Lakes and Mountains Holidays: A Family Guide 2026

There’s something a bit special about a family holiday where the scenery is part of the experience. Think mornings by a beautiful lake, boat trips to little towns, cable cars up into the mountains, ice creams in pretty villages and plenty of opportunities to get outside and explore.

Lakes and mountains holidays are one of our favourite types of family trip because you can see and do so much without feeling like you need to fill every minute. One day might be spent exploring a lakeside town, while another could involve a mountain railway or simply sitting by the water with an ice cream. There are also plenty of destinations where you can combine all of that with a hotel pool, making it easy to keep everyone happy.

There are some brilliant destinations to choose from, including the Italian Lakes, Austria, Switzerland, France, Slovenia, Poland and North Macedonia. Each has a completely different feel, so the trick is finding the one that suits your family best.

Depending on where you go, you might find yourself staying beside a lake, in a traditional Alpine village or in a town surrounded by mountains. Some destinations are centred around swimming and boat trips, while others are better known for mountain railways, outdoor activities and spectacular views.

There isn’t one set way to enjoy this type of holiday. Each destination has its own character, which is why choosing the right location is such an important part of planning your trip.

Destinations to consider:

Lakes and Mountains Holidays: Italy

Italy is a brilliant all-rounder for families, with beautiful lakeside towns, boat trips, swimming spots, mountain scenery and plenty of pizza and gelato stops. Lake Garda is great for family attractions, while Como and Maggiore offer a slower pace and the Dolomites are ideal for outdoor adventures.

For families wanting something a little bigger, Gardaland is another obvious draw, while the mountain scenery around places such as Malcesine gives you the chance to swap the lakeside for higher ground.

Lake Garda has lots of different resorts, and they don’t all feel the same. Garda and Bardolino have plenty going on, while Malcesine is particularly beautiful if you want that classic lake-and-mountain setting. Riva and Torbole are worth looking at if your family is more interested in outdoor activities.

The main thing we’d recommend is checking where your accommodation is actually located rather than simply booking something described as “Lake Garda”. The lake is large, and being somewhere that suits the way your family wants to spend its days can make a big difference.

Learn more about the best areas to stay in Lake Garda.

For families with older children, Lake Como can be particularly enjoyable because there’s plenty to explore. You can wander through historic towns, visit gardens and villas, stop for lunch beside the lake and simply enjoy the scenery as you travel around.

It’s probably a destination we’d choose for a family that enjoys exploring at a slower pace rather than needing lots of organised attractions. If younger children need more entertainment, Lake Garda may have the edge, but if your family loves pretty towns, boat trips and Italian food, Como is hard to beat.

You can also cross into Switzerland, with Ascona and Locarno on the Swiss side of the lake, giving you even more choice for days out.

Lake Maggiore works particularly well if you like the idea of having things to explore but don’t want every day to involve a major excursion. It’s easy to have a morning out, come back for some pool time and then head out for dinner later.

There are also opportunities for climbing, watersports and other activities, depending on where you stay. For older children and teenagers who enjoy being active and trying something different, this is an area with plenty to keep them interested.

For younger families, we’d look closely at the location and the activities available from your particular resort. The Dolomites are all about getting outside and making the most of the landscape, so it’s worth choosing somewhere where the activities you want are easy to reach.

Lakes and Mountains Holidays: Austria

Austria is a great choice for families who love the outdoors, with Alpine scenery, mountain lifts, lakes, cycling routes and family-friendly activities. Zell am See offers a lovely mix of lake and mountain experiences, while other Austrian resorts provide plenty of opportunities to explore the Alps.

Read all about our Austria by Camper Van trip!

One of the fun things about Zell am See is that you can even experience snow at the glacier during summer. There are also opportunities for days out to places such as the Krimml waterfalls.

It’s a particularly good destination for families with children of different ages because there’s such a wide choice of things to do. One person can be keen to get out into the mountains while someone else would much rather spend the afternoon by the lake.

For children, mountain playgrounds can be a huge hit, while older kids might prefer activities such as rafting, cycling or horse riding. The area around Zell am See and Kaprun, for example, gives families plenty of opportunities to get active without every day needing to involve a long mountain walk.

Austria can also work well if you’re looking for a more traditional hotel holiday alongside the scenery, with All Inclusive options available in some resorts. That can be useful for families who like having meals and drinks sorted while still having the option to head out exploring during the day.

Switzerland

Switzerland is the destination we’d look at if your children would consider a mountain train an attraction in its own right. Here, getting around can be just as exciting as what you’re actually going to see.

The Swiss scenery is obviously a huge attraction, but it’s the sheer variety of ways to experience it that makes the country so memorable for families. You can travel by train through the mountains, take a boat across a lake or head up a cable car and suddenly find yourself surrounded by completely different scenery.

One thing to factor into your planning is the budget. Switzerland can be more expensive than some of the other destinations on this list, particularly when you’re paying for transport and attractions for a whole family, so it’s worth looking at those costs before you book.

France

France offers a lovely combination of lakeside swimming, beautiful towns and access to the Alps. It’s a good option if you’d like to spend some time by the water but also want the opportunity to explore the mountains.

If you’re looking for more of a mountain adventure, destinations such as Chamonix, Morzine, Samoëns and Les Houches give you access to the French Alps.

That makes the area particularly appealing for families who don’t want to choose between a lake holiday and a mountain holiday. You can have a proper day beside the water and then spend another exploring higher up in the Alps.

Slovenia

Slovenia is one we’d recommend if you want somewhere that feels a little different without having to travel huge distances once you’re there. It’s a relatively compact country, so you can fit quite a lot into a family trip.

