Sleeping Above the Clouds: The Highest Hotels in Europe You’ll Never Forget
Ever dreamed of waking up above the clouds—where the air is thin, the world below feels distant, and every sunrise feels like a secret shared only with the mountains? The highest hotels in Europe make that dream a reality. From glacier-top hideaways in the Italian Alps to glass-walled sanctuaries overlooking Switzerland’s Matterhorn, these sky-high stays are as much about altitude as attitude. Whether you crave the thrill of snow-dusted solitude or the comfort of five-star luxury perched on a ridge, these are not just hotels—they’re experiences carved into the heavens.
If you’re planning your next alpine adventure, this guide to the Top 10 highest hotels in Europe will lead you to breathtaking views, unmatched serenity, and a sense of wonder you can’t find anywhere else on Earth.
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1. Glacier Hotel Grawand – 3,212 m (Italy)
At 3,212 meters above sea level, Italy‘s Glacier Hotel Grawand proudly holds the crown as the highest hotel in Europe. Perched on the frozen edge of South Tyrol’s Schnalstal Glacier, it feels more like a base camp on the roof of the world than a traditional hotel. Inside, the hotel is warm and minimalist, built for comfort against the wildness outside. You can ski straight from your doorstep or follow the glacier trails that once guided Ötzi the Iceman. As evening falls, the sun dips below the mountains, painting the ice in surreal shades of gold and violet. The best time of day is dawn—wake early and watch the glacier blush under the first light of morning. It’s moments like these that show why staying in the highest hotels in Europe is a truly otherworldly experience.
The nearest airport is Innsbruck, about 160 kilometers away, and from there it’s a two-hour drive to Maso Corto. The final ascent is by cable car—a thrilling glide over the glacier that feels like entering another world. Explore the hotel’s rooms and rates.
2. 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat – 3,100 m (Switzerland)
Among the Top 10 highest hotels in Europe, the 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat is pure high-altitude poetry. Sitting proudly at 3,100 meters, it’s the highest hotel in Switzerland and looks directly out onto the legendary Matterhorn. Built in 1907, the Kulmhotel combines rustic heritage with celestial beauty—it even hosts its own observatory, where guests can gaze into galaxies untouched by city lights. By day, skiers and hikers roam the slopes; by night, the silence and stars wrap around you like velvet. Staying here feels like touching both earth and sky at once.
The nearest airport is Zurich, about 250 kilometers away. From Zurich, take a scenic train ride to Zermatt—cars aren’t allowed here—and then the historic Gornergrat Railway whisks you up to the hotel door. Explore the hotel’s rates here.
3. Le Refuge de Solaise – 2,551 m (France)
Le Refuge de Solaise, at 2,551 meters, captures the soul of alpine adventure. This remote chalet above the Belleville Valley in Les Menuires is a proud contender among the Top 10 highest hotels in Europe, where altitude and authenticity meet. Inside the hotel, the crackle of the fire mixes with the scent of melting cheese and mountain herbs. Meals are hearty, laughter comes easily, and every window frames a view that takes your breath away. Don’t rush your departure; step outside before bed, breathe the icy air, and look up. At this altitude, the stars feel so close they almost hum.
The nearest airport is Chambéry, about 110 kilometers away. From there, it’s a picturesque drive to Les Menuires, followed by a ski lift or snowcat journey up to the refuge itself. Explore the hotel here.
4. Hotel Riffelhaus 1853 – 2,500 m (Switzerland)
Few places define Alpine history like Hotel Riffelhaus 1853. Standing at 2,500 meters above Zermatt, it has been welcoming mountaineers and dreamers for over 170 years, making it one of the highest hotels in Europe and one of the most storied. Inside the hotel, old-world craftsmanship meets modern comfort—wood beams, crackling fires, and a spa with a view that feels endless. In the evenings, order a drink on the terrace just before dusk; as the Matterhorn glows red in the fading light, you’ll understand why travelers return here generation after generation.
The nearest airport is Geneva, around 230 kilometers away. From there, take the train to Zermatt, then the Gornergrat Bahn up the mountain to the hotel’s station. The views grow grander with every turn, until the Matterhorn dominates your horizon. Check out the hotel’s rates here.
5. Koh-I Nor Hotel – 2,364 m (France)
At 2,364 meters, the Koh-I Nor Hotel in Val Thorens gleams like the diamond it’s named for—and rightfully earns its place among the Top 10 highest hotels in Europe. The nearest airport is Geneva, about 200 kilometers away. A scenic transfer winds through the Tarentaise Valley before climbing to the snowy heights of Val Thorens. Once you arrive, the glass-clad façade reflects endless snowfields and sapphire skies, while the interior radiates refined French elegance. Easily reached by road or gondola, it’s a cocoon of luxury where the mountains feel almost close enough to touch. The spa stretches across three floors, the restaurants serve Michelin-level cuisine, and every suite feels suspended between earth and sky. Time slows here, and the silence has weight. As sunset pours gold into your glass of champagne, you’ll realize that altitude and indulgence are not opposites—they’re soulmates. Discover the room options here.
