How to Plan for the Dream European Alps Vacation

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.

The European Alps is a dream vacation. Whether on a honeymoon, family vacation, or getaway with friends we have heard only good things about road tripping through the Alps, traveling through Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Every stop on the journey sounds absolutely enchanting! With the holidays coming up, we can’t help but think about the places we would love to visit this winter. And these 9 fun facts about the Alps totally convinced us. Although known for skiing during the cold months, the Alpine region is beautiful in summer, spring, and fall, too. So no matter when you make it there, there is plenty to explore! We mapped out our dream European Alps vacation and hope it inspires your next trip as well!

Lavaux Vineyards, Lake Geneva Region, Switzerland

With unbelievable natural beauty at every turn, it’s hard to go wrong with any place you visit, but to help you out, we pulled three great itineraries from the Alpine Tourist Commission and the ultimate road trip map. Traveling Europe by train sounds enchanting and is so easy to do through the region, but with so much beauty surrounding the region, it’s also the ultimate road trip destination!

For the Scenery…

If you want to see German car factories in Stuggart, Castles in Austria, or hike your way through the unbelievable sights of Hohe Tauern National Park, you should look at this itinerary. Hohe Tauern is the largest National Park in the Alps, and the views of towering peaks and lush valleys will take your breath away.

Grossglockner High Alpine Road

Hohenwerfen Fortress

For the Fairytale Buff…

As you meander down the scenic highways and byways, the temptation to pull over and take a picture won’t go away. It’s stunning! The “picture perfect” itinerary takes you through everywhere  you’d expect, but doesn’t let you skip past unique places like Alpbach, Austria, which is known as “Europe’s most beautiful flower village.” How could you not go there?! The sparkling lakes and rolling meadows tucked away in the Alpine villages are a must for spring and early summer.

Alpbach, Austria

Lausanne, Switzerland

Halstatt, Austria

Mount Pilatus, Switzerland 

For Culture…

If you’re anything like us, you don’t want to miss a thing and you’ll want to take the grand tour that starts in Zurich, Switzerland. Zurich is a cultural hub with an incredible food scene, endless art (over 100 galleries), and even hiking. The clean and efficient city will leave you wondering why you hadn’t made it there before – especially when you are welcomed into the city by a view of the snowcapped alps!

Along ‘The Grand Tour’ itinerary, you will stop in must-see places like Interlaken, Switzerland – a great stop for outdoor adventures – and then make your way through Austria and all the way to Munich in Germany. If you happen to be traveling during this time of year you will also be just in time for the famed Munich, Germany Oktoberfest! With all the amazing food, famous cheese, and the fall wine harvest, you will have to make sure you leave room for the world-famous beers, too!

 
Lucerne, Switzerland

Lake Koenigsee, Germany

Oberhofen Castle, Lake Thun, Switzerland

With all these ideas running through our heads, we are so ready to plan our next trip. The Alps seem perfect with itineraries full of must-try food, sweet hidden destinations (see the 9 best hidden gems in the Alps), and the hospitable culture. Check in again soon because we’ll post a video of “the alpine experience” soon. We can’t wait to explore! Have you been to the European Alps? We want to know your favorite part!