Rustic retreats stand as a beacon for travellers looking to experience the pristine beauty of Europe’s mountains, lakes, and forests. From the historic Italian Dolomites to the tranquil Finnish Lakeland, a medley of accommodations offers unique and serene escapes.
Picturesque Mountain Hideaways
Italian Escape at Rifugio Val di Togno
High in Italy’s rugged northern mountains lies Rifugio Val di Togno, at an altitude of 1,317 metres (4,320 ft). Accessible by a challenging four-wheel drive journey or a two-hour hike from Carnale, this serene refuge is managed by Luna Lybeer and Wout Allegaert. The lodge provides rooms with panoramic valley views and all-inclusive meals, featuring vegetarian delights made from garden and foraged finds. A three-night stay starts at £298.
Historic Austrian Train Station B&B
Lermooser in Tirol, Austria, once a forlorn train station, has been transformed by Johann Ehmann and Cleo Weber into a stylish bed and breakfast. The eight-room B&B sits by the Zugspitze, offering a convenient starting point for local hikes. A night in this design haven comes at a rate of £106, breakfast included.
Norwegian Wilderness at Røisheim Hotel
Røisheim, a storied hotel by Jotunheimen National Park in Norway, offers glacier walks, mountain hikes and cycling from its doorstep. This charming hotel takes visitors back to 1858, with rooms showcasing traditional craftsmanship. Rooms are available from £243 per night, including breakfast.
Bavarian Alpine Apartments
In Mittenwald, Bavaria, Anne-Sophie and Dario Trinkgeld have established Karls Mittenwald, located strategically amid scenic mountains yet conveniently close to Innsbruck. The converted former bakery offers well-appointed apartments with a café on-site. Rentals start at £145 per night.
Eco-Camping in Austria
The Gerhardhof campground in the Austrian Tirol focuses on sustainability, utilising solar energy and water conservation systems. Run by Josef Volgger, the site is perfect for nature lovers seeking activities among pine forests and meadows. Camping pitches start at £38 a night.
Timeless Inns in the Dolomites
The 1477 Reichhalter in Lana, Dolomites, boasts a rich history spanning 500 years. Its current incarnation as a cosy inn features mid-century styled rooms and a restaurant that spills onto pedestrianised lanes. Rates begin at £170, including breakfast.
Lakeside and Riverfront Retreats
Serenity on Swedish Waters
Stugbaat consists of five floating houseboats on Lake Lelång, Sweden, each with a motorboat for exploration. Fish, dive, or take a paddleboard from your doorstep. Prices start at £233 a night for up to four guests.
Cabins at Sweden’s Lake Eldan
Naturbyn offers seven rustic, off-grid cabins at Lake Eldan, Sweden, all immersed in nature with stunning views. Host Thomas Peterson ensures a nature-forward experience with no electricity but ample activities like canoeing and star-gazing. Cabins are from £160 per night for two guests.
Denmark’s Lake District Hotel
Ny Hattenæs, a waterfront hotel near Silkeborg, Denmark, combines history with contemporary comforts. With beautifully appointed rooms revamped in 2022, it is a hub for summer outdoor pursuits on Brassø Lake. Room rates are from £205 including breakfast.
Luxury Log Cabins in Finland
Sahanlahti Resort, on Finland’s Lake Saimaa, epitomises the Finnish log cabin experience with both classic and modern facilities such as private saunas. Site rentals start at £93 a night, accommodating up to four people.
Forest Getaways
Rustic Slovenian A-frame Cabins
Forest Camping Mozirje provides a peaceful escape in Slovenia’s Savinja valley with A-frame cabins crafted from local timber, ideal for adventure-seekers. Prices begin at £84 per night for the forest beds.
Black Forest Design Hotel
Artbau Designhotel in Germany’s Black Forest offers a stark modern aesthetic contrasting the region’s fairytale charm, while placing guests in the heart of nature. Accommodation begins at £115 per night.
Tiny Houses in Sweden’s Woods
The seclusion of Inforest’s solar-powered cabins, located in a wildlife-rich area in Sweden, ensures a tranquil stay. Each cabin is nestled a kilometre apart, inviting uninterrupted union with nature for £155 per night.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theguardian.com.