6. Hotel Pashmina Le Refuge – 2,350 m (France)
Hotel Pashmina Le Refuge is where mountaineering spirit meets modern luxury. Resting at 2,350 meters in Val Thorens, it stands proudly among the highest hotels in Europe, promising adventure by day and sanctuary by night. The hotel’s design whispers warmth—soft furs, glowing wood, and enormous windows that dissolve into the horizon. Guests can ski out from the door or retreat to the spa, where steam drifts against the snowy world outside. The experience reaches its peak in the “Igloo Pod,” a transparent dome suite that lets you sleep beneath the stars in silent wonder. Staying here isn’t just a getaway—it’s an invitation to live beautifully, high above the ordinary.
The nearest airport is Lyon Saint-Exupéry, about 220 kilometers away. Transfers take around three hours through scenic mountain passes. Explore the hotel here.
7. Hotel Altapura – 2,300 m (France)
At 2,300 meters, Hotel Altapura brings a modern, sustainable twist to mountain living. One of the Top 10 highest hotels in Europe, it’s a Scandinavian-inspired sanctuary where simplicity meets style. Pale wood tones, sleek furnishings, and soft lighting create a serene atmosphere amid the perpetual snow of Val Thorens. Guests glide straight from the lobby onto the pistes, then return to warm Nordic saunas and inventive mountain cuisine. In the evenings, the scent of mulled wine drifts through the air as conversation hums softly in the lounge. There’s a youthful energy here—fresh, elegant, and effortlessly chic.
The nearest airport is Geneva, around 200 kilometers away, with road transfers directly to the resort. From there, it’s a short ride by ski lift or shuttle to the hotel. Explore the hotel’s rates here.
8. Riffelalp Resort – 2,222 m (Switzerland)
High above Zermatt, at 2,222 meters, Riffelalp Resort sits in a dreamscape of alpine beauty, a timeless classic among the highest hotels in Europe, easily reached from Zurich or Geneva airports via train to Zermatt and then a short mountain railway ride. The resort blends 19th-century grandeur with the indulgences of a modern spa, including Europe’s highest outdoor pool—a steamy, surreal mirror reflecting glaciers and stars. Days here slip by in a golden rhythm: long walks through meadows, evenings of fine wine, and slow, satisfied sighs as the last light fades behind the peaks. Check out the room options and rates here.
9. Hotel Bergwelt – 2,000 m (Austria)
In the heart of Obergurgl, the “Diamond of the Alps,” Hotel Bergwelt in Austria shines with Tyrolean grace at 2,000 meters. Its altitude earns it a spot among the Top 10 highest hotels in Europe, but its warmth is what wins hearts. The wellness area feels like a mountain sanctuary—pools with sweeping views, herbal saunas, and candlelit lounges for the ultimate après-ski unwind. The village below glows softly at night, and the stars above seem almost within reach. Taking a night swim in the outdoor pool, as snowflakes fall around you, is the kind of magic only found this high up.
The nearest airport is Innsbruck, about 100 kilometers away. From there, a scenic mountain drive leads you straight to the hotel. Find out the hotel’s rates here.
10. Alpen Wellness Resort Hochfirst – 1,930 m (Austria)
At 1,930 meters, Alpen Wellness Resort Hochfirst brings together precision, elegance, and Tyrolean hospitality in perfect balance. It’s one of the highest hotels in Europe, and it knows how to spoil its guests. The spa is vast and luxurious, offering panoramic thermal pools and treatments inspired by the Alps themselves. The ski lifts start just meters away, leading to reliable snow and pristine runs. In summer, the surrounding meadows burst into color, offering endless trails for walkers and dreamers alike. As the first rays of sunrise spill over the Ötztal peaks, coffee in hand, you’ll understand why altitude feels so addictive.
The hotel is easily accessible from Innsbruck Airport, a 90-minute drive away through sweeping valleys and pine-covered slopes. Explore the rooms and rates here.
Travel Tips for Staying in the Highest Hotels in Europe
Altitude is magical—but it requires respect. When staying in the highest hotels in Europe, give your body time to adjust: drink plenty of water, move slowly the first day, and avoid overindulgence in alcohol until you’ve acclimatized. The weather can change in a heartbeat, so pack layers and sturdy shoes. And remember, some of these hotels are only reachable by cable car or mountain train—always check the last lift time before you set off.
Booking Advice for the Highest Hotels in Europe
The allure of the highest hotels in Europe means they book up quickly. Plan well ahead, especially for peak ski months (December to March) and alpine summer (July to September). Choose a room with a mountain or glacier view—this is where you’ll feel the magic most deeply. Consider half-board or full-board options, as dining choices can be limited at altitude. For tranquility, aim for midweek stays, when slopes and spas are quieter. Whether you crave the solitude of a glacier-top lodge or the indulgence of a five-star refuge, the Top 10 highest hotels in Europe offer something rare—the chance to wake up in the clouds and feel, if only for a moment, infinite.
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