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What awaits you in Europe’s lakes and mountains – from A-Z
Europe’s lake and mountain regions have it all – from dazzling scenery and delicious food to historical highlights and underrated activities.
Curious to know more? From A-Z, here’s a round up of some of the best things to see, do and experience – and our recommended places to stay for each.
A is for… Alpine adventures
Famous picks like Chamonix (France) and Zermatt (Switzerland) stop you in your tracks with their crazy-high mountains. From Mont Blanc way up at 4,800m to the majestic Matterhorn, fill your days snapping iconic peaks and glaciers and riding to the summits on mesmerising cable car rides.
B is for… Beach days
Thing the best beaches have to be tropical? Think again. Europe's lake shores are stunning too – and with pinch-me views and authentic towns, it's easy to see why they're so popular. Check out our picks for the best lake beaches in Europe.
C is for… Castles
Let’s be real – who doesn’t love a castle? Thankfully, Europe is full of them – and some really are the cherry on top of already incredible scenery. From Lake Garda’s Scaligeri Castles to Bled Castle, these are some of the most underrated historical sites in Europe.
The clifftop Bled Castle with Grajska beach below it in Bled, Slovenia
D is for… Dolomites
For mountain lovers, the towering, jagged Dolomite rocks of Selva Val Gardena and Val di Fassa are the stuff of dreams – Mother Nature at its sky-piercing best. But it’s not just postcard-worthy peaks that should tempt you to this corner of Italy. Check out all the other fantastic reasons to visit the Dolomites.
Epic views of the Odle Peaks from the Seceda ridgeline above Selva Val Gardena in the Dolomites
E is for… Easy-going walks
Walking is one of the best and simplest ways to discover new places. And even if you’re visiting the Swiss, Austrian or French Alps (where the mountains might at first glance seem a little tough to tackle), you can still find routes to suit all abilities and fitness levels – that don’t compromise on wow-worthy moments.
F is for… Fresh fish on the menu
Eating freshly-caught lake fish, al fresco, with a balmy breeze and something chilled to sip between bites – that could be summer in a nutshell. If that’s a mouthwatering thought, a trip to Lake Lucerne in Switzerland or Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia might be your catch of the summer.
G is for… Gardens
Garden strolls are a brilliant way to slow things down on holiday. From the award-winning Sigurta Garden Park in Peschiera, Lake Garda, to the dreamy paths around the estate of the Villa Melzi on Lake Como, the Italian Lakes are full of gorgeous gardens that’ll make you feel as if you’ve stumbled across a little slice of paradise.
Lakeside gazebo in the botanical gardens of Villa Melzi in Bellagio, Lake Como
H is for… Heritage crafts
If you really want to get under the skin of a place, look to its artisans. Long-standing local traditions link the present with the past, telling the story of the area – from the two families that hold the secret behind Ohrid’s pearls to the modern woodcarving masters of Zakopane, Poland, keeping an ancient highlander craft alive.
I is for… Island hopping
Boat trips are a no-brainer on any lakeside stay, but they’re even more satisfying when an island stop is involved. Island hopping on Lake Maggiore is a classic, with regular ferries from Stresa linking the Borromean Islands. Think grand palaces, peacock-patrolling gardens and just enough time on each island to make you want to linger.
J is for… Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe)
Talk about a hard-to-beat day trip. Taking the Jungfrau Railway up to Jungfraujoch – Europe’s highest railway station – will floor you with its views. Known as the Top of Europe, it’s a camera-snapping paradise. Visit the Sphinx Observatory, then find your fave ice sculpture in the Ice Palace. Head there from Wengen, Grindelwald or Interlaken.
Spot the region’s famous trio of peaks – Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau – on your rail ride up to the Top of Europe
K is for… Kremšnita cake
A trip to Bled in Slovenia isn’t complete until you’ve tried their iconic cream cake. Made with mouth-watering layers of puff pastry, whipped cream and custard, it’s the perfect pairing with a view of Bled Island and the clifftop castle.
L is for… Lavender
A highlight of Lake Balaton in Hungary, the lavender fields in the town of Tihany turn the hillsides a stunning purple each summer. While you’re there, a visit to the distillery and shop is a must – try lavender-infused gins (and other tasty lavender treats) and pick up sleep serums and mini candles as unique gifts.
M is for… Market meandering
For a true taste of local culture, a wander through local markets is always a fab place to start. And they’re often the place to bargain-hunt unique gifts and artisan goods. Find great ones in Annecy, France and St Johann in Tyrol, Austria.
