15 Charming Mountain Towns in Europe

Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt comes highly recommended by several of our travel experts — and it’s not just because of the breathtaking view of the Matterhorn (although that’s certainly one of the town’s major draws). “While touristy, Zermatt is a carless town with a rich history, and it is one of the original Swiss tourist mountain towns,” says Dave Miller, owner of International Alpine Guides. He recommends taking the Gornergrat Railway for “more amazing views of the Matterhorn as well as all the other high alpine peaks surrounding Zermatt.” In town, says Zeb Blais, an IFMGA guide and founder of Blackbird Mountain Guides, “Swiss food and drink options abound on every street,” and Duncan Greenfield-Turk, chief travel designer at Global Travel Moments, suggests booking a room at The Omnia, which offers “killer views in a killer location.”

According to Cameron Temple, director of The Luxury Chalet Company, there’s one thing all travelers should add to their Zermatt itinerary: “I would say visiting the mountaineers’ cemetery is a privilege and an absolute must-do if you’re in Zermatt. It kind of encapsulates the awe and wonder that the Alps have. People pushed the limits of what was possible on the Matterhorn, and that legacy is still living on today,” he says.

Chamonix, France

For what Blais describes as “unparalleled access to hiking, climbing, trail running, biking, and even paragliding,” you’ll need to head to Chamonix. “Chamonix is the epicenter of alpinism and ski mountaineering in the Alps, if not the world,” says Miller. “Located in a deep valley surrounded by the French Alps that reach up to almost 16,000 feet, the town embodies the rich alpine sporting culture.” When you need a break from heart-pumping activities, Miller suggests embarking on a trip up the Aiguille du Midi cable car, an experience that takes you “up to the high glaciers at over 12,000 feet in about 20 minutes.”

Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck may technically be a city, but Travel + Leisure A-List travel advisor Gwen Kozlowski says it has all of the makings of the traditional mountain town — plus a few more delightful features. “Yes, there is a lift right from the center of the town to the mountains, allowing hiking, a visit of an alpine zoo, or just drinks on the mountain overlooking the valley. However, Innsbruck is so much more,” she says. “It’s a cultural gem, with beautiful palaces, great shopping, and fabulous local restaurants. A simple day trip takes travelers to gorgeous monasteries, national parks, and even a schnapps trail.”

Grindelwald, Switzerland

There is a seemingly endless number of picturesque mountain towns in Switzerland, but Nadya Phelan, Europe expert and destination specialist for Goway, says Grindelwald cannot be missed. “This quaint Swiss town feels at the end of the road, where a train runs to the north and ski hills and hiking trails are part of your view,” she says. During the day, Phelan suggests enjoying a cliff walk or casual hike followed by fondue or a chocolate tasting, or, for more mountain views, she recommends travelers “go to the top of Jungfraujoch by train to stand on top of this mountain and enjoy the spectacular views of glaciers and mountains that surround you.” Temple adds that Grindelwald is great for families: “The Grindelwald First cable car and adventure pass are so much fun and well worth it.”

Keswick, England

Many travelers come to the market town of Keswick for Derwentwater, one of the larger lakes in the Lake District, but the destination can also be categorized as a mountain town. There are several peaks in the area — including Helvellyn and Skiddaw — that provide ideal settings for hiking and mountain biking. In the spring, the Keswick Mountain Festival puts on various outdoor sporting events (like swimming and trail runs), live music, and other entertainment, but you can be sure to find something to keep you busy in Keswick at any time of the year.

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

“Cortina d’Ampezzo may be famous for hosting the Winter Olympics, but this charming ski town in the Italian Dolomites offers so much more beyond winter’s snow-covered slopes,” says Erin Trager-Kusman, founder of ETK Travels, an affiliate of SmartFlyer. She shares that the town is “surrounded by stunning hiking and biking trails,” making it an adventurer’s paradise. Known as the “Queen of the Dolomites,” Cortina d’Ampezzo also gets points for its various hotels and resorts. “The new Faloria hotel is the perfect base for exploring the area, blending resort amenities with the intimacy of a boutique alpine retreat,” she says, and Greenfield-Turk shares that his pick is Cristallo Resort & Spa, which is currently undergoing renovations and will welcome back guests as a Mandarin Oriental property in the summer of 2025.

