Alps at a glance

Why visit the Alps?

On a Nordic Visitor adventure through the Alps, you can visit Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Italy. Each one is rich in culture and brimming with spectacular scenery.

As friendly neighbours, they’ve made it easy for visitors to travel between them. On your multi-country tour you can uncover what makes each of these magnificent countries unique. There is an incredible variety of sights for you to discover in these countries by car or train.

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You can stop off in chic and buzzing cities, such as Zürich, Munich, Innsbruck and Salzburg, to discover the rich and varied cultures of the Alps. There’s museums to explore, cobblestone streets to stroll down, and plenty of souvenir shops to bag a memento from your trip.

What really sets this region apart from other destinations is its breathtaking landscapes. There’s immense mountains on all sides, glittering lakes and rivers cutting through the valleys, and lush greenery for miles.

And thanks to the region’s Central European location, the daylight hours remain steady all year round at roughly 12 hours of light per day. This means it’s the perfect place to explore to your heart’s content.

When it comes to food, you’re spoiled for choice in the Alps. Restaurants here are indulgent, serving up classics such as fondue and stews. Every dish is packed with flavour. And when you get thirsty, you can take your pick from menus of locally crafted beers and wines.

How to get to the Alps

Your Nordic Visitor adventure will start in Germany or Switzerland. There’s plenty of choice of international carriers to take you there, including British Airways, KLM, American Airlines. Cathay Pacific and Qantas.

At either of the 2 main airports, Munich Airport and Zürich Airport, you’ll find it easy to reach the city centres and your accommodation. You can book a private transfer or use the convenient public transport.

• View more information about your flights to the Alps

Getting around

Once you’ve arrived in the Alps, you’ll soon see how easy it is to get around.

In fact, the travel itself is part of what makes the Alps so amazing. Experience the freedom of driving through magnificent countryside on a self-drive tour. You can take the road trip at your own pace and stop as often as you want to.

Or, let someone else take the wheel and see the sights with a knowledgeable guide on a small group tour. On these tours you’ll also have the opportunity to traverse through the mountains by train, which makes for some truly spectacular views.

• Discover our selection of tours in the Alps

English is widely spoken in each country of this region, so you shouldn’t have any problems asking for directions from the locals during your trip. See more about the languages spoken in the Alps to learn a few useful words.

When to visit

There’s no bad time to visit the Alps. When you decide to come just depends on what you’d like to do while you’re here.

June, July or August are your best bet if you want to spend time hiking in the mountains or swimming in the lakes. The weather tends to be the best at this time of year, affording you incredible views as you embark on your excursions.

Just make sure you pack a light waterproof layer as these months can also see rain.

The shoulder months – May, September and October – are favourites among visitors who want to experience the Alps in generally favourable weather, but with fewer crowds.