This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Alpine Tourism Commission which is comprised of Austria, Germany and Switzerland for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
Looking for the best things to do, see, stay, and eat in the beautiful Alps region of Europe? Look no further because this Absolutely Alps best of the best guide has everything you need to know to make the perfect vacation or adventure!
Majestic mountains, misty waterfalls, delicious delicacies, and cultures that make you feel like you’ve stepped back into the past. What’s amazing about the Alps is that there’s something there for everyone; from honeymooners looking for a romantic getaway, to thrill-seekers searching for the perfect place to shred.
The region is popular year round depending on your preference of weather-related activities, and there’s of course festivities throughout the year as well! The Alps also spans across three incredible, diverse countries; Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, each with its own scenic, culinary, cultural and historical highlights!
Using the Alpine region as your guide, you can easily experience a taste of all three countries by doing a self-guided road trip! Below is everything you need to know about the best of the best of the Alps!
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Best Time To Travel to the Alps
Summer Season in the Alps is between May and September, and is considered the best time to go for an absolutely Alps adventure. But, if you’re a fan of festivities, you may be interested in going during the following special seasons:
October – Wine Harvest
November-December – Christmas Markets
March – Easter Celebrations
Best Way to Get Around the Alps
Since there’s so much to see and do in the Alps, the best way to get around is by renting a car. That way you can create your own itinerary, or stop as you please, and spend as much time in places as you want! You can rent a car from most airports or big city centers, but it’s always best to compare prices online, and book in advance. Be aware that many car rental places are closed on Sundays, and that you have to be over 21 with a valid driver’s license to rent a car and a vignette.
Best of Each Country in the Alps
Germany
Chiemsee
Chiemsee is just an hour from Munich, and boasts some of the most diverse landscapes in Bavaria. It’s home to Lake Chiemsee, also known as the “Bavarian Sea”, where you can enjoy a dip or a boat ride in its clean, clear waters.
Where to Eat:
Gut Ising: Located on Lake Chiemsee, it goes without saying that this is ideal for a romantic dinner.
Zum Goldenen Plug: Offers local traditional cuisine.
Klause: A cozy beer garden with a backdrop of the breathtaking Alps, and a tasty snack menu.
Where to Stay:
Yachthotel Chiemsee: Who doesn’t want to stay at a yacht hotel? From here you can easily see one of the lake islands from the shore that the hotel sits on.
The Residenz Heinz Winkler: A fancy yet medieval building that’s sure to impress, from its distinctive suites, to 3 Michelin star cuisine.
Black Forest
Black Forest is Germany’s largest nature park reserve, and also an area that offers various health and spa resorts, thermal baths, regional foods, and historic architectural treasures. It’s the perfect place for outdoor activities of all levels, as well as indoor activities such as it’s fine museums.
Where to Eat:
The Restaurant Bareiss: Ideal for a true German gastronomy experience and ranked as top ten in Michelins Guide.
Restaurant Schlossber: Authentic German cuisine with a twist of creativity, and possibly the nation’s first schnitzel!
Where to Stay:
Traube Tonbach: A romantic getaway nestled in the mystical Tonbach Valley.
The Black Forest Hotel: Best known for its impeccable hospitality by the same family who’s owned it for over 200 years.
Parkhotel Adler: 5 star and family owned, this hotel is recommended for its massage services, treatments, and Earth-Fire sauna
Lake Constance
What’s most intriguing about Lake Constance, is that all three of the Alpine countries border it! It also has three major islands, most notably Mainau, which is a garden island filled with flowers and butterflies, and Reichenau Island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can visit the islands by boat, or even take your car on a ferry across it!
Where to Eat:
The Romantik Hotel Residenz: Serves a mix between traditional recipes and new culinary innovations.
Restaurant Ophelia: A gourmet dining experience serving classic cuisine with a modern twist.
Where to Stay:
Hotel VILLINO: A country house hotel complete with a fairytale garden and delicious cuisine!
Steinberger Inselhotel: Formerly a Dominican monastery, it’s now a 5 star hotel that’s situated lakeside.
Austria
Alpbach
A village in Austria’s Tyrol region, and located right in the heart of the Alps. Here you can see authentic, rustic Alpine architecture on the buildings made of natural wood and stone that easily withstand the weather. But what gives Alpbach its claim to fame are the beautiful Geraniums and other flowers that flourish around the adorable homes, giving the village nicknames like “Austria’s Most Beautiful Village” and “Europe’s Most Beautiful Flower Village”.
Where to Eat:
Hotel Wiedersbergerhorn and Hotel zur Post: Both highly recommended with a “Tiroler Wirtshaus” seal of approval for featuring all locally grown sustainable and organic foods. The seal of approval ensures that an inn’s cuisine are locally sourced and of the highest quality.
Where to Stay:
Alpacherhof: A beautiful wooden four-star hotel offering breathtaking views of the village.
