Alpine Summer Hiking: The Most Beautiful Trails to Crystal-Clear Lakes
In the heart of summer, the Alps become a paradise of long daylight, wildflower-filled meadows, and sparkling alpine lakes. Whether you’re hiking to a quiet tarn or relaxing by a glacial lake beneath towering peaks, summer is the perfect time to combine hiking with refreshing mountain water.
This article will guide you to some of the most beautiful summer hiking trails in the Alps that lead to crystal-clear lakes — perfect for cooling your feet, taking unforgettable photos, or simply enjoying the peace of high-altitude nature.
🌞 Why Hike to Alpine Lakes in Summer?
💧 Freshness: Cool, clear waters offer a refreshing contrast to the summer heat
🏔️ Scenery: Lakes mirror the mountains, clouds, and sky — perfect for photographers
🌿 Biodiversity: Meadows near lakes are full of wildflowers and wildlife
🧺 Picnic perfection: Natural beauty meets serenity
📸 Golden hour reflections: Ideal light in early morning or late afternoon
🥾 Top Hiking Trails to Alpine Lakes in Summer
🇨🇭 1. Bachalpsee – Grindelwald, Switzerland
Time: 2 hours round trip | Difficulty: Easy
Access: First cable car from Grindelwald
Bachalpsee is a postcard-perfect lake set above the Grindelwald Valley, often reflecting the snow-covered Wetterhorn and Schreckhorn peaks.
🌟 Best for: Sunrise or sunset photography
🌼 Summer highlight: Alpine meadows full of gentians and bellflowers
🇮🇹 2. Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) – Dolomites, Italy
Time: 1.5 hours (loop) | Difficulty: Easy
Access: Directly accessible by car or bus (early arrival recommended)
One of the most iconic lakes in the Alps, Lago di Braies features turquoise water, wooden rowboats, and dramatic limestone peaks — and a beautiful loop trail along its shore.
🌟 Best for: Families, first-timers, and romantic strolls
📸 Tip: Visit before 9 AM to avoid the crowds
🇦🇹 3. Drachensee – Tyrol, Austria
Time: ~4–5 hours round trip | Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Access: From Ehrwald via Coburger Hütte
A hidden gem among alpine lakes, Drachensee ("Dragon Lake") sits at over 1,900 meters and glows a brilliant emerald green beneath rugged cliffs.
🌟 Best for: Adventurous hikers and photographers
🏠 Bonus: Enjoy a meal or overnight at the scenic Coburger Hut
🇫🇷 4. Lac Blanc – Chamonix Valley, France
Time: 2.5–3 hours round trip | Difficulty: Moderate
Access: Start from La Flégère cable car
Lac Blanc is a classic — a stunning glacial lake known for reflecting Mont Blanc on calm days. The trail offers sweeping views of the entire Chamonix valley.
🌟 Best for: Iconic panoramas and sunrise hikes
🐾 Tip: Look out for ibex grazing on the rocks nearby
🇨🇭 5. Oeschinensee – Kandersteg, Switzerland
Time: 2–4 hours (depending on route) | Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Access: Gondola from Kandersteg, then a short hike
This deep blue alpine lake surrounded by cliffs and waterfalls is a favorite among Swiss locals. You can swim, rent a boat, or just relax on the shore.
🌟 Best for: Full-day family outings with optional swimming
⛵ Bonus: Rowboat rentals available in summer
🧭 Tips for Lake Hikes in the Summer Alps
👟 Wear good hiking shoes – even easy lake trails may have rocky or muddy sections
🧥 Pack layers – it can still be chilly near glacial lakes
🌞 Bring sun protection – high altitudes = strong UV rays
💦 Don’t swim in glacier lakes unless prepared – most are icy cold year-round
🥪 Pack a picnic – food tastes better by the water with a view
📱 Download offline maps – for orientation in less connected areas
📅 Best Time to Hike to Alpine Lakes
Late June to early October is the ideal window
Snow may linger near higher lakes into early July
August offers the warmest water (still very cold!)
September brings clear skies and golden larch forests near some lakes
💬 Conclusion: Hike, Reflect, Refresh
There’s something timeless and meditative about arriving at an alpine lake after a good hike — the sound of water, the reflection of peaks, the sense of stillness in motion. In the summer months, these trails offer both adventure and peace, reminding us why the Alps are one of the most enchanting places on Earth.
🥾 What’s your favorite alpine lake hike — or which one are you dreaming of visiting this summer? Share it in the comments below!
