Did you know that there are really cute little alpine villages in central Europe that focus on natural protection and offer soft tourism offers to visitors. Let me introduce you to the so-called mountaineering villages.
You can find villages with these certifications in Austria, Germany, South Tyrol, Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland. You might think these places are great for mountaineering as the name suggests. The mountain villages serve as models for both nature- and culture-focused alpine tourism and sustainable regional development. The initiative of the Bergsteiger Dörfer is a project from the alpine association of the countries mentioned above.
If you are looking for relaxing holidays in the alps I suggest you visit one of those villages. Here is why.
For villages to be certified as mountaineer villages they do have to fulfil some requirements. The production of regional value and careful management of the alpine environment are essential. The village is not bigger than 2.500 inhabitants. There has to be tourism infrastructure suited to mountain sports. Every aspect of mountaineering is covered, from leisurely strolls to more difficult excursions. The villages anticipate that its guests will exhibit environmental consciousness and personal accountability. Additionally the village has no airfield, motorway or similar infrastructure to guarantee low air pollution. The village drives its development forward and engages in cooperations with various actors.
Alpine village holidays what does this mean for visitors?
It means alpine holidays in rural charming villages with unspoiled nature. If you are looking for an eco-friendly stay in the Alps, the mountaineer villages are the places to go. These places do not only offer mountaineering activities for professional alpinists but also have various walking and hiking paths for all fitness levels. But also if you just want to relax in a calm alpine place, taking in the culture and nature, these villages are the places to go.
Of course every village has its own charm and character. But its attributes to be rural and not focused on mass tourism, are the same.
Mountaineering villages, as “alpine centers of excellence,” also anticipate responsible behaviour from their visitors. In terms of personal responsibility, skill, and self-reliance, as well as environmentally consciousness, both on the mountain and in the valley.
Mountaineers Villages in the European Alps
The mountaineering villages are located in central Europe, in five countries spread throughout the alps. In Italy 8 villages are certified, in Switzerland 5, in Austria 22 and Slovenia and Germany have 4 respectively.
Choosing from over 30 villages which one to visit is not easy. It’s ideal to choose a country and then decide, maybe there is something close by that you want to visit. Or if you rely on public transportation you can research which village is easy to reach by public transport.
Or you can see the offers of guided and self-guided tours, for your hiking adventure in the alps.
Culture in rural alpine villages
Due to the small size of the villages and the focus on soft tourism, it is easy to engage with the local culture. Whether it is small talk with the locals or experiencing a traditional celebration. At the mountaineer villages you can really dive into the local culture and have an authentic experience. For example in Sachrang you can find traditional groups with folk music. In Lauenen Sufsunntig a traditional mountain festival at various alpine pastures takes place every year. In Jezersko you can enjoy homegrown products, like their lamp or watch a wool processing demonstration. A traditional “Gailtaler Almkäse” – alpine cheese is something you should not miss in Mauthen.
As you can see every village has their own specifications, culture and landscape. For instance in the south in the Italian town Triora where you can already find a mediterranean atmosphere, with olive groves and the horizon of the sea from the mountain peaks.
It is also where traditional craftsmanship is kept alive or picked up again. So if you are looking for very unique gift or souvenirs these villages are the place you could find something.
Culinary at the mountaineering villages of Europe
Of course also the culinary aspect falls not too short. Some villages have set their focus on regional, seasonal and authentic food. For instance the Lesachtal is the first slow food destination in Austria. There you can try their own produced bread, cheese, herbs, pickled foods, beer and much more. You can even book experiences like herb hikes, bread and cheese making workshops.
In addition to the dishes you can enjoy in the valleys you can find mountain huts that offer culinary delights. Perfect for tired hikers who are looking for a place to recharge their batteries. If you are foody you should have a look at the alpin-culinary hiking tour recommendations.