© Lac Annecy Tourisme / Gilles Piel / Local market in Annecy
N is for… New experiences
Holidays are all about saying “why not?”. Maybe that’s hearing an orchestra perform open-air in a larch forest in Pontresina, Switzerland, or hopping in a kayak on Lake Bohinj in Slovenia and exploring hidden corners you’d never reach on foot. Whatever it is, it’s the little adventures that turn into lifelong memories.
O is for… Oscypek cheese
There are many reasons why Poland deserves a spot on your travel wishlist, and the local Goral highlander culture of the mountain town Zakopane is one of them. This smoked sheep’s cheese has been made by the Podhale people for centuries and trying it is a must when you visit.
P is for… Passeggiata
Passeggiata is the wonderful Italian phrase to describe a leisurely evening stroll through town – an Italian ritual of socialising, people-watching and soaking up the atmosphere. If you’re in Maderno, with its especially lovely lakeside promenade, you’ll end up joining in with this tradition without even thinking about it. But it’s not just there – most towns around Lake Garda have their own perfect spot for a sunset wander.
Q is for… Quick dips
Wild swimming has all sorts of wellness benefits and is the ultimate mood-booster. From Morzine, head to Lake Montriond and enjoy a super scenic plunge before a picnic on the grass. Or if pool swimming is more your thing, stay in a hotel with an amazing pool and go for a dunk right on your doorstep.
© Morzine Avoriaz / Sam Ingles / Inviting turquoise waters of Lake Montriond
R is for… Room-with-a-view stays
There’s nothing like waking up to a panorama of sparkling lakes or snow-capped peaks. Many resorts in the Alps and around Europe’s lakes offer balconies, terraces or lakeside rooms that make every morning a dreamy start. Check out your top-rated Lakes & Mountains stays for some extra inspo.
S is for… Spritzes at sunset
Sipping an Aperol or Limoncello spritz as the sky changes colour at the end of the day is a classic taste of la dolce vita. Find a lakeside bar on Garda’s promenade, settle in and indulge.
T is for… Tremendous trains
There are world-famous train journeys you can do in Switzerland, like the Bernina Express, which starts in St Moritz and passes through Pontresina. The route takes in glaciers, dramatic mountain passes and some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the Alps, running through a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Which is fitting, because…
The Bernina Express passing over one of 196 bridges into one of 55 tunnels on its world-famous rail route
U is for… UNESCO World Heritage Sites
If you love culture, history and scenery, World Heritage Sites are an absolute must-visit. Base yourself in Peschiera and you’re ticking one off, with its star-shaped fortress right in town. Better still, both Verona and Venice – both UNESCO-listed cities – are easy day trips from Lake Garda, adding even more iconic sights to your stay.
V is for… Vineyard tours and vino tasting
There are so many delicious days out you can do in Europe’s lakes and mountains, and wine tasting while touring a vineyard is right up there. Stay around the south end of Lake Garda and you’re perfectly placed for vineyard visits in Bardolino or Lazise, where tastings come with rolling views, local stories and very little pressure to rush.
W is for… Wildlife encounters
From mountain ibex to golden eagles, wildlife is part of the magic in the Alps. Saas-Fee is a brilliant base for spotting marmots, often seen sunbathing or darting across trails on high-altitude walks. Keep your eyes peeled, walk quietly, and you might just hear their tell-tale whistle echoing across the meadow.
Feeding wild marmots is a great family-friendly activity in Saas-Fee, Switzerland
X is for… eXtra relaxation
There are some standout spas in Europe’s lakes and mountains if you’re in need of a little R&R while you’re away. Tauern Spa in Kaprun is a real showstopper, with panoramic pools, saunas and seriously impressive views. Staying in nearby Zell am See? A day trip to this spa is easy and well worth it.
Y is for… Yodelling (and other alpine traditions)
Yodelling may steal the spotlight, but it’s just one of many alpine traditions still going strong. In places like Mayrhofen, you can experience alphorn music, regional cheesemaking, folk dancing and colourful cow parades that mark the changing seasons – all rooted in local life.
Z is for… Zip-lining
If your idea of an awesome holiday involves activities that aren't your average day out, then zip-lining is a guaranteed thrill. Give it a go in Grindelwald, Switzerland – or in Schladming, Austria (pictured at the top of the page).
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Author: Marty Fraser-Turner
Main image shows the First Flyer zip-line in Schladming, Austria, courtesy of: © www.zipline.at / Martin Huber
Last updated: 10.02.2026