Then there’s Bohinj, which has a quieter, more natural feel, and Kranjska Gora, where the mountains become much more of a feature.

For families who enjoy being outside, there’s plenty to do, but you can also simply enjoy the scenery and explore the towns. Slovenia is a particularly good option if you’re looking for lakes and mountains holidays that feel adventurous and a little different from the usual European resort.

North Macedonia

Lake Ohrid is one of the more unusual options on the list and could be a brilliant choice if your family likes the idea of somewhere a little less familiar.

Ohrid itself gives you plenty to explore away from the water, with its historic old town, waterfront and churches. So you can combine swimming and relaxing by the lake with days out exploring the area.

There are different accommodation styles available too, including All Inclusive, bed and breakfast and self-catering options, which makes it easier to find something that works for your family and budget.

Poland

Zakopane is a great option if you’re looking for a mountain destination with a completely different atmosphere from the Alps. It’s a traditional Polish mountain town at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, with wooden buildings, local food and a lively town centre.

Morskie Oko, a spectacular mountain lake, is another of the area’s best-known sights. Back in Zakopane, you can browse the markets, try traditional food and soak up the atmosphere of the town.

It’s a particularly good option for families who want a mountain holiday with plenty happening around the town itself, rather than staying somewhere that feels very remote.

Planning your lakes and mountains holiday

Once you’ve chosen a destination, there are a few practical things worth considering before booking. The time of year, how you’ll get around and where you stay can all make a difference to your family holiday.

When is the best time to go?

Summer is a popular time for lakes and mountains holidays, particularly from June to September, when many mountain lifts, boat services and outdoor attractions operate for the season. July and August are often the busiest months, so travelling in June or September may appeal if you prefer a quieter atmosphere.

The weather can be more changeable than you’d expect from a summer holiday. While you might enjoy warm, sunny days by the lake, temperatures can drop in the mountains, and showers are always possible. Pack layers and waterproofs, and have a few indoor activities in mind for rainy days.

Do you need to hire a car?

That depends on your destination and what you’d like to see. In places such as Lake Garda, boats can be a convenient way to travel between lakeside towns, while Switzerland has an extensive network of trains and other public transport. Some resorts are also well connected by buses and local services.

A hire car can be useful if you’re staying somewhere more remote, travelling with lots of luggage or hoping to visit several attractions in different areas. Before booking one, check how easy it is to reach the places you want to visit without a car, as you might find you don’t need one for the whole trip.

How much do lakes and mountains holidays cost?

Your budget will depend on the destination, accommodation and activities you choose. As well as flights and your hotel, remember to allow for meals, local transport, boat trips, mountain lifts and entrance fees for attractions.

Some of the best days out can be relatively inexpensive, such as exploring a town, enjoying a lakeside walk or spending time by the water. However, costs can add up if you’re taking several cable cars, booking organised excursions or visiting paid attractions throughout the week.

If you’re travelling on a budget, compare the cost of eating out with accommodation that includes meals, and check whether any local visitor cards or attraction passes offer savings on transport and activities.

What should you look for in family accommodation?

The best accommodation isn’t necessarily the hotel with the highest rating. Think about how your family will actually use it and what will make your stay easier.

If your children love swimming, a hotel with a pool could be worth prioritising. If you’d rather spend your evenings exploring, look for somewhere within walking distance of restaurants, shops and the lakeside, rather than a property that requires a taxi or hire car every time you leave.

Family rooms, kitchen facilities and easy access to public transport can also make a difference, particularly when travelling with younger children. Check the location on a map before booking, too. A hotel advertised as being near a lake or mountain resort may still be some distance from the places you want to visit.

Ultimately, it’s about finding accommodation that works for your family’s plans, rather than paying extra for facilities you might barely use.

Is a lakes and mountains holiday right for your family?

If your family enjoys discovering new places and having a bit of variety, this style of holiday is well worth considering. It’s particularly appealing if you like exploring beyond your hotel and experiencing the local area, whether that’s wandering through a lakeside town, trying regional food or visiting somewhere completely different from home.

The best destination will depend on your children’s ages and interests. Younger children might enjoy somewhere with easy access to swimming spots, a hotel pool and family attractions, while older children and teenagers may be keen to try watersports, cycling or mountain adventures. If you love scenic train journeys, Switzerland could be a great fit, while Lake Garda offers a wider mix of sightseeing and family attractions.

You don’t need to be a keen walker or an outdoorsy family to enjoy these holidays, either. Many destinations have cable cars, boats and local transport that make exploring easier. Think about what your family enjoys doing together, then choose a destination that offers plenty of opportunities to do just that.

There are also plenty of opportunities to explore away from the water and mountains themselves. You could visit historic towns, browse local markets, discover castles and gardens or stop for lunch in a traditional village. Some destinations have larger attractions too, including theme parks around Lake Garda.

It’s worth checking what’s available near your accommodation before you book, particularly if you want to avoid spending too much time travelling between activities. Look at the local transport links, seasonal opening dates and whether attractions need to be booked in advance.

And don’t overlook the simple things. A boat journey across a lake, a picnic with mountain views or an afternoon exploring somewhere new can be just as memorable as a big-ticket attraction.

Lakes and Mountains Holidays: Overall Thoughts

Overall, lakes and mountains holidays offer families something a little different, combining beautiful scenery, outdoor adventures and plenty of opportunities to explore somewhere new together. From the Italian Lakes to the Austrian Alps, there’s a huge variety of destinations to choose from, whether your family loves being active or prefers a slower pace. The key is finding the right location for your family, with the activities, accommodation and facilities that matter most to you.

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