air temperature of 18 degrees.
A true high-altitude elixir and mountain paradise: Davos
Known worldwide for its economic summits, Davos is a very different place in the summer and a peaceful, green oasis created for recreation and revitalisation. As the highest town in the Alps, Davos has been known for centuries for its healing climate.
- Why visit: The region offers hundreds of kilometres of flawlessly maintained trails for mountain biking and hiking. In summer, Lake Davos provides opportunities for windsurfing, SUP and swimming for the bravest.
- Coolcation experience: Using the local cable cars which are free with the city Guest Card, and escaping to the viewpoints where complete silence and a fresh mountain breeze await you.
Where the Alps meet the Mediterranean: Ticino
Would you like to combine the uncombinable, the freshness of the mountains and the relaxed southern vibe, Ticino is the Italian part of Switzerland that will delight you. Here you enjoy the shade of palm trees, but mountain peaks and cold rivers are always close at hand.
- Why visit: Explore magical valleys like the Valle Verzasca, known for its turquoise-blue, ice-cold river and stone bridges. Ticino offers the perfect balance: you can spend the day in the mountain shade, and the evening with top-quality risotto and local Merlot in a square beneath the stars.
- Coolcation experience: A refreshment in the crystal-clear natural pools of the Verzasca River after walking along the sunny paths.
The land of warm lakes and cold peaks: Carinthia
Austrian province Carinthia Carinthia is the perfect example of diversity. It is renowned for more than 200 crystal-clear lakes whose temperature in summer reaches a pleasant 26 degrees, which means that here you can combine swimming and mountain activities.
- Why visit: Lakes such as Lake Wörthersee, Lake Faaker See or the glacial Lake Weissensee are surrounded by impressive alpine scenery. When it gets too warm on the lake shore, you can drive up to the surrounding mountains in just 20 minutes and breathe in the crisp, fresh air.
- Coolcation experience: Early morning rowing on the calm surface of the lake while the mist rises from the peaks of the Alps.
Green heart for body and soul: Styria
Styria is synonymous with slow travel and unspoilt nature. From the dramatic rocks of the Dachstein massif in the north to the idyllic vineyard-covered hills in the south, this region offers a holiday for all the senses.
- Why visit: Styria abounds in dense forests, mountain streams and thermal springs. It is ideal for families and holidaymakers wishing to escape the concrete. Visit alpine villages, enjoy local organic food and walk along shady forest paths.
- Coolcation experience: Relaxing in thermal baths surrounded by green forests while a light, refreshing mountain breeze blows outside.
Dolomites: where coolcation meets la dolce vita
If the Swiss and Austrian Alps are synonymous with freshness, precision and spectacular mountain landscapes, the Italian Dolomites offer something entirely different: a mountain holiday where nature, wellness, gastronomy and local culture merge into a single experience. Here, a coolcation is not just an escape from high temperatures. It is an opportunity to start the day with a mountain walk, continue with a lunch of local specialities, spend the afternoon in a spa, and the evening with a glass of wine and a view of the peaks changing colour as the sun sets. And it is precisely this diversity that makes the Italian Dolomites particularly appealing
- Why visit: The Dolomites offer exceptional diversity in a relatively small area. You can go hiking, cycling and explore mountain villages, and then finish the day in a wellness spa, with local specialities or a glass of wine. Val Gardena and Alta Badia particularly appeal to nature lovers, Ladin culture and gastronomy, while Kronplatz and Val Pusteria offer excellent opportunities for an active holiday. In Trentino, in Val di Fassa and Val di Fiemme, the mountain landscape comes at a slightly more relaxed pace, while the eastern Dolomites offer a quieter escape outside the most famous centres.
- Coolcation experience: A morning walk or bike ride in the fresh mountain air, an afternoon spent in the spa, and an evening featuring Ladin specialities, local produce and a view of the Dolomite peaks glowing in the setting sun. The Italian formula for a coolcation is simple: nature, altitude, good taste and time to enjoy.
Forget about sweating in city traffic jams and searching for a free square metre on overcrowded beaches. Zermatt, Davos, Ticino, Carinthia, Styria and the Dolomites they are waiting for you with open arms (and pleasant temperatures). It is time to start thinking about a place under the sun... but an alpine, refreshing one!