Krün, Germany

Krün, located in the Upper Bavarian district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, is surrounded by the Wetterstein and Karwendel mountain ranges. It’s also home to quaint farmhouses, Baroque churches, cross-country ski trails, a seasonal natural ice rink, and mountain views as far as the eye can see. Pro tip: Rent a car so you’re able to see even more stunning Bavarian Alps vistas via a scenic drive.

Brixen, Italy

Trager-Kusman says that Brixen (“Bressanone” in Italian), a town in the heart of the Dolomites, “captivates with its stunning alpine scenery and a unique blend of Italian and Austrian culture.” While she notes that its “rich history and culinary delights are worth the visit,” the outdoor adventures — “hiking, skiing, and cycling against the backdrop of the dramatic Dolomites” — are the primary draws for travelers. As your adventures come to an end, she says the best thing to do is “unwind at Forestis, where the spa and exceptional cuisine provide the perfect end to your day.”

Lech, Austria

Temple describes the town of Lech as “Austria at its best.” If you come in the winter, you’ll get to experience what he calls “bucket loads of snow and an incredible range of ski and snowboarding terrain.” But if you aren’t a big winter sports person? You won’t be disappointed. “The off-piste opportunities in Lech are absolutely world-class, and the whole region looks like a winter fairy tale come true,” he adds. As far as accommodations, start your search with either Hotel Arlberg or Hotel Aurelio — though the town also has a roster of other great options to choose from.

Braemar, Scotland

Braemar is a tiny Scottish village within Cairngorms National Park that has a larger-than-life reputation. For starters, it’s home to The Fife Arms, a five-star boutique hotel with all of the trappings you’d want after a chilly day hiking or fishing the River Dee: roaring fireplaces, a warm pub, and cozy guest rooms and suites outfitted in tartan, antiques, and Scotland-inspired art. The Braemar Gathering, a long-standing Scottish tradition, takes place in town every September, and visitors can check out the Braemar Castle, a structure that dates back to 1628. 

Corvara, Italy

“In the heart of the majestic Dolomites of far northern Italy, Corvara sits in the semi-autonomous region of South Tyrol where they speak three different languages, mostly German and Ladin,” explains Miller. It’s the “mix of cultures, some of the best cuisine in Europe, and the off-the-hook scenery” that make it such an unforgettable destination, and he also calls the hiking in the area “challenging but world-class.” History buffs will appreciate the village’s connection to the past — Millers notes you can still see ruins and trenches that remain from WWI — and adventurous travelers may want to consider attempting the via ferrata.

Mürren, Switzerland

Miller calls Mürren “a small, low-key town that sits on the rim of the beautiful Lauterbrunnen Valley” and a destination with “supermodel views of the Jungfrau region and fantastic hiking trails.” The car-free village sits at an elevation of over 5,400 feet and claims the title of the “highest continually inhabited village settlement in the canton of Bern.” Miller also considers Mürren a great “jumping-off point” for travelers taking the Jungfrau Railway through the middle of the Eiger to the Jungfraujoch.

Geilo, Norway

You’ll find the town of Geilo between Olso and Bergen. The Scandinavian destination can easily be reached by the Bergen line train, and it has a whole host of things to fill your days. The winter is, of course, one of the most popular times to visit Geilo as the alpine and cross-country skiing opportunities are top-tier. In the summer, visitors can use the town as their base camp for exploring both Hallingskarvet and Hardangervidda National Parks.

Alagna Valsesia, Italy

“Alagna is a cozy small town with a lot of character and good vibes,” says Blais. Located in the Italian Alps, the village dates back to the 12th century, and he says the original buildings and infrastructure from that time are “gems that showcase the history of the area.” It’s one of the destinations in the Monterosa ski area, and he notes travelers can take a cable car to “access to incredible resort and backcountry skiing as well as the neighboring towns of Gressoney-Saint-Jean and Champoluc.”

Lenzerheide, Switzerland

“Lenzerheide is a quintessential mountain paradise in the Swiss Alps,” says Trager-Kusman. The town attracts visitors throughout the year, thanks to the “advanced ski slopes in the winter and hiking, biking, and refreshing dips in the crystal-clear Heidsee Lake in the summer.” Along with cozy mountain chalets and cafes, the town has a variety of accommodations for all types of travelers; Trager-Kusman specifically notes Guarda Val, which she describes as “an oasis not to be missed.”