There’s something almost magical about waking up to a mountain view. Whether it’s the crisp morning air, the glassy stillness of an alpine lake reflecting snow-capped peaks, or simply the feeling that the world is vast and full of possibility. A lakes and mountains holiday has a way of resetting you like nothing else can.
But here’s the thing: these holidays are so much more than pretty scenery. They’re about pushing yourself a little, discovering cultures that have evolved in harmony with dramatic landscapes, eating extraordinarily well, and, more often than not, making friends for life along the way. If you’ve never experienced the particular joy of sharing a mountain refuge meal with a group of strangers-turned-companions, you’re in for a treat.
Let’s take a tour of some of Europe’s finest, and one extraordinary destination a little further from home.
Switzerland: Where Every View Is a Postcard
Switzerland is the gold standard of alpine holidays, and for very good reason. The Bernese Oberland, with Interlaken as its beating heart, offers jaw-dropping access to iconic peaks like the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Whether you’re hiking the flower-strewn trails above Grindelwald, paragliding over turquoise Lake Thun, or simply riding the cogwheel railway to the “Top of Europe,” Switzerland delivers spectacle at every turn.
Culturally, Switzerland is a fascinating blend of German, French, and Italian influences — often within the same canton. Fondue and raclette are rightfully celebrated, but don’t overlook the regional rösti, the artisan cheeses, and the locally brewed craft beers that make every après-hike meal a proper occasion. The Swiss take hospitality seriously, and you’ll feel it from the moment you arrive.
Italy: Drama, Dolce Vita, and the Dolomites
Italy’s contribution to the lakes and mountains world is spectacular. The Dolomites in South Tyrol are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and frankly one of the most otherworldly landscapes you’ll ever lay eyes on. Their jagged, flame-orange rock faces at sunset are genuinely breathtaking. Hikers can tackle sections of the Alta Via routes, while cyclists have world-class climbs like the Stelvio Pass to conquer.
Then there’s the Italian Lakes: Como, Maggiore, and Garda, each with its own distinct character. Lake Como’s elegant villas and lush gardens attract those who appreciate refined beauty, while Lake Garda buzzes with watersports and a lively, sociable atmosphere.
And the food? This is Italy. Every valley, every village has its own culinary identity, from South Tyrolean speck and apple strudel (a nod to its Austrian heritage) to fresh pasta, polenta, and Barolo wine in Piedmont. You will eat magnificently.
Austria: Alpine Charm with a Classical Soul
Austria punches well above its weight for lakes and mountains experiences. The Salzkammergut lake district – home to the impossibly pretty village of Hallstatt- is the stuff of travel brochure dreams. The Tirol offers superb hiking and cycling in summer, and the cultural depth of Salzburg (Mozart’s birthplace, no less) adds a dimension most Alpine destinations simply can’t match.
Austrian food culture is warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying. Schnitzel, kaiserschmarrn (a caramelised pancake dessert), and the country’s excellent white wines from the Wachau Valley are just the beginning. Austrians are sociable and welcoming, and a group trip here almost always ends with new friendships sealed over a stein or two in a cosy Gasthaus.
Slovenia: Europe’s Best-Kept Secret
If Switzerland is the established star, Slovenia is the exciting discovery. Lake Bled, with its fairy-tale island church and clifftop castle, is genuinely one of the most photogenic spots on the entire continent. The Triglav National Park, centred around Slovenia’s highest peak, offers hiking and via ferrata routes that range from leisurely to exhilarating.
What sets Slovenia apart is the feeling that you’ve found somewhere special before everyone else does. It’s affordable, extraordinarily beautiful, and the people are among the friendliest you’ll encounter anywhere in Europe. The food scene has blossomed too; Ljubljana’s Central Market is a wonderful introduction to local produce, and the wines from the Vipava Valley are seriously impressive.
France: Majesty Meets Joie de Vivre
From the towering Mont Blanc massif in the French Alps to the rugged volcanic landscapes of the Massif Central and the stunning lakes of the Vercors, France offers remarkable diversity within its mountain regions. Chamonix remains the spiritual home of Alpine adventure. A mecca for climbers, skiers, and hikers drawn by the magnetic pull of Europe’s highest peak.
But France always brings the culture and cuisine with it. Mountain food here: tartiflette, diots, tarte aux myrtilles, is rich, deeply comforting, and utterly delicious. And the French art of lingering over a meal, sharing a carafe of local wine with new acquaintances on a sun-drenched terrace? That’s not just eating. That’s living.
Further Afield: Machu Picchu, Peru
For those willing to venture beyond Europe, Peru’s Sacred Valley and the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu offer one of the world’s greatest lake and mountain experiences. Set high in the Andes at 2,430 metres, Machu Picchu is a place that genuinely defies description. A lost city of extraordinary engineering, surrounded by cloud-draped peaks and lush cloud forest.
The classic Inca Trail trek builds an incredible camaraderie among fellow travellers. Share four days of hiking, altitude, and awe with a group of like-minded adventurers, and you’ll arrive at the Sun Gate on the final morning with friendships that will last a lifetime. Combine it with time on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, and you have a trip that is nothing short of transformative.
The Real Reward: The People You Meet
Whatever destination you choose, the common thread through every great lakes and mountains holiday is the people. There’s something about shared effort. Whether that’s a challenging summit ridge, a long day in the saddle, or simply navigating a new culture together, that breaks down barriers quickly. Strangers become travel companions. Travel companions become friends.
At ETW Travel, we’ve built our Lakes and Mountains holidays around exactly that spirit. Expert guides, carefully chosen routes, exceptional accommodation, and groups of people who share your sense of adventure. The mountains are waiting. All you have to do is show up.
Ready to explore
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