Top European Mountain Destinations
While the mountains of Europe are famous for winter sports, snowy slopes and luxurious ski resorts, they are equally beautiful and wonderful tourist destinations in the warmer months, as well. Come for the sweetest mountain towns, filled with charm and local flavour, wonderful views and incredible hiking routes. Whether you're interested in