Böglerhof: Charming and historic, with parts dating back to the 14th century.
Hallstatt
Heritage and culture are everywhere in Hallstatt; from the traditional women’s wardrobe, to the salt boats you can take out for a ride on Hallstatter Lake. Hallstatt is also the oldest village in Austria, and named as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site for its prominence in the salt trade. As a lake village, it’s also the perfect place for seafood fans!
Where to Eat:
Gasthaus Zauner: Serves up some of the finest fish in the historic market square.
Bräugasthof Lobisser: Offers a cozy traditional restaurant complete with a lake terrace
Gasthaus Fürberg: Creates delicious dishes from the local fishery.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Grüner Baum: Located in the romantic market square.
Heritage Hotel: A luxury hotel created from three historic houses
Schloss Fuschi: If you’re up for a little drive, you can stay in this legendary castle hotel!
St. Anton
Thanks to the Arlberg Ski Club which was founded in 1901, the cosmopolitan village of St. Anton is famous for being the Cradle of Alpine Skiing. It’s even where Alpine skiing was invented! The area used to be an old and dangerous trading route for salt, but in the 19th century, a massive spike in tourism due to the the awesome skiing helped develop villages like St. Anton into luxurious areas.
Where to Eat:
The Hospiz: Originally built in 1386 as a shelter for travelers trekking the dangerous salt route, this now-five-star castle hotel serves award-winning Austrian cuisine, and an impressive wine cellar.
The Hotel Alte Post: Incredible flavors, wines, and historic rustic architecture are found at this hidden gem.
Hotel Sonnbichl: Delectable traditional dishes crafted by the landlady herself!
Where to Stay:
Hotel Raffl’s St. Antonerhof: A sophisticated hotel located 4,300 feet up in St. Anton
Hotel Galzig: Cozy yet beautiful, and surrounded by the mystical mountains
Hotel Himmlhof: This boutique hotel was once an old farmhouse, now it’s run by young friendly owners, and includes a relaxing sauna, steam room, and plunge pool.
Switzerland
Gruyères
Foodies beware! You may fall in love with Gruyères! Without needing to be said, this is where the infamous stinky Gruyères cheese comes from, along with other specialties like cheese fondue, raclette, and double cream desserts. Speaking of desserts, you can take a chocolate train, or take a tour of the Cailler chocolate factory; a place I’m sure everyone could gladly get lost in! Of course the only thing that could go better with cheese and chocolate, is a beautiful castle dating back to the 13th century.
Where to Eat:
Cailler Chocolate Factory: You just really can’t go wrong at a chocolate factory. Plus you can make your own treats!
Le Chalet de Gruyères: Another place you can’t go wrong, but instead of sampling chocolate, you’ll sample delicious cheese fondue!
Where to Stay:
Hotel de Gruyères: Warm and rustic, with beautiful views of the mountains and the medieval town.
Fairmont Palace Montreux Hotel: Now a five star hotel but originally built in 1906, this hotel is fully equipped with state of the art luxury.
Zermatt
Deemed one of the world’s most attractive vacation villages, this little car-free ski town sits at the foot of the majestic Matterhorn. The entire region has 63 mountain railways, over 220 miles of slopes, and 250 miles of hiking trails. It’s Europe’s largest and highest summer skiing region, and the training grounds for many national ski teams. You can also get a breathtaking view of glaciers by taking the cog railway between Zermatt and the 10,285 foot high Gornergrat!
Where to Eat:
Spycher Restaurant: Fancy a flambé? How about a Crepés Suzette or Stroganov? Head to this traditional Swiss cuisine restaurant!
Chez Vrony: Offers traditional recipes that are lovingly created, and hand selected wines.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Monte Rosa: Zermatt’s oldest hotel situated in the middle of the car-free zone. Guests can enjoy free access to the Mont Cervin Palace wellness area as well.
Grand Hotel Zermatterhof: Five-stars and featuring a terrace, indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and nine-hole golf course!
Lucerne
In Lucerne you can spend a day taking a cogwheel train straight up the steep Mt. Pilatus, then ride an aerial cable car gondola back down! Lucerne is considered a great starting point for an adventure in Switzerland, and known as “the Essence of Switzerland”. Innovative design mixed in with traditional styles are another aspect that make the city so attractive!
Where to Eat:
Restaurant Château Gütsch: Offers panoramic views of the city, mountains, and lake, with a wide ranging menu.
Savage: This jewel in the Hotel Wilden Mann has 14 Gault Millau points, earned from its traditional cuisine and international menu.
Where to Stay:
Palace Lucerne: You’ll find the Swiss hotel industry’s legendary hospitality here in this 5-star palace hotel.
Hotel Montana: Exhibits the best panoramic views of Mt. Pilatus, the Chapel Bridge, and the city.
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