15 Charming Mountain Cities in Europe

Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt comes extremely advisable by a number of of our journey consultants — and it’s not simply due to the breathtaking view of the Matterhorn (though that’s actually one of many city’s main attracts). “Whereas touristy, Zermatt is a carless city with a wealthy historical past, and it is without doubt one of the unique Swiss vacationer mountain cities,” says Dave Miller, proprietor of Worldwide Alpine Guides. He recommends taking the Gornergrat Railway for “extra wonderful views of the Matterhorn in addition to all the opposite excessive alpine peaks surrounding Zermatt.” On the town, says Zeb Blais, an IFMGA information and founding father of Blackbird Mountain Guides, “Swiss food and drinks choices abound on each road,” and Duncan Greenfield-Turk, chief journey designer at International Journey Moments, suggests reserving a room at The Omnia, which presents “killer views in a killer location.”

In keeping with Cameron Temple, director of The Luxurious Chalet Firm, there’s one factor all vacationers ought to add to their Zermatt itinerary: “I might say visiting the mountaineers’ cemetery is a privilege and an absolute must-do if you happen to’re in Zermatt. It form of encapsulates the awe and surprise that the Alps have. Individuals pushed the boundaries of what was doable on the Matterhorn, and that legacy continues to be residing on immediately,” he says.

Chamonix, France

For what Blais describes as “unparalleled entry to climbing, climbing, path operating, biking, and even paragliding,” you’ll want to move to Chamonix. “Chamonix is the epicenter of alpinism and ski mountaineering within the Alps, if not the world,” says Miller. “Positioned in a deep valley surrounded by the French Alps that attain as much as nearly 16,000 toes, the city embodies the wealthy alpine sporting tradition.” Once you want a break from heart-pumping actions, Miller suggests embarking on a visit up the Aiguille du Midi cable automotive, an expertise that takes you “as much as the excessive glaciers at over 12,000 toes in about 20 minutes.”

Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck could technically be a metropolis, however Journey + Leisure A-Listing journey advisor Gwen Kozlowski says it has all the makings of the standard mountain city — plus a number of extra pleasant options. “Sure, there’s a carry proper from the middle of the city to the mountains, permitting climbing, a go to of an alpine zoo, or simply drinks on the mountain overlooking the valley. Nonetheless, Innsbruck is a lot extra,” she says. “It’s a cultural gem, with lovely palaces, nice purchasing, and fabulous native eating places. A easy day journey takes vacationers to beautiful monasteries, nationwide parks, and even a schnapps path.”

Grindelwald, Switzerland

There’s a seemingly countless variety of picturesque mountain cities in Switzerland, however Nadya Phelan, Europe professional and vacation spot specialist for Goway, says Grindelwald can’t be missed. “This quaint Swiss city feels on the finish of the street, the place a practice runs to the north and ski hills and climbing trails are a part of your view,” she says. Throughout the day, Phelan suggests having fun with a cliff stroll or informal hike adopted by fondue or a chocolate tasting, or, for extra mountain views, she recommends vacationers “go to the highest of Jungfraujoch by practice to face on high of this mountain and benefit from the spectacular views of glaciers and mountains that encompass you.” Temple provides that Grindelwald is nice for households: “The Grindelwald First cable automotive and journey cross are a lot enjoyable and effectively value it.”

Keswick, England

Many vacationers come to the market city of Keswick for Derwentwater, one of many bigger lakes within the Lake District, however the vacation spot will also be categorized as a mountain city. There are a number of peaks within the space — together with Helvellyn and Skiddaw — that present ideally suited settings for climbing and mountain biking. Within the spring, the Keswick Mountain Competition places on numerous outside sporting occasions (like swimming and path runs), dwell music, and different leisure, however you may be sure you discover one thing to maintain you busy in Keswick at any time of the 12 months.

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

“Cortina d’Ampezzo could also be well-known for internet hosting the Winter Olympics, however this charming ski city within the Italian Dolomites presents a lot extra past winter’s snow-covered slopes,” says Erin Trager-Kusman, founding father of ETK Travels, an affiliate of SmartFlyer. She shares that the city is “surrounded by beautiful climbing and biking trails,” making it an adventurer’s paradise. Referred to as the “Queen of the Dolomites,” Cortina d’Ampezzo additionally will get factors for its numerous lodges and resorts. “The brand new Faloria lodge is the right base for exploring the realm, mixing resort facilities with the intimacy of a boutique alpine retreat,” she says, and Greenfield-Turk shares that his decide is Cristallo Resort & Spa, which is at the moment present process renovations and can welcome again company as a Mandarin Oriental property in the summertime of 2025.

