Mountain Retreat in Summer: The Best High-Altitude Resorts in Eastern Europe

If you can't stand lying down and doing nothing during your holiday, these expertly chosen cool mountain resorts in the most picturesque locations of Eastern Europe are just for you.

Each year, summers are getting hotter, and popular seaside resorts are becoming increasingly crowded with tourists. Therefore, a summer retreat in the mountains is a great alternative to scorching beaches and warm seas. It's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy breathtaking mountain landscapes, discover cool hidden trails, dive into fresh mountain lakes and rivers, encounter unique flora and fauna, and recharge for the entire year.

Zakopane, Poland

The picturesque mountain town of Zakopane is located in the Polish Tatra. Zakopane is one of the most famous places in Poland, as well as one of the cheapest European ski resorts. The Tatra are the highest mountain range in the country and the only mountains of an alpine character in this part of Europe. Situated at the foot of the mountains, the resort offers a variety of tourist attractions. Museums, restaurants, spas, pubs, and nightclubs make Zakopane a great place for city dwellers. But it is also perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. In summer, Zakopane is the starting point for the best hiking routes in Poland.

Drahobrat, Ukraine

Drahobrat is one of the oldest and most famous mountain resorts in Ukraine. Here, you can forget about the city hustle and enjoy the tranquillity. The Drahobrat Valley is located in the Carpathians, near the village of Yasynia, at the junction of coniferous forests and the alpine zone, at an altitude of 1,300-1,700 meters above sea level. You can only get here by all-terrain vehicles from the railway station. The area offers stunning views, and in clear weather, you can see the peak of Mount Hoverla. The resort has well-developed tourist infrastructure for outdoor enthusiasts.

In Drahobrat, you should definitely visit the biosphere reserve, the peaks of the Svydovets Ridge, local lakes, and Mount Stih — be sure to take the lift, you won't regret it. There are many hotels in Drahobrat for couples and groups, some of which are located right by a mountain lake. You don't need to worry about accommodation; you'll find hotels here to suit any budget.

Bansko, Bulgaria

Bansko is not only the largest ski resort in the country and the cheapest in Europe, but also a great place for hiking and summer festivals in the old town. The mountain town of Bansko is located just two hours' drive from the Bulgarian capital, Sofia. In winter, it offers excellent alpine and cross-country skiing and great snowshoeing trails. Starting from spring, the Pirin National Park, on the outskirts of Bansko, offers wonderful days of rest and long hikes with a number of camping huts available for overnight stays.

The town is surrounded by natural hot springs, so you can pay a few euros to visit the artificial pools or take a walk to the natural pools in the National Park. There is also horse riding, a huge mountain biking community, and off-road tours available. Summer in Bansko is filled with free music and cultural festivals—from opera to jazz, rock, and ballet. The local food is plentiful and inexpensive, as is the local wine.

Kranjska Gora, Slovenia

Kranjska Gora is one of the most beautiful places in Slovenia. It is located in the heart of the Julian Alps in the Zgornjesavska Valley. It is a paradise for all nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. You can try to climb a frozen waterfall, ride a reindeer-drawn sleigh, go mountain biking in the Kranjska Gora Bike Park or hike in the Triglav National Park. The most popular hiking trail in this region is Triglav, the highest mountain in Slovenia (2864 metres). The best options for adventurous hikers are the ferratas that start in the Vrata Valley (located near the village of Mojstrana in Kranjska Gora). After a day on the trail, tired tourists can relax in the wellness centres or casinos located in the centre of the mountain resort. Kranjska Gora is also well known for its festivals and sporting events

Spindleruv Mlyn, Czech Republic

Spindleruv Mlyn is one of the best summer mountain resorts in Europe. During the warm season you can enjoy a variety of attractions and activities as well as hiking in the mountains. Here are some of the best things to do in this stunning mountain resort in the Czech Republic.

Hiking. Spindleruv Mlyn is surrounded by the Krkonose Mountains, offering numerous hiking trails for all levels. Explore lush forests, meadows and alpine landscapes. Mount Snezka (1603), the highest peak in the Czech Republic, is a popular destination for hikers.

Water parks. There are several water parks and outdoor pools in Spindleruv Mlyn where you can relax on hot summer days.

Mountain biking. There is an extensive network of mountain bike trails.

Paragliding - if you are looking for an adrenaline rush, you can go paragliding and enjoy stunning views of Krkonose from above.

Jasna Nizke Tatry, Slovakia

The beautiful mountain village of Jasna Nizke Tatry is located in the Low Tatra National Park, the largest national park in Slovakia, at the foot of Mount Chopok, an amazing peak that reaches 2024 metres. It is a true paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. In the summer, there are many hiking trails suitable for experienced hikers and families with children. In addition to hiking trails and ski slopes, there are other attractions in the area. For the adventurous, there is the Demanovska Cave of Liberty with its outstanding rocks. It is also one of the best mountain resorts in Europe for families. If your children get tired, you can relax in the nearby water park in Liptovsky Mikulas, which is the largest in the area.

In winter, Jasna Nizke Tatry becomes a popular ski resort with 46 kilometres of pistes, a local park, off-piste slopes and tree climbing trails.