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You can literally feel the clock ticking slower and your mind slowing down as soon as you arrive in the mountains. The noise of the road gives way to the sounds of the forest - here the cheerful chirping of birds, there the constant murmur of a stream - and you notice how relaxation takes hold. The air not only smells fresher and healthier, it is also noticeably cooler. A welcome change from the sweltering heat of the city. No wonder the Alps are becoming an increasingly popular summer destination for younger generations.

Back to nature

Andreas Schreieck

Wellness advocates have been preaching about the positive effects of mindfulness for years and traveling around the world in search of enlightenment. But you don't have to book a flight to Bali to ground yourself and deepen your connection to Mother Nature - especially not when the wonder of the mountains is practically on your doorstep. Because where the meadows are still really green, the mountain lakes are bright blue and the peaks of the glaciers are snow-white, you are immediately reminded of how much magic there still is on our beautiful planet.

© TVB Osttirol/Quest4Visuality

Artists and authors have sought inspiration in their peaceful tranquillity for centuries and usually create their most important works in seclusion. In the meantime, however, people from the corporate world have also recognized how much power lies in the heights of the mountains and are increasingly swapping their stuffy offices in the city for cool mountain huts in summer. The "workation" trend is not just limited to the beach and distant climes.

Unlimited possibilities

© Hannes Niederkofler Photography

An Alpine summer is just as special for families as it is for outdoor enthusiasts, sports fans, foodies and solo travelers - the Alpine regions boast wonderful variety for every need. From rugged peaks and high hills to expansive meadows, deep valleys and idyllic villages to vibrant cities such as Innsbruck or Merano, the mountains are anything but monotonous. Even design lovers now get their money's worth. Where else can you go hiking in the morning, cool off in a lake in the afternoon and visit an art gallery in the evening? Not to mention the fabulous modern hotels that combine the quaintness of the mountains with innovative concepts, stylish interiors and varied programs.

Room to Spare

© StockPhoto

The mountains are a special highlight for children. The vastness of nature offers them the freedom to let off steam and make their wildest "Heidi" fantasies come true. If you have a heart for animals, you will not only see countless mountain goats and cows in the Alps, but marmots are also widespread at altitudes between 900 and 2,500 meters. Tyrol is an absolute paradise for the little ones, as the Austrian state is very family-oriented and prioritizes the needs of children when it comes to tourism. Not only are there child-friendly family hotels offering fun and excitement, but the range of leisure activities is as extensive as the mountains themselves. And you don't have to miss out on swimming in summer, because there is no more natural option than jumping into a mountain lake with drinking water quality.

Adrenaline rushes guaranteed

Andreas Schreieck

Admittedly: With temperatures of over 30 degrees, summer is not necessarily the best time of year to exercise outdoors. While gyms in the cities are overcrowded in the summer months (keyword: air conditioning), the alpine pastures are nature's gym. With maximum temperatures of 24 degrees, the mountains are the perfect place to pursue your favorite sporting activities - or discover a new passion - even in midsummer.

© StockFood / Buroh, Nikolai

Of course, hiking is the classic alpine sport that is suitable for almost every skill level. Whether you want to take it easy and just do a short loop or aim for a challenging route, the Alps are an Eldorado for hiking enthusiasts. Mountain biking and climbing are a little more daring and require more skill and concentration. Canyoning, also known as gorge hiking, and white water rafting are becoming increasingly popular - provided you don't have a problem with getting wet. Those who are completely free of fear of heights and want to give their adrenaline levels the ultimate boost can soar through the air with a parasail. This may not be for the faint-hearted, but the reward of literally jumping over your own shadow and seeing the picturesque mountain world from the very top is definitely worth it.

Living tradition

Gartner Mathaeus

Almost every region in the Alps has its own culture, which is also significantly influenced by its cuisine. And even though Alpine cuisine shares some similarities, it is worth visiting a wide variety of places and tasting the culinary differences. One thing is always guaranteed: In the mountains, food is cooked with as much lard and butter as it is with love. If you are also lucky enough to be able to take part in a traditional festival during your trip, you should definitely make the most of the opportunity, as the atmosphere at festivities such as a Corpus Christi procession, the daffodil festival in Ausseerland or the "Witches' Thursday Nights" is incomparable.

© StockFood

Recommended reading: Tyrol's Best Hiking Routes