It’s summertime and the living is easy! Whether you’re looking for a relaxing, family-friendly getaway or an adrenaline-filled adventure, Europe has something for everyone. From breathtaking mountain peaks to snow-capped glaciers, there are plenty of summer mountain destinations in Europe that will take your breath away. We’ve rounded up the best of the best for you to explore.
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1. Zugspitze, Germany
For those looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, the Zugspitze in Germany is the perfect summer mountain destination. At just over 9,000 feet, it’s one of the highest mountains in Germany and Europe. From the peak, you can enjoy stunning views of the Bavarian Alps and the surrounding area. It’s also an ideal spot for hiking, climbing, and skiing in the winter.
The easiest way to reach the summit is by taking the Zugspitze Cable Car, which takes you up to the peak in just 10 minutes. Along the way, you’ll get to experience some of the most beautiful scenery in Germany. The cable car is open year-round, so you can enjoy a unique view of the snow-capped mountain in the summertime.
The Zugspitze is also home to a variety of restaurants and cafes, so you can enjoy a meal or a refreshing drink after your journey to the top. The area is also home to several hotels, so you can stay close to the action and explore the mountain at your leisure.
2. Parnassos National Park, Greece
Greece is known for its stunning islands, but it’s also home to some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in Europe. Parnassos National Park is situated in central Greece and is the perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
The park is home to several hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. You can explore the area on foot or take a guided tour of the park’s many peaks. If you’re looking for a more extreme adventure, you can take a cable car up to the highest peak in the park, Mount Parnassos. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area.
The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including wild boars, deer, foxes, and eagles. It’s also a great spot for birdwatching, as the park is home to over 200 species of birds. And if you’re looking to cool off from the summer heat, there’s plenty of crystal clear lakes and rivers to take a dip in.
3. Mont Blanc, France/Italy
The Mont Blanc Massif spans the French-Italian border and is one of the most popular mountain destinations in Europe. It’s home to some of the most breathtaking views in the world, making it the perfect spot for hikers, climbers, and skiers alike.
If you’re looking to tackle the summit, the easiest way to get there is by taking the Mont Blanc Tramway. The tramway takes you up to the summit in just 15 minutes, and you can enjoy incredible views of the surrounding area along the way. Once you reach the top, you can explore the area on foot or take a guided tour of the glaciers.
The area is also home to several restaurants and hotels, so you can stay close to the action and explore the mountain at your leisure. And if you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure, you can take a ride on the Mont Blanc Zip Line, which takes you flying over the glacier at up to 60 miles per hour!
4. Picos de Europa, Spain
Just a few hours north of Madrid, you’ll find the stunning Picos de Europa mountain range. This area is known for its rugged peaks and deep gorges, making it the perfect spot for climbers and hikers.
There are plenty of trails to explore, ranging from easy to difficult. You can also take a cable car up to the summit, where you can take in the views of the surrounding area. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including ibex, lynx, and golden eagles.
The area is also home to several quaint villages, so you can explore the area’s culture and history while you’re there. And if you’re looking for a unique experience, you can take a boat tour of the nearby glacial lakes.
5. Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomites are a mountain range located in Northern Italy and are one of the most stunning mountain destinations in Europe. The area is home to towering peaks, deep gorges, and lush valleys, making it the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
The area is home to a variety of trails, ranging from easy to difficult. You can also take a cable car up to the summit, where you can take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including marmots, chamois, and golden eagles.
The area is also home to a variety of restaurants and hotels, so you can stay close to the action and explore the mountain at your leisure. And if you’re looking for a unique experience, you can take a boat tour of the nearby lakes and rivers.
6. Mount Olympus, Greece
Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece and is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. It’s home to stunning views of the surrounding area and is an ideal spot for climbers, hikers, and skiers alike.
The area is home to several trails, ranging from easy to difficult. You can also take a cable car up to the summit, where you can take in the views of the surrounding area. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including wild boars, deer, and golden eagles.
