You don’t need to splurge at luxury hotels or in lofty expenditures to visit the Alps this summer. Though the luxury mountains are overwhelmingly picturesque and prestigious, they can be even more affordable than you’d think. From timing your trip to doing a bit of research once you’re there, you can enjoy clear lakes, wildflower fields and quaint little chalet towns without breaking the bank. Here’s how to enjoy the beauty and ambiance of the Alps this summer at a fraction of the cost.
Choose a Destination According to Your Finances
First of all, not every alpine destination has the same price tag. While it’s true that Switzerland and France boast some of the most incredible scenery, these destinations are also the most expensive. Transport from Turin to Cervinia resorts provides an affordable and convenient way for travelers to experience Italy’s Alpine beauty without the premium prices often found elsewhere. A better option to stretch your dollars would be Austria, Italy or Slovenia. Regions in Austria like Tyrol and Styria remain reasonably priced with incredible scenery while Italy’s Dolomites offer an ideal cultural and picturesque destination at great value. Slovenia boasts stunning Lake Bled as well as the picturesque Julian Alps, making it one of Europe’s hidden gems for the thrifty traveler.
Moreover, these regions within the Alps that are less commercially known tend to be cheaper than pricier resorts; however, they possess the same access to hiking trails, cable cars and all things alpine. Where you might otherwise find yourself booking a luxury cabin in Chamonix, you could actually just stay in Les Houches. A similar situation occurs if you were considering Zermatt; staying in Arosa or Davos would allow you to get the same views but without the luxury lifestyle they tend to charge for.
Become an Informed Traveler Saving on Travel Costs to the Alps
Often the biggest expenses are involved with transportation but it’s not difficult to overcome this challenge and save along the way. The first step is to know where you’re going. Flying into places like Geneva, Zurich, Munich or Milan will ultimately connect travelers with inexpensive budget airlines for their European transfers. From there, utilize public transportation or shared transfers like Geneva to Chamonix and Zurich to Interlaken, both relatively inexpensive options with incredibly beautiful journeys.
If travelers are already in Europe, the next best move is to take a train or long-distance bus. Even trains can be less expensive than flights and are far better for the environment. The Swiss train system is efficient, as is the Austrian train system. Rail passes (Swiss Travel Pass, Eurail Pass) might be worthwhile if multiple stops along the way are anticipated, especially booking early for passes which help save money along the way.
Cheap Places to Stay in the Alps
While chalets and five-star hotels fill postcards as luxury travel staples, plenty of cheap places to stay in the Alps abound. From family-owned guesthouses to hostels to mountain huts (refuges in France or Berghütten in German-speaking countries), comfortable accommodations at a fraction of the hotel cost exist. In Austria and Switzerland, for example, look for “Zimmer frei” signs which indicate private rooms for tourists. They tend to be clean, cheap, and breakfast is often included.
Camping is another fantastic way to save money and connect with nature. Most campgrounds in the mountains are equipped with modern facilities, gorgeous views, and easy access to trails. For a more rugged experience, consider “hut-to-hut” hiking, where accommodations are basic mountain lodges equipped with food and linens. It’s one of the cheapest, most authentic and rewarding ways to stay in the Alps.
Cheap Eating Options in the Alps
Alpine dining can make your budget explode faster than anything else; however, eating in the Alps does not necessarily mean spending big bucks. Plan ahead and visit local markets and grocery stores for picnic essentials, cheese, bread, charcuterie, fruits and choose a picturesque lake or meadow for your picnic. Supermarkets in parts of France, Austria and Italy even sell prepared foods at very low cost that will exceed expectations when eating on the go or at a much more beautiful location than a restaurant.
In small towns, look for bakeries and family-run cafés that provide hearty, traditional meals at affordable prices. It’s also best to eat lunch out instead of dinner; many regions even provide menu du jour or prix fixe lunches at lunchtime priced cheaper than dinner. Last but not least, bring a reusable water bottle, as tap water in the Alps is drinkable, tasty and free!
Experience the Alps Like A Local
The locals know how to affordably enjoy the Alps; now you can too! Instead of paying big bucks for a guided tour, enjoy well-marked hiking trails (many are free of charge!) instead. Plus, public transportation can get you to many popular trailheads and lakes. Often regional passes like Austria’s Tirol Ticket or France’s Carte Loisirs include discounts on buses/lifts and attractions.
Furthermore, many towns host free or inexpensive summer activities like open-air concerts or local food festivals. If you visit during one of these times, your trip will feel cultured without paying extra. The tourists who stick to expensive tours are missing out on the real Alps and spending much more than they have to.
Take Advantage of Free and Low-Cost Experiences
The best part about summer in the Alps is that most of the touristy sites are natural anyway and free. Hiking, swimming, cycling and picnicking costs only your time and exertion. You could spend all day at one of many alpine lakes Lake Lucerne, Achensee, Lago di Braies to simply relax, swim, enjoy the scenery and then hike back to your accommodation without ever having to pay entry fees or anything.
Countless wildflower meadows, waterfalls and viewing points take minimal effort to get to. Most resorts have free nature trails or learning paths for children to gain insight into the plants and animals of the Alps. If you want someone to lead you, inquire at local tourism offices about simple guided walks or community gatherings often free or donation based.
