Off into the cool water: our highlights for cooling off in summer

In the Tyrolean mountains, summer temperatures are certainly more moderate than during a beach vacation in southern Europe. That’s perhaps precisely what makes it so appealing to spend hot days right here, where you don’t have to deal with 40-degree heat. Still, even here in the Arlberg, we get genuinely hot days when the desire for refreshment grows stronger and stronger. When a summer day in the mountains becomes “too hot” is a very personal judgment, and whatever your opinion may be, in this post we’d like to share our top picks for cooling off in the summer. 

Obvious Refreshment

The first and simplest step toward cooling off surely leads our guests into the shower—and that’s an excellent idea! The Pfeffermühle offers visitors water of the highest quality: filtered and treated to drinking water standards. Speaking of drinking: depending on your preference, the water from the tap is served still or sparkling—but always refreshing! Of course, both the precious liquid and the electricity needed for treatment come from the region: green electricity from hydropower and five regional water sources make it possible.

Another nearby option for cooling off is the Rosanna stream, just a 5-minute walk from the Pfeffermühle. The small river originates from a lake in the Verwall at over 2,000 meters above sea level, bringing its cool temperatures right along with it. A half-hour hike toward Pettneu leads to a Kneipp pool, where the ice-cold Rosanna breathes new life into heat-weary legs. Those who continue on, invigorated by this experience, will find a cool and scenic natural wonder in the Rosanna Gorge. 

For those who stay on the river’s path while seeking relief from the heat in the Tyrolean mountains, the car-free Verwall Valley is the perfect choice. Not far from St. Anton and accessible on foot, by bike, or via shuttle bus, this is a true summer paradise for families. The breathtaking steel cable bridge over the Rosanna leaves no one unimpressed, just like the emerald-green, cool Verwallsee. A playground, legend stations, and the high and low ropes courses also ensure that children of all ages will be jumping for joy. But even less adventurous visitors will find the long-awaited peace and cooling relief here.

A beautiful trail with impressive views leads from the Rosanna Gorge to the Sennhütte, where a cold beer provides the energy needed for the return trip. On the grounds of the Sennhütte, at around 1,500 meters above sea level, lies our next recommendation: Senn’s WunderWanderWeg. This multi-award-winning trail was created by the Senn family and offers visitors the chance to experience nature along unique paths—including the WasserWeg with its Kneipp facility. 

The most beautiful mountain lakes for a refreshing dip 

Here in the Arlberg, however, there are many more wonderful lakes that provide refreshment on summer days. Let’s start with the Maiensee near St. Christoph, a place that has drawn us in ever since we were children. After a ten-minute bus ride to the village, it’s about a 20-minute hike from there before you take in the breathtaking beauty of this lake. A swim or two in this gem cools the body and warms the soul—after all, part of the hiking route lies along the Way of St. James. 

How about a bike ride to Lake Kartell, the reservoir that has made St. Anton am Arlberg self-sufficient in electricity since 2006? Sustainable power generation is a good reason to visit, and the breathtaking nature surrounding the lake is another. Passing the Tritsch-Alm and the Rossfall Alm, Kartellsee offers the perfect conditions to cool off and unwind. Those who wish can also cycle on to the Darmstädter Hütte at 2,384 meters above sea level. 

On the Berggeistweg trail toward the Kaltenberghütte, which is already in Vorarlberg, lie the Albonaseen, beautiful mountain lakes amidst untouched nature. The trail there is also easy to manage with children, though the entire loop hike to the Kaltenberghütte and back to St. Christoph may be too long for little feet. Still, especially on hot days, the short hike up to the Albonaseen is just the thing.

Splashy Adventures: Action with Water

If you don’t want to miss out on fun and adventure despite the heat, we have two more tips for you. How about rafting and canyoning? H2O Adventure offers the much-desired dose of action in the cool water for extreme sports enthusiasts, families, and beginners alike—and all of this right in the heart of St. Anton. 

To wrap up this list of ideas for cooling off on hot summer days in the Arlberg, we’d like to recommend an e-bike excursion with our Julia. Cycling, hiking, and swimming all in one—that’s what your host and hiking guide offers for just a €15 contribution. If you don’t have your own e-bike, you can rent one for the roughly 1.5–2-hour ride to the Konstanzerhütte. Refreshed and re-energized, you’ll then take a half-hour walk to “Langer See,” a lesser-known, cold lake. The brave can go for a swim, while everyone else can at least cool off their legs. If you’re interested in this guided tour with Julia, you can book your spot online right away or ask us in person on-site. 

Whatever type of refreshment you choose, we look forward to your visit!

The Klimmer Family & Team