“Coolcation” Active Vacations: The “coolest” hiking and biking trips in the Alps, by lakes, and along rivers—for active vacations even in high temperatures.
Summers in Europe are getting hotter—and for many, that means sightseeing in 38 degrees, sleepless nights, and hikes that become a challenge as early as mid-morning. Fortunately, there’s a pleasant alternative: the so-called “coolcation.” Instead of chasing the heat, we seek out places where you can still enjoy the summer in a relaxed way—in the mountains, by the water, or on a bike with a cool breeze on your face. We’ll show you our most beautiful hiking and cycling trips for a refreshing summer vacation.
Elevation promises cooler temperatures
While temperatures rise in the valleys, the air in the mountains remains pleasantly cool. Hikers who venture high up can breathe easy even on hot summer days. As a rule of thumb, the temperature drops by about 6.5 degrees for every 1,000 meters of elevation gain.
Tour Tip: Kühtai Hiking Trilogy
On this 5‑day circular hike, you’ll explore the impressive mountain scenery of the Stubai Alps on three varied, moderately difficult trails. Thanks to the elevation of over 2,000 meters, the weather here remains pleasant even during heat waves. In the evening, treat yourself to culinary delights at the VAYA Wellness Resort.
Source: Shutterstock
To ensure a safe vacation experience in the height of summer, you should keep the following in mind on every trip:
- Start the stage as early as possible. It’s usually hottest around 3 p.m.—plan your route so that you’ve ideally already reached the stage’s destination by that time.
- Wear a hat for sun protection and long-sleeved, breathable, or lightweight clothing. Use sunscreen and don’t forget to reapply it regularly.
- Bring plenty of water with you and take regular breaks to drink—preferably in the shade.
- If it gets too hot or too strenuous, it’s better to shorten the stage. Respect your own limits and take care of yourself and your fellow travelers.
- Only take advantage of opportunities to cool off—such as lakes or rivers—if it is safe to swim there and you are a strong swimmer. Enter the water slowly and give your body time to adjust to the cold water temperature so as not to strain your circulation.
Tour Tip: KAT Walk Alpin
The KAT Walk Alpin offers more hiking days, a longer route, and more elevation gain. You’ll climb various peaks in the Kitzbühel Alps, reaching altitudes of nearly 2,000 meters in some places, where the air is still pleasant and everyday life feels far away. However, the tour is quite demanding and requires excellent physical fitness, sure-footedness, a head for heights, and mountain experience.
Source: Kitzbühel Alps Management, Erwin Haiden
Tour Tip: Crossing the Alps from Garmisch to Sterzing
You’ll climb even higher on the Alpine crossing from Garmisch to Sterzing. The highest point of your hike is the Lichtsee at 2,101 meters, where you can also cool off with a quick dip in the water. But be careful: even in the height of summer, the water rarely gets warmer than 14° C!
What makes this Alpine crossing special is that each day you can decide whether you’d like to hike the next stage on your own or as part of a guided group.
Shutterstock
Looking to cool off? Hiking trips along the water
When the sun is blazing and the air is shimmering, it’s essential to take the occasional break to cool off. That’s when hiking along rivers and lakes is especially enjoyable, as they constantly invite you to take a break for a swim. So, pack your swimsuits and let’s go!
Travel Tip: Hiking in the Dolomites
Almost every stage of this hiking tour through the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site passes by one or even several mountain lakes. Because of the high altitudes, the water may be too cold for swimming, but it’s just right for a short Kneipp walk.
Source: Andi Kern
Travel Tip: Upper Bavaria’s Lakes and Mountain Trails
On this hike through the picture-perfect landscape of Upper Bavaria, Tegernsee, Schliersee, and Spitzingsee invite you to take a dip. If three lakes aren’t enough for you, you can choose the 5‑lake route and also visit Achensee and Sylvensteinstausee.
Source: Feuer und Eis Touristik
Hiking Tip: Hiking in Lech
You’ll start at Formarinsee, the source of the Lech, and follow the wild river gently downstream through Austria to Weißenbach (in 8 days) or even as far as Füssen in the Allgäu (in 10 days). During your hike, discover how water has shaped the Lech Valley and how, after days of traveling together, the river will become a faithful companion to you as well.
Source: Shutterstock
Airflow as a Natural Fan
The best tip for hot weather: go biking! As you roll leisurely over gentle hills and through shady forests, the breeze will keep you pleasantly cool. It’s even better if the route follows a river and you can take a refreshing break along the way.
Tour Tip: Lech Bike Trail
The Lech River is not only a great place for hiking but also for biking. You can choose to cycle upstream or downstream. In both cases, the trails are mostly paved and are particularly well-suited for beginners and families. When cycling upstream, an e‑bike is recommended due to the steady, albeit gentle, incline.
Source: Shutterstock
Tour Tip: Isar Bike Path
Follow the Isar from its source in Tyrol through the Alpine foothills to where it flows into the Danube. On this varied cycling tour, you’ll see how the wild mountain stream transforms into a dark-green river. Keep your eyes peeled, and with a little luck, you’ll spot rafters near Wolfratshausen and surfers at the Eisbach wave in Munich.
Source: Shutterstock
Tour Tip: Iller Bike Trail
If you only have a few days, a short trip along the Iller is recommended. From Oberstdorf, where the Iller is formed by the confluence of three streams, you’ll cycle the first section of the Allgäu Cycle Route. Near Immenstadt, the Iller Cycle Route branches off to the north and takes you through Kempten and Memmingen all the way to Ulm.
Source: Allgäu GmbH, Fouad Vollmer
For anyone who prefers to cool off in a beer garden
Not every escape from the heat has to lead to a mountain peak. If you prefer to enjoy the summer with a cool Maß and regional specialties, you should take a closer look at our beer and brewery tours. On foot or by bike, the route takes you from Bad Tölz through the Tegernsee-Schliersee region to traditional breweries and rustic beer halls. Of course, plenty of time is set aside for breaks with beer and Bavarian delicacies.
Whether high up in the mountains, along crystal-clear lakes, or feeling the fresh breeze on a bike—even in the height of summer, you don’t have to miss out on active vacation days. With the right route, an active vacation can be a pleasure even during a heat wave.