The key to total relaxation? Getting off-grid and escaping into idyllic surroundings. Europe’s quaint alpine towns are exactly that.
By heading to the continent’s mountains, you’ll experience a slower pace of life and distinct local culture. Hit the slopes and après ski in the winter or hike to breathtaking views in the warmer months—the choice is totally yours.
These are the mountain towns in Europe you should know about:
1. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
In the heart of the Dolomites in Italy, Cortina is surrounded by the contrast of rising peaks and serene meadows. Known as the “Queen of the Dolomites,” the town balances luxury and adventure.
There’s plenty to explore in and around Cortina d’Ampezzo, whether hiking the Tre Cime di Lavaredo or climbing the via ferrata routes for panoramic views. In the winter, the town welcomes skiers. Cortina hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1956 and is part of the Dolomiti Superski area, which includes the downhill runs of the Falzarego Pass.
2. Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is undoubtedly known for its ski slopes, but there is plenty to entertain yourself with year-round. You won’t hear rushed traffic or car horns here—Zermatt is totally car-free, maintaining its peaceful atmosphere.
If you’re not visiting during ski season, take the Gornergrat Railway for panoramic views of the Matterhorn or hike to the crystal-clear Riffelsee Lake. In summer, the town welcomes those hiking and mountaineering.
3. Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
Near Germany’s highest peak, the Zugspitze lies Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The Bavarian town offers a view of four different countries from its cable car, along with the opportunity to explore Partnachklamm (the Partnach Gorge), which spans more than 700 meters long and 80 meters deep.
Nearby, visit Neuschwanstein Castle, which is the inspiration behind Disney’s Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty Castles. Afterward, head to Hohenschwangau for more castle hopping or take a ride across Alpsee, a bright blue lake, to make a full day trip from the mountain town.
4. Chamonix, France
Chamonix, located at the base of Mont Blanc, offers dramatic views of Europe’s tallest mountain and some of the best skiing and mountaineering in the French Alps.
Get into the mountains by skiing the Vallée Blanche or explore the Mer de Glace glacier. If you’re looking to take the town at a more leisurely pace, take the cable car up to Aiguille du Midi for equally impressive views.
5. Grindelwald, Switzerland
Surrounded by the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, Grindelwald is arguably one of Switzerland’s more adventurous towns.
The First Flyer zip line offers visitors the chance to take in mountain views in a thrilling way while the Eiger Trail is a relatively doable way to see nature at its finest. Those looking to be challenged should try the ascend to Jungfraujoch, known as the “Top of Europe,” which is best reserved for well-seasoned mountaineers.
6. Kitzbühel, Austria
Kitzbühel may look like a step back into medieval times due to its historic town center, but its luxury sky resort is anything but. Located in the Austrian Alps, this town boasts the infamous Streif downhill course, which is one of the most dangerous in the world.
In town, you’ll find high-end shopping and cozy restaurants serving elevated takes on hearty Austrian fare. Nearby are numerous mountain biking trails and golf courses to be enjoyed when the ski season is over.
7. Interlaken, Switzerland
Extreme sports, such as paragliding, skydiving, and canyoning, dominate Interlaken, but you may not know it at first glance. Storybook-like timbered houses surround this mountain town in Europe, a contrast with the adrenaline-fueled adventure to be had there.
Interlaken can be taken at a far more relaxed pace also—take a boat trip on Lake Brienz or Lake Thun, or ride the Jungfrau Railway up to the Aletsch Glacier.
8. Saint-Véran, France
Located in the Queyras Valley, Saint-Véran is the highest inhabited village in Western Europe, at an altitude of 2,040 meters. Stone houses with wooden balconies line the town’s streets, adding to its charm.
While many of Europe’s most popular ski destinations become painfully crowded during peak season, Saint-Véran’s stay comparatively quiet, making the town a wonderful option for those who aren’t interested in flashy resorts and bogs of tourists.
9. Saas-Fee, Switzerland
Known as the “Pearl of the Alps,” Saas-Fee is a car-free town surrounded by 13 peaks over 4,000 meters. As a result, the town naturally attracts those with an adventurous side who wish to ski the Fee Glacier or hike through nearby meadows.
Make time to take the gondola rides to reach the Allalin Ice Pavilion. Carved into a glacier, this ice cave features tons of ice sculptures around eight different themes. To unwind later, book a table at Mittelallalin Restaurant, which rotates 360 degrees around its axis, allowing diners to take in different views of the mountains throughout their meal.
10. Megève, France
Upscale Megève is an elegant town in the French Alps that offers more than 400 km of ski trails via the larger Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area that the town is part of.
Take a horse-drawn carriage ride to tour this old-world town in proper fashion, Then head to Le 1920 for a two-Michelin-starred meal. In the summer, hike Mont Joly to see the Mont Blanc massif, with options for all ability levels.
11. Zell am See, Austria
On the edge of Lake Zell is Zell am See. Snow-capped peaks frame the town, which offers skiing at Schmittenhöhe Mountain in winter and hiking at Grossglockner High Alpine Road in the summer.
Unlike some mountain towns in Europe, skiing is available nearly all year at Zell am See thanks to the town’s proximity to the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier. Hit Lake Zell for water sports, then the slopes later.
12. Méribel, France
Méribel, a town in Les Trois Vallées, is one of the most extensive ski areas in the world. Over 600 km of interconnected slopes are here, along with incredible après-ski at La Folie Douce. If barrelling down mountains isn’t for you, try your hand at snowshoeing in the Altiport Forest.
Lac de Tueda is a popular hike in the summer, surrounded by wildflowers and forest. Mountain Biking in Méribel Bikepark also becomes popular as the weather warms up for beginners and pros alike.
For true bliss, visit in March to attend the Méribel Zen Altitude Festival, which features yoga, meditation, and wellness workshops with snowy peaks as the backdrop.
13. Andermatt, Switzerland
Once a quiet mountain village, Andermatt has transformed into a luxury alpine resort town. Still, it’s managed to retain much of its traditional Swiss charm. Ski the vast slopes of the Andermatt-Sedrun area, hike the famous Gotthard Pass, or take a ride on the Glacier Express, one of the most scenic in the world. The Gemsstock Cable Car provides access to some of the town’s best landscapes both for winter skiing and summer hiking.
For a taste of the village’s history, visit Devil’s Bridge in Schöllenen Gorge. Local legend has it that when villagers were challenged trying to cross the gorge, they made a deal with the devil to get across under one condition: that he would get the soul of whoever was first to venture on it.
14. La Clusaz, France
La Clusaz is a laid-back alternative to the more glamorous resorts like Chamonix and Courchevel, boasting five linked massifs to ski in the winter as part of the Aravis Massif. The snow-covered meadows of Beauregard offer guided snowshoe hikes for those looking to stick to flatter ground. In the summer, crowds at this alpine playground switch over to hiking Col des Aravis and mountain biking throughout the area.
Visit in February to experience the Carnaval de La Clusaz. This colorful and quirky event that includes costume parades, live music, and torch-lit descents on the slopes.
When you need to refuel, taste Reblochon cheese, a regional specialty, at a local farm. Unwind at the Cristal Spa in Hôtel Au Coeur du Village, which offers luxurious treatments and an indoor pool.
15. Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt has graced many a social media post, and for good reason—this mountain town has an iconic skyline marked by the Hallstatt Evangelical Church. Even if you’re not one for photos, you’ll still enjoy the small town for its beautiful mountains and history.
Walk the Hallstatt Skywalk for views 360 meters above the village, then go underground at Salzwelten Hallstatt to uncover the city’s 7,000-year-old mining tradition. More views are to be found nearby at Five Fingers Viewing Platform and the Dachstein Glacier, where you can take a cable car up to the Ice Palace, a series of tunnels carved into the glacier. If heights aren’t your thing, you can still see the surrounding scenery by taking a guided boat tour around Lake Hallstatt.
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Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
