Heat free! Cool hiking regions for people not liking it hot

Are you still perspiring or does it all feel really sticky? Overall summer is great, however if temperatures gradually become unbearable, we like to shelter from the heat – best scenario off into the mountains!

Escaping the heat leads into the mountains

Even when the sun umbrella fails to provide cool shade and the water temperature in the pool resembles more a bath, it is high time for a change of altitude. The higher you ascend the lower the temperature becomes. Glacier regions and the Alps not only feature cooler temperatures, but also icy-cold waterfalls and shade-giving ravines, which get cooled down by mountain rivers and their mossy surroundings. We happily swap clean mountain air for city smog! Let’s enjoy the sun, but with comfortable temperatures – the mountains make it possible.

From Lake Chiemsee to Lake Königsee

The Salzalpensteig-Path I situated in the German Chiemgau Alps not only offers cooler altitudes but also crystal clear lakes such as Lake Chiemsee, which allows you to simply jump into the clear water anytime along the lakeside during the tour. As Germany’s third-largest lake Lake Chiemsee does not warm up very quickly and remains enjoyable for longer. Just like the climatic spa Inzell, which is considered a place of relaxation since the air and the weather are perfect for taking a rest – a welcome change to the sweltering summer air. Pine forests along the route provide shade and protect from the sun and a cool breeze is able to weave its way between the tall pine tree trunks throughout the forest.

Amidst glaciers with a view onto an ‘icy sea’

Even during summer you can look down onto an ‘icy sea’ along the Aletsch Panorama Trail. As the largest glacier of the Swiss Alps temperatures on the Aletsch-glacier increase only very slightly during the summer months, nevertheless you get to enjoy the sun shining on your face on about 300 sunny days annually.

However one must not underestimate the power of the sun despite comfortable temperatures, since the sunlight gets reflected and you get a nice tan without any heat perspiration. Whilst others complain about the heat down in the stuffy valley, you get to experience comfortable hiking tours along the World Heritage-Trail amidst an ice-scenery and clean air.

Trekking without luggage at lake Grundlsee

Fond of lakes?

Lake Fiblingsee, Lake Fuschl, Lake Mondsee, Lake Irrsee, Lake Attersee, Lake Wolfgangsee, Lake Schwarzensee, Lake Nussensee, Lake Hallstättersee, Lake Gosausee – dare to be fussy on your Hiking Holiday ’10-Lake Trekking’, since with each day a new clear and refreshing lake awaits. When the sun shines with a vengeance, the lakes are glistening, enticing you to a plunge into the cool water. Ranging from turquoise, dark blue all the way to light green the lakes offer a range of colours and the tall trees on the shores offer nice spots in the shade, inviting you to a little break on the edge of the lake. Since most lakes are fed by mountain springs, the water temperature remains lovely and cool and the water crystal clear. Water is known to invigorate and it will - especially during a hiking tour.

Hiking experience at the Lichtensteinklamm

Ravines, waterfalls and the Trumer Lakes

The tour ‘Pilgrimage from Salzburg to the Tyrol’ along the Salzburg-Way of St. James kicks off in the Salzburg lake district, where three lakes alike are situated: Lake Grabensee, Lake Mattsee and Lake Obertrumer See. All three of them offer perfect opportunities to cool off and are under conservation, which not only ensures great water quality but also ensures that the natural environment there remains unspoilt.

The routes lead in parts along ravines, where a fast-flowing stream transports the crystal clear waters of the Alps down into the valley. That way water temperatures remain comfortable and cool and the air remains clean. Along this tour you will come across several waterfalls with drinking water quality and hence are the perfect chance to replenish your water resources. The rapids are also a great way to dip tired feet into the cool water and get some life back into them.