Travel in the Shoulder Season
Your travel dates matter if you want to stay on budget. The busiest (and most expensive) time for summer travel in the Alps occurs between mid-July and late-August. For more affordable and less populous pathways, travel in June or September.
In June and September, accommodations drop in price, crowds disappear, the weather is still good. In early summer there are flowers blooming on the meadows and waterfalls that have an increased flow from melted snow. By late summer, colors turn golden across mountainsides and the air is fresh.
The Alps will be at their best visually without a horde of other travelers snapping pictures. Outside of high season not only do you save money but you also get to appreciate the Alps at their most peaceful.
Use Cable Cars and Mountain Lifts Wisely
Cable cars and gondolas are some of the highlights of any alpine experience but they can rack up costs quickly. However, there are ways to reduce this expense while still maximizing your experience. Many resorts have combination passes or regional lift cards for unlimited rides for a few days.
If you’re planning to hike, consider taking a lift up and walking back down to reduce the price and thus again appreciate what you see since you’ll have more time to admire what got you there in the first place.
In smaller resorts, free or reduced-price lifts are included in the tourist tax paid with your accommodation and it’s always best to check with your hotel or guesthouse as many will offer a small local card for free public transport, discounted lifts or paid attractions. Instead of taking every gondola up a trail it’s better to walk as much as possible to reduce costs and gain a greater appreciation for your surroundings.
Affordable Adventure Cheap Alpine Explorations
Adventures don’t have to be expensive. Your next alpine excursion doesn’t need to break the bank. For mountain biking or rafting, rent a bike for a few hours rather than a full day; skip private rafting trips for big group experiences. While extreme sports like paragliding and canyoning are often pricey, early-bird specials and shared flights help keep costs down.
Access national parks like Vanoise (France), Hohe Tauern (Austria) and Gran Paradiso (Italy) for free access to trails and unblemished nature for miles. Even the most tourist-ridden areas like Chamonix and Zermatt have DIY walking tours that boast views just as impressive without an entrance fee! Here, adventure has less to do with expense and more to do with access.
Traveling Sustainably Saves Money
Traveling sustainably often means spending less. In the Alps, relying on trains, buses and shared transfers is not only economically beneficial but good for the environment as well. Walking or riding bikes between villages is free and often offers the most scenic views of your life. If you can, travel to the Alps by air or rail and then begin your sustainable journey from there; some alpine destinations even give discounts to people who arrive via public transport for example, within the Swiss Engadin Valley.
Choose accommodations that offer local meals and renewable energy; they often come with travel perks like free bike rentals or included trail maps. Support eco-friendly tourism so your dollar stays in the community while keeping the Alpes clean for others to enjoy in the future. Sustainable travel is not only ethical but also makes the most financial sense.
Cheap Souvenirs and Local Experiences
There’s no need to purchase expensive souvenirs on the way home to remember your trip. If you keep your eyes peeled for sustainable products, you can get local materials at reasonable prices. Buy mountain honey, herbal teas or handmade wooden crafts that are relatively inexpensive but sustainably connected to the region.
Villages typically have farmers’ markets once a week, where guests can sample local delicacies and speak to craftsmen about their trades. There’s also an invaluable souvenir in participation; partake in regional cheese-making workshops, local hikes or village festivals that cost little to nothing but provide authentic experience into life in the Alps. The memories from these participations last longer than anything you could buy!
Budgeting and Planning your itinerary
One of the biggest ways you can save money when visiting the Alps is to have a well-planned itinerary. Make sure that your daily budgeting consists of hotel, food, and transportation expenses, with a little left over for spontaneous café trips or a gondola excursion. Try to keep travel costs down by assessing things you want to see that are in close proximity to each other instead of having to hop around different regions.
Staying a few nights in Switzerland, for example, instead of one night here, another there in Italy, and another in France will limit your travel time and cost. Ensure that you plan excursion days and free days of hiking and swimming sparingly so you get the free experiences you crave, but also throwing in paid excursions.
Utilize the local tourism board to discuss upcoming events (oftentimes free), day passes for attractions or public transportation. Also consider avoiding weekend travel (transportation and accommodation) if you can since many people will be traveling on their days off from work.
With itinerary accommodations made in advance and good timing, the Alps can feel much more affordable when in reality, it’s an expanse of time and experience that would otherwise cost a lot if you weren’t budget savvy.
Conclusion: Who Needs an Expensive Getaway?
A summer getaway in the Alps should not equate to a summer getaway of luxury. The best way to experience the Alps for the same jaw-dropping views, cultural notes, and fresh air (as any other high-end traveler) is through alternative planning, expenditures, timing, and open-mindedness.
The luxury found in the Alps isn’t a five-star hotel; it’s the freedom to wander the mountainside or sit down for a picnic by a bright blue lake or enjoy yet another stunning sunset across mountain peaks. The best part about an Alpine summer? It’s all free.
Therefore, if visitors are willing to travel slowly and time their experience with necessary high-quality efforts and low-quality accommodations while soaking in the beauty around them and the cultural interactions to be had with other travelers, then the Alps become more magical as one takes their time to enjoy everything that they have to offer naturally.