When temperatures rise, Europe’s mountains and lakes become natural refuges. Beyond the famous Alpine resorts are quieter valleys, cycling routes and clear-water swimming spots where summer revolves around hiking, paddling and long lunches with mountain views.

Here are ten places worth considering for a late-summer or early-autumn escape.

<h3>Haldensee, Austria</h3>

Haldensee sits in Tyrol’s Tannheimer Tal, surrounded by the Allgäu Alps. It is easy to combine lakeside walks with higher mountain routes, and summer lifts make access to the trails simpler.

Late August and September are especially pleasant for hiking as temperatures begin to ease.

<b>Prices:</b> walks around the lake and most hiking trails are free. A simple meal at a mountain café usually costs around €15–€25.

<h3>Northern Lake Garda, Italy</h3>

The area around Riva del Garda is ideal for travellers who want a more active trip. The old Ponale road passes through tunnels high above the lake and works well for both walking and cycling.

Boat travel is another option, with a 2026 day ticket for the full lake network costing <b>€39.50</b>.

<b>Prices:</b> walking the Ponale route is free; a full-day ferry ticket costs €39.50; a casual lunch is around €15–€25.

<h3>La Fouly, Switzerland</h3>

La Fouly lies close to the Mont Blanc massif and suits travellers looking for dramatic Alpine scenery without staying in the busiest resorts.

You can hike towards Lacs de Fenêtre or choose gentler routes through the valley.

Camping is one way to control costs. At Camping des Glaciers, a summer pitch is around CHF 18, plus roughly CHF 9 per person and a small local charge.

<b>Prices:</b> hiking is free; a simple camping stay for one traveller with a tent is roughly CHF 28–30 per night before extras.

<h3>Logar Valley, Slovenia</h3>

The Logar Valley combines meadows, forests, farms and the impressive Rinka waterfall.

It is particularly easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. Entry for walkers and cyclists is free, while motor vehicles pay an access charge.

<b>Prices:</b> walking or cycling entry is free; car access is about €10; lunch in the area is roughly €12–€20.

<h3>Lago di Monate, Italy</h3>

This smaller lake between Maggiore and Varese is a good choice for a quiet day by the water.

Swimming and paddleboarding are popular, while motor traffic on the lake is heavily restricted, helping keep the atmosphere calm.

<b>Prices:</b> access to some equipped beaches starts at around €4; a sunbed and umbrella setup can cost roughly €17–€25.

<h3>Ruhpolding, Germany</h3>

Ruhpolding in Bavaria is surrounded by forests, lakes and straightforward hiking routes.

Nearby Lödensee and Weitsee are good for relaxed summer days, while families can also visit Freizeitpark Ruhpolding.

<b>Prices:</b> natural walking routes are free; entry to the amusement park is around €24.90; a simple meal costs about €15–€20.

<h3>Vélosud, France</h3>

The Vélosud route follows the foothills of the Pyrenees and offers mountain scenery without constant steep climbing.

You do not need to cycle the full 650 km route; shorter two- or three-day sections work well.

<b>Prices:</b> the route itself is free; simple campsites can start from around €19–€25 per night; snacks and a casual meal cost about €10–€20.

<h3>Camino Francés, France and Spain</h3>

The section from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles is one of the most dramatic Pyrenean crossings.

It is physically demanding, so an early start is recommended.

<b>Prices:</b> the route is free to walk; basic pilgrim accommodation usually starts at around €10–€20 per night.

<h3>Alpi Apuane, Italy</h3>

Northern Tuscany has a much wilder side in the Alpi Apuane, with sharp marble peaks, deep valleys and demanding trails.

The historic Via Vandelli crosses the range and is especially suited to travellers interested in longer hiking routes.

<b>Prices:</b> most hiking access is free; allow around €20–€35 for food during a day in smaller mountain settlements.

Alpi Apuane, Italy

<h3>The Vosges, France</h3>

The Vosges are particularly convenient without a car. Summer mountain buses connect valleys with popular walking areas around Hohneck.

<b>Prices:</b> hiking is free; the mountain bus costs around €4 per ride, while a group day ticket can be about €10; a casual lunch is roughly €12–€20.

<h3>Where to Go First</h3>

For swimming and gentler walks, Haldensee and Lago di Monate are strong choices. For a more active trip, northern Lake Garda and the Pyrenees stand out, while the Logar Valley and the Vosges combine attractive scenery with relatively manageable costs.

<b>Late August and September are especially rewarding, with cooler hiking conditions and fewer visitors across many of these destinations.</b>