Gastautor
7 reasons why a mountain vacation is better than any beach vacation
Summer
Relaxation
30.07.2026
Of course, the glittering sea, sandy beach and sangria also have their charms. But let's be honest: when the mountains are calling, the beach towel can pack up...
1. no risk of swallowing salt water while swimming
Admittedly, to swim in cold mountain water, you have to be a real hardy soul. Or wait until July. But once you’ve ventured into the clear, turquoise water, it’s the perfect way to cool off after a hike or a leisurely day in the fresh mountain air. The numerous mountain streams are perfect for this. Truly idyllic: the Kessellöcher in the Wäldele are hidden like little natural pools behind dense foliage. There, you can cool your tired feet and, if there’s enough water, even jump right in.
2. Kaiserschmarrn just tastes better at altitudes over 1,000 meters...
...like pizza on the beach! On the beach, you get sunshine, salt on your skin, and eventually an expensive pizza with a view of beach chairs. In the mountains, on the other hand, you get something better: exercise, fresh air, and—at the end—a serving of Kaiserschmarren that suddenly feels like a little culinary miracle after the hike. It’s exactly like the Culinary Valley Hike, where every step feels like it brings you a little closer to the next magnificent view. Add to that an aperitif somewhere between an alpine meadow and a mountain panorama, authentic regional specialties, and that feeling that food up here simply deserves more than a plastic table on the boardwalk. And while down by the sea the waves always sound the same, up here the scenery changes around every bend.
3. even the Gelateria Italiana can't compete with Walser ice cream made from mountain farm milk!
The ice cream that Roman Feuerstein sells—practically straight from the cow—is incredibly creamy. It’s made with his own mountain farm milk and is free of many additives: no artificial colors, flavors, eggs, artificial thickeners, or gluten. You can get this delicious ice cream in Riezlern, right around the corner from the Kanzelwand valley station. Also right in the heart of Riezlern, just a few meters from the town square, you’ll find the “Papillon” ice cream parlor, serving homemade ice cream made with natural ingredients and milk from organic farmers in the Kleinwalsertal, along with fresh crêpes, coffee, Aperol, and more!
Several cafés and restaurants in the valley also offer ice cream to go. By the way: you don’t need to take a language course to order Walser ice cream: “Yogurt-orange, blueberry-raspberry, or passion fruit-mango.” Or for the purists: “Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. In a waffle cone.” Enjoy!
4. no sand toys? No problem! All you need in the mountains is you and nature!
Dear children, forget sandcastles and moats: The Steinmändle forest on the Breitach will be your new favorite playground! The big ones drag the bottom heavy stones to the forest, the little ones pile the light pebbles on top of each other... But be careful: don't knock them over! Even if you like going up the mountain, you will always find lots of stones along the way that you can use to build stone walls to mark the way. Speaking of mountains: for water splashers, there is the Burmiwasser adventure trail at the Kanzelwand mountain station. There you can experiment with water wheels, sluices and pools. And mom and dad can hike along the way and take photos of the fantastic mountain landscape. But if you're really looking for sand, you'll find it at the BeachBar in the new WalserPark!
5. sand is monochrome. The mountain meadows, on the other hand, bloom in so many colors that you can hardly keep up with counting.
Alpine rose-pink, lilac-pale blue, egg yolk-yellow and silky white - whatever you call the colors: the sea of flowers that covers the green meadows from May onwards is simply a feast for the eyes. No wonder the cows permanently hang their heads to eat the juiciest, tastiest flower heads. Just let your eyes wander and enjoy the blaze of color. You can be sure of one thing: You won't have to tip any sand out of your shoes afterwards. A short hike to this idyllic spot is a good idea. For example, an easy walk along the Breitachweg in Mittelberg, the Riezler Rundweg or the Riezler Höhenweg.
6. ever felt the thrill of the last orange buoy? Then it's off to over 2,000 meters!
There's no question that the beginning is always tough. Until you find your own rhythm, your heart rate settles, your breathing feels right. You have to take a break here and there to marvel. For example, at the small crystal-clear lake in which the mountains are reflected. Meanwhile, the summit draws closer. Of course, it's still further away than it seems - the famous “only 10 minutes to go” doesn't really exist. And yet: suddenly the summit cross shines in the sun in front of you. Take a break. Take a deep breath. Perhaps you are alone at the top. Deep satisfaction. Proud. Light as a feather and exhilarated, you return to the valley or to the hut - summit exhilaration flows through your veins. Tour tips: Hoher Ifen - descent via Schwarzwasserhütte, over the Ochsenhofer Köpfe to the Grünhorn, Geißhorn and Kemptner Köpfle.
7. don't be afraid of jellyfish & scorpions - our wildlife lives wild, but doesn't (usually) bite!
Free-range hamster? Rabbit species? No, the marmot has nothing in common with the familiar pets. The only thing they have in common is that they are by far the cutest animals above the tree line. Hikers sometimes encounter them shyly, sometimes curiously. When threatened (e.g. by dogs) they whistle like world champions and hide in their marmot burrows. Incidentally, the most trusting marmot in Kleinwalsertal is Burmi. Ibexes and chamois also pose no danger. You often need binoculars or good eyesight to spot them as they jump - well camouflaged - from rock to rock or rest on high scree fields. And what about cows on unfenced alpine meadows? Caution is only required when walking dogs and with calves. You shouldn't get too close to them so that the mother cow doesn't attack out of a protective instinct.