Krün, Germany

Krün, positioned within the Higher Bavarian district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, is surrounded by the Wetterstein and Karwendel mountain ranges. It’s additionally dwelling to quaint farmhouses, Baroque church buildings, cross-country ski trails, a seasonal pure ice rink, and mountain views so far as the attention can see. Professional tip: Hire a automotive so that you’re in a position to see much more beautiful Bavarian Alps vistas through a scenic drive.

Brixen, Italy

Trager-Kusman says that Brixen (“Bressanone” in Italian), a city within the coronary heart of the Dolomites, “captivates with its beautiful alpine surroundings and a singular mix of Italian and Austrian tradition.” Whereas she notes that its “wealthy historical past and culinary delights are definitely worth the go to,” the outside adventures — “climbing, snowboarding, and biking in opposition to the backdrop of the dramatic Dolomites” — are the first attracts for vacationers. As your adventures come to an finish, she says the very best factor to do is “unwind at Forestis, the place the spa and distinctive delicacies present the right finish to your day.”

Lech, Austria

Temple describes the city of Lech as “Austria at its finest.” Should you come within the winter, you’ll get to expertise what he calls “bucket a great deal of snow and an unimaginable vary of ski and snowboarding terrain.” However if you happen to aren’t a giant winter sports activities individual? You gained’t be disenchanted. “The off-piste alternatives in Lech are completely world-class, and the entire area appears like a winter fairy story come true,” he provides. So far as lodging, begin your search with both Lodge Arlberg or Lodge Aurelio — although the city additionally has a roster of different nice choices to select from.

Braemar, Scotland

Braemar is a tiny Scottish village inside Cairngorms Nationwide Park that has a larger-than-life repute. For starters, it’s dwelling to The Fife Arms, a five-star boutique lodge with all the trappings you’d need after a cold day climbing or fishing the River Dee: roaring fireplaces, a heat pub, and comfortable visitor rooms and suites outfitted in tartan, antiques, and Scotland-inspired artwork. The Braemar Gathering, a long-standing Scottish custom, takes place on the town each September, and guests can try the Braemar Fortress, a construction that dates again to 1628. 

Corvara, Italy

“Within the coronary heart of the majestic Dolomites of far northern Italy, Corvara sits within the semi-autonomous area of South Tyrol the place they converse three totally different languages, principally German and Ladin,” explains Miller. It’s the “mixture of cultures, a number of the finest delicacies in Europe, and the off-the-hook surroundings” that make it such an unforgettable vacation spot, and he additionally calls the climbing within the space “difficult however world-class.” Historical past buffs will admire the village’s connection to the previous — Millers notes you may nonetheless see ruins and trenches that stay from WWI — and adventurous vacationers could need to think about making an attempt the through ferrata.

Mürren, Switzerland

Miller calls Mürren “a small, low-key city that sits on the rim of the gorgeous Lauterbrunnen Valley” and a vacation spot with “supermodel views of the Jungfrau area and improbable climbing trails.” The car-free village sits at an elevation of over 5,400 toes and claims the title of the “highest frequently inhabited village settlement within the canton of Bern.” Miller additionally considers Mürren an incredible “jumping-off level” for vacationers taking the Jungfrau Railway via the center of the Eiger to the Jungfraujoch.

Geilo, Norway

You’ll discover the city of Geilo between Olso and Bergen. The Scandinavian vacation spot can simply be reached by the Bergen line practice, and it has an entire host of issues to fill your days. The winter is, after all, one of the common occasions to go to Geilo because the alpine and cross-country snowboarding alternatives are top-tier. In the summertime, guests can use the city as their base camp for exploring each Hallingskarvet and Hardangervidda Nationwide Parks.

Alagna Valsesia, Italy

“Alagna is a comfy small city with loads of character and good vibes,” says Blais. Positioned within the Italian Alps, the village dates again to the twelfth century, and he says the unique buildings and infrastructure from that point are “gems that showcase the historical past of the realm.” It’s one of many locations within the Monterosa ski space, and he notes vacationers can take a cable automotive to “entry to unimaginable resort and backcountry snowboarding in addition to the neighboring cities of Gressoney-Saint-Jean and Champoluc.”

Lenzerheide, Switzerland

“Lenzerheide is a quintessential mountain paradise within the Swiss Alps,” says Trager-Kusman. The city attracts guests all year long, due to the “superior ski slopes within the winter and climbing, biking, and refreshing dips within the crystal-clear Heidsee Lake in the summertime.” Together with cozy mountain chalets and cafes, the city has quite a lot of lodging for all sorts of vacationers; Trager-Kusman particularly notes Guarda Val, which she describes as “an oasis to not be missed.”