Hiking is one of the most popular ways to spend time in the mountains, but there is much more to do. In summer, you can explore mountain bike trails, enjoy tourist attractions, visit local landmarks, relax outdoors or unwind in a SPA. Discover what to do in the mountains in summer and how to plan a varied getaway.
Mountain holiday attractions: what to do?
The mountains offer much more than summiting peaks and spending hours on trails. Whatever your age, fitness level or preferred way to spend your free time, you can easily find activities suited to your interests.
During your summer stay, choose active recreation, sightseeing or relaxation surrounded by nature. The most popular mountain attractions include:
- mountain hiking – discover scenic trails, viewpoints and the region’s most interesting spots;
- cycling trips – ideal for family rides and more challenging MTB excursions;
- outdoor recreation – walks, picnics and relaxing in parks and recreational areas let you enjoy being close to nature;
- local attractions – landmarks, museums, spas and regional culture help you get to know the area;
- SPA and wellness – pools, saunas and treatments help you relax after an active day.
Mountain hiking
Although mountain towns offer tourists countless attractions, we’ll start with a classic. Trails of varying difficulty make the Polish mountains suitable for experienced hikers and beginners alike – whether you choose the Tatra, Beskid, Karkonosze, Bieszczady, Stołowe or Świętokrzyskie Mountains.
The Beskid Sądecki Mountains also offer plenty of interesting routes, while hiking trails in Krynica-Zdrój let you match a trip’s length and difficulty to your abilities. Most importantly, mountain conditions can change quickly, so every trip requires proper preparation – whether you plan Nordic walking, a valley walk or a mountain climb.
Before setting out, choose comfortable summer mountain clothing suited to the weather, as well as appropriate footwear and equipment to improve comfort and safety while hiking.
Cycling trips
You can also explore the mountains on two wheels. Mountain cycling can be demanding, but near many towns you’ll also find gentler routes suitable for beginner cyclists and families with children. It’s a great way to stay active and see the area from a different perspective.
The Beskid Sądecki Mountains offer excellent cycling conditions and are known for their diverse trails, while cycling routes in Krynica-Zdrój include both leisurely rides and more demanding sections. Popular routes include VeloKrynica, AquaVelo and VeloNatura, while MTB trails await those seeking a greater challenge. If you plan to go cycling in the mountains, make sure you have the right equipment, fitness and preparation beforehand.
Outdoor recreation
You don’t need to head into the high mountains to enjoy active recreation in nature. Towns and resorts offer many ways to spend time outdoors – from walks in parks and along promenades to easy scenic routes suitable for the whole family.
A good example is Zdrojowy Park and Parkowa Mountain in Krynica-Zdrój – the route to the summit is suitable for people of all ages and requires no special preparation. Scenic views, numerous walking paths and attractions for children await, including a playground and rope park.
Local attractions
The Polish mountains are also an interesting destination for those who enjoy discovering history, culture and local traditions. Landmarks, museums, viewpoints and educational trails mean there is no shortage of things to do, even on a less active day. In many towns, attractions are close to one another, making it easy to combine sightseeing with a walk.
In Zakopane, for example, visit historic villas and guesthouses, the Tatra Museum, the Zakopane Style Museum or the Oscypek Museum, and stroll along the famous Krupówki Street. Visitors to the Beskid Sądecki Mountains can explore the top attractions in Krynica-Zdrój, including the promenade, Old Mineral Baths, Old Spa House, Main Pump Room, multimedia fountain and Nikifor Museum.
Other mountain towns are just as interesting. Karpacz attracts visitors with the Wang Temple, Toy Museum, LEGO Museum of Models and Structures or Karkonosze Mysteries museum. In Szklarska Poręba, popular attractions include Kamieńczyk Waterfall, Szklarka Waterfall, Złoty Widok and the scenic areas of Karkonosze National Park.
SPA and wellness
A mountain getaway doesn’t have to mean trail activities only. After a day of hiking, cycling or sightseeing, many people enjoy wellness facilities that help them recharge and relax whatever the weather.
Water parks, thermal baths and SPA zones in mountain resorts are very popular. The most frequently visited facilities include Termy Bania, Termy Chochołowskie, Termy Szaflary and Termy Bukovina.
If you prefer these facilities on site, consider a hotel with an extensive wellness area when planning your trip. One example is Hotel Belmonte in Krynica-Zdrój, which combines comfortable accommodation with access to a pool, saunas, gym and SPA treatments, as well as numerous attractions for children, including a varied animation programme, playroom and fairy-tale cinema.
Summer mountain activities for children
The mountains are perfect for a family trip – besides hiking trails and beautiful views, they offer a wide range of attractions for children. When choosing a family hotel in the mountains, consider not only children’s facilities but also attractions nearby.
If, while planning a mountain holiday with children, you decide to visit the Beskid Sądecki Mountains, consider:
- walks and scenic routes – in Krynica-Zdrój, Parkowa Mountain is ideal, with walking paths and viewpoints accessible to families with children;
- funicular rides – the funicular to Parkowa Mountain is very popular, with a playground and rope park waiting for children at the top;
- family cycling trips – the Beskid Sądecki Mountains offer routes of varying difficulty, also suitable for beginner cyclists;
- museum visits and educational attractions – the Toy Museum in Krynica-Zdrój is an interesting place that appeals to children and adults alike;
- relaxing in pools and recreation areas – a great way to spend time after an active day or in poor weather.
FAQs about spending time in the mountains
The mountains offer much more than summiting peaks and hiking. Below are answers to the questions most often asked when planning a summer trip.
Anything to do in mountains in summer?
Of course! A summer mountain holiday offers many ways to spend time actively or peacefully. You can hike, cycle, visit local attractions, use rope parks, visit museums or relax in SPA and wellness areas. Many mountain towns also host cultural events and seasonal family attractions.
How to spend summer time in mountains?
Choose activities that suit your interests and abilities. Popular options include hiking, cycling, walks in parks and along promenades, and visiting local attractions. More and more people also combine active recreation with relaxing in pools, saunas or wellness areas.
Mountain holiday activities for children
During a family trip, you can choose from many attractions designed for children. Good options include easy walking routes, mountain railways, rope parks, playgrounds, family cycling trips, and visits to museums and educational centres.
What to do in mountains besides hiking?
The mountains offer many attractions beyond hiking. You can cycle, visit landmarks and museums, enjoy viewpoints, visit thermal baths and water parks, or relax in SPA and wellness areas.
Which mountain tourist attractions merit visiting?
Much depends on the region you visit. Popular mountain attractions include historic spas, regional museums, viewpoints, historic sites and attractions related to local culture. In Krynica-Zdrój, tourists enjoy visiting the promenade, Main Pump Room, Nikifor Museum and Parkowa Mountain, while other regions are known for attractions such as the Wang Temple in Karpacz and Zakopane’s sights.