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Coolcation in the Alps: Mountain resorts & Excursion destinations
Summer retreats in Austria
When temperatures rise, we long for cool retreats and fresh air. Coolcation is the answer to hot summer days, and the Alps offer the perfect conditions for this. We'll show you our top 7 mountain resorts above 1,000 m, the best destinations and cool excursion tips for your summer vacation in Austria. It'll warm you right up – but only your heart.
What does coolcation mean?
What is behind this trend?
Coolcation (from "cool" & "vacation") describes a vacation in cooler, nature-oriented regions, a conscious break from heat, hustle and bustle, and mass tourism. The mountains, lakes, and forests in the Austrian Alps above 1,000 m offer ideal conditions. If you spend your mountain vacation here, you will not only experience pure nature, but you will also be able to relax better in pleasant temperatures. Your body and mind will regenerate, and stress will automatically be reduced—not only because of the cooler nights. Crowded beaches or stuffy cities? No, thank you. It's about quality rather than quantity. Peace, comfort, and individual experiences are the focus. Coolcation is more than a trend: escape the heat, enjoy the summer, experience nature, leave stress behind—and all in the pleasant mountain air.
The Alps as a coolcation destination
Activities for your mountain vacation
Heat waves and tropical nights are now part of everyday summer life. This makes the question all the more important: Where isn't it too hot in summer? The natural altitude of Austria's mountains ensures cooler temperatures and clear air. At the same time, nature offers a wide range of opportunities for active recreation during your summer vacation:
- Hiking & Panorama trails, via ferrata & Alpine adventures
- E-biking & Mountain biking
- Summer mountain railways
- Family experiences on themed trails and summer toboggan runs
- Swimming in (mountain) lakes, wellness with mountain views
- Workation & Remote work in peaceful natural surroundings
And, of course, forest bathing! It's always a few degrees cooler in the shade of spruce, fir, and other trees.
Cool hotspots for your active vacation in Austria
Refreshing destinations
The top 7 mountain resorts from ALPS RESORTS
Heat-free summer vacation in Austria
The best conditions for escaping the heat and really relaxing! These mountain resorts are located at over 1,000 m. The vacation apartments and vacation homes are fully equipped and offer plenty of space, privacy, and comfort.
#1: Naturchalets Turracher Höhe, 1,800 m
Turracher Höhe, Styria/Carinthia
The 135 m² chalets are located in the Swiss stone pine forest on the Turrach. With 3 to 4 bedrooms, they are suitable for up to 8 people. In addition to the large panoramic windows that bring the Nockberge mountains into the living room, the highlight is the private wellness area with sauna and whirlpool/hot tub.
Hardly any mosquitoes, minimal pollen, and proven pure, fresh mountain air ensure a special sense of well-being during your mountain vacation on the Turracher Höhe. And with the included Butler Card, you can use the Panorama Cable Car and summer toboggan run free of charge!
More ALPS RESORTS at the Turracher Höhe: Alpenpark Turracher Höhe, Alpenresidenz Turracher Höhe, Turrach Lodges, Turrach Suites 410
Cooling off at Turracher Höhe
- Lake Turracher See is refreshing in summer with a water temperature of 18 to 21°C.
- Enjoy the cool air as you ride the Nocky Flitzer and explore the bike trails in the trail area.
- Europe's largest contiguous Swiss stone pine forest provides shade on the Turracher Höhe.
#2: Bergresort Lachtal, 1,600 m
Lachtal/Murau, Styria
The bright vacation apartments at the Bergresort Lachtal are an ideal coolcation hideaway, and not just because of their high altitude: you can expect a fully equipped kitchen, 1–3 bedrooms, space for up to 8 people—and from the balcony or terrace, you can enjoy views of the Lachtal valley and the Wölzer Tauern mountains. Some vacation apartments are equipped with a private sauna. With the included Murau Guest Card, you can enjoy a free ride on the Lachtal 6-seater chairlift, among other things.
Refreshing excursions in the Lachtal valley
- The Lachtal 6-seater chairlift takes you up to 2,000 m above sea level.
- "Wildes Lachtal" is one of the highest adventure trails in Styria (up to 1,726 m).
- You can reach the Funklsee lake in Oberwölz-Lachtal after an easy 1 to 1.5-hour hike.
#3: Almdorf Hohentauern, 1,270 m
Hohentauern/Murtal, Styria
These cozy holiday homes are located at the foot of the Triebenstein. They are situated in a peaceful location far away from mass tourism at an altitude of over 1,200 m. The chalets range in size from 70 to 145 m² and some can be booked with a whirlpool and/or sauna. You can start hikes right from the house – such as to Scheiblsee and the Edelrautehütte or the Wasserwegwanderung. The Almdorf Hohentauern is recommended for mountain lovers who long for pleasant temperatures and a relaxed atmosphere.
Refreshment in Hohentauern
- The turquoise-blue Scheiblsee lake is only 6 km away from your chalet.
- The water trail leads from the pile dwelling village through the high moor of Hohentauern.
#4: Bergresort Tauernblick, 1,200 m
Mittersill/Pass Thurn, Salzburger Land
Waking up to views of the Hohe Tauern mountains and fresh air? That's everyday life at the Bergresort Tauernblick on Pass Thurn. The modern holiday apartments for 2 to 10 people are bright, spacious, and fully equipped. There is also a wellness area with an indoor pool and saunas. The Wasenmoos nature reserve is right next door, perfect for long walks.
With the included National Park Summer Card, you can enjoy free admission to the best coolcation destinations in the Hohe Tauern National Park holiday region, such as the Krimml Waterfalls, summer mountain railways, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, and outdoor swimming pools.
Coolcation around the Bergresort Tauernblick
- Take the panoramic cable car up to 1,890 m to the Resterkogel summer adventure park with Kneipp pools, water nature trail, and playground.
- The spray from the Krimml Waterfalls has been proven to have a positive effect on the immune system and respiratory tract.
- A morning walk in the Wasenmoos nature reserve lets you start the day in a relaxed manner.
#5: Hideaway Dachstein West, above 1,000 m
St. Martin am Tennengebirge/Lammertal, Salzburger Land
This hideaway is perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle and hot temperatures: The holiday apartments (2–8 people) are located at the edge of the forest above St. Martin am Tennengebirge (1,000 m), which is known as the highest village in the Lammertal. Another plus point, in addition to the modern facilities and quiet location of the resort, is the wellness area. It has saunas and an outdoor pool with mountain views. The Tennengau Plus Card is included, and dogs are welcome.
Cooling off in the Lammer Valley
- The giant trees in the Lammertaler Urwal provide welcome shade on hot days.
- You can cool off with a dip in the water at Seepark St. Martin.
- Temperatures are around 0°C in the Werfen Ice Caves (approx. 27 km).
#6: Fiss Suites, 1,400 m
Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, Tyrol
The sunny plateau of Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, located at around 1,400 m in the upper Tyrolean Inn Valley, is one of the top coolcation destinations for families. Our modern, light-filled vacation apartments for up to 8 people await you at the entrance to Fiss. The wellness area with saunas and relaxation room offers relaxation.
Don't feel like cooking? The team at the ALPS KITCHEN restaurant looks forward to your visit (breakfast included). A real added value is the included Super.Sommer.Card, which allows you to use all summer mountain railways unlimited and free of charge.
Coolcation tips in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis
- Högsee Adventure Park, 1,829 m: play stations, alpine roller coaster, rafts, and swimming opportunities.
- With the Fisser Flieger, you can whizz through the air at around 80 km/h – 47 m above the ground!
- Murmliwasser adventure playground, 2,000 m: a 200 m long marmot burrow, water play areas, gold panning facility
#7: Bergresort Berwanger Hof, 1,300 m
Berwang/Tiroler Zugspitz Arena, Tyrol
Summer retreat in the truest sense of the word! Berwang is the highest village in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena. At the Bergresort Berwanger Hof, you can enjoy not only every comfort but also fresh air, pleasant temperatures, and magnificent views.
The modern holiday apartments offer space for families or friends (up to 10 people), while the wellness area with saunas and outdoor pool ensures relaxing hours. The ALPS KITCHEN café-restaurant makes your self-catering vacation even more relaxing.
Refreshing destinations in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena
- Mountain lakes and swimming lakes such as Lake Heiterwang and waterfalls testify to the impressive abundance of water in the Tyrolean Zugspitz Arena.
- The hike through the Rotlech Gorge and to the waterfall offers cooling refreshment, but requires sure-footedness.
- Cool temperatures and a magnificent panorama also await you on the almost 3,000 m high Zugspitze.
Booking tips & Planning
Good planning is also worthwhile for coolcation trips. You should book vacation apartments and mountain resorts well in advance, especially for the summer months. If you are flexible, choose June or September: there are fewer guests, more relaxed prices, and pleasant fresh mountain air. When choosing your coolcation accommodation, also pay attention to the altitude, facilities, and proximity to infrastructure that is relevant to you, such as mountain railways or outdoor swimming pools.
At most ALPS RESORTS, a Summer Card is included in the price of your trip. This allows you to visit top coolcation destinations at no extra cost.
Best time to take your coolcation in the Alps
Coolcation season is from June to September. Ideally, you should spend your mountain vacation in the summer months at altitudes above 1,200 meters. Here, the days are usually pleasantly warm and the nights refreshingly cool.
The early season in June is ideal: pleasant temperatures, fresh mountain air, and significantly fewer crowds. September is still considered an insider tip. You can expect stable weather conditions, cool nights, and intense views into the distance. In addition, there are fewer guests during fall vacations in Austria and the best conditions for hiking and leisure vacations.
Conclusion: Summer retreats in our mountain resorts
Unobstructed views of mountains and forests, comfortable vacation apartments and vacation homes, wellness areas with pools and/or saunas, cool mountain air, and direct access to nature: the mountain resorts of ALPS RESORTS at over 1,000 m are ideal destinations for a coolcation in the Alps. For families, couples, or groups looking for active relaxation, fresh air, and unforgettable nature experiences during their mountain vacation.
Photos © ALPS RESORTS, Zugspitzbahn/Matthias Fend, Fisser Bergbahnen/Andreas Kirschner, Eisriesenwelt, Krimmler Wasserfälle, Familienwandern/Salzburger Land Tourismus, Scheibelsee/Anita Fössl, Lachtal/Seven Films, Turracher Höhe/weknowmedia, Tiroler Zugspitz Arena/C. Jorda, Waldbaden/iStock, Kitzsteinhorn, Großglockner Hochalpenstraße/Woeckinger, Krimmler Wasserfälle, Schladming-Dachstein/Harald Steiner
Verena J.
Content Manager bei ALPS RESORTS
Verena ist seit mehr als 20 Jahren im Tourismus zuhause und am liebsten in Österreichs Bergen unterwegs. Für den ALPS RESORTS Blog schreibt sie über Familienurlaub, Ferienwohnungen & Ausflugstipps in ihren Lieblingsregionen – und wie entspannter Selbstversorgerurlaub gelingt. Mehr über unsere Autor:innen
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