The area is also home to several quaint villages and monasteries, so you can explore the area’s culture and history while you’re there. And if you’re looking for a unique experience, you can take a boat tour of the nearby glacial lakes.
7. Matterhorn, Switzerland
The Matterhorn is one of the most iconic mountain peaks in Europe and is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s home to stunning views of the surrounding area and is an ideal spot for climbers, hikers, and skiers alike.
The area is home to several trails, ranging from easy to difficult. You can also take a cable car up to the summit, where you can take in the views of the surrounding area. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including marmots, chamois, and golden eagles.
The area is also home to a variety of restaurants and hotels, so you can stay close to the action and explore the mountain at your leisure. And if you’re looking for a unique experience, you can take a boat tour of the nearby glacial lakes.
8. Pyrenees, France/Spain
The Pyrenees is a mountain range that spans the French-Spanish border and is one of the most popular mountain destinations in Europe. It’s home to stunning views of the surrounding area and is an ideal spot for climbers, hikers, and skiers alike.
The area is home to several trails, ranging from easy to difficult. You can also take a cable car up to the summit, where you can take in the views of the surrounding area. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including lynx, chamois, and golden eagles.
The area is also home to several quaint villages, so you can explore the area’s culture and history while you’re there. And if you’re looking for a unique experience, you can take a boat tour of the nearby glacial lakes.
9. Saxon Switzerland, Germany
Saxon Switzerland is a mountain range located in eastern Germany and is one of the most beautiful mountain destinations in Europe. It’s home to stunning views of the surrounding area and is an ideal spot for climbers, hikers, and skiers alike.
The area is home to several trails, ranging from easy to difficult. You can also take a cable car up to the summit, where you can take in the views of the surrounding area. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and golden eagles.
The area is also home to several quaint villages, so you can explore the area’s culture and history while you’re there. And if you’re looking for a unique experience, you can take a boat tour of the nearby glacial lakes.
10. Tatra Mountains, Poland/Slovakia
The Tatra Mountains are a mountain range located in southern Poland and Slovakia and are one of the most stunning mountain destinations in Europe. It’s home to stunning views of the surrounding area and is an ideal spot for climbers, hikers, and skiers alike.
The area is home to several trails, ranging from easy to difficult. You can also take a cable car up to the summit, where you can take in the views of the surrounding area. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and golden eagles.
The area is also home to several quaint villages, so you can explore the area’s culture and history while you’re there. And if you’re looking for a unique experience, you can take a boat tour of the nearby glacial lakes.
11. Julian Alps, Slovenia
The Julian Alps are a mountain range located in northern Slovenia and are one of the most popular mountain destinations in Europe. It’s home to stunning views of the surrounding area and is an ideal spot for climbers, hikers, and skiers alike.
The area is home to several trails, ranging from easy to difficult. You can also take a cable car up to the summit, where you can take in the views of the surrounding area. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including chamois, lynx, and golden eagles.
The area is also home to several quaint villages, so you can explore the area’s culture and history while you’re there. And if you’re looking for a unique experience, you can take a boat tour of the nearby glacial lakes.
12. Tatras, Slovakia
The Tatras are a mountain range located in northern Slovakia and are one of the most popular mountain destinations in Europe. It’s home to stunning views of the surrounding area and is an ideal spot for climbers, hikers, and skiers alike.
The area is home to several trails, ranging from easy to difficult. You can also take a cable car up to the summit, where you can take in the views of the surrounding area. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including marmots, chamois, and golden eagles.
The area is also home to several quaint villages, so you can explore the area’s culture and history while you’re there. And if you’re looking for a unique experience, you can take a boat tour of the nearby glacial lakes.
From the tallest peaks in Germany to the rugged gorges of Greece, Europe is home to some of the most stunning mountain destinations in the world. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing family getaway or an adrenaline-filled adventure, there’s something for everyone. So grab your hiking boots and get ready to explore the best summer mountain destinations in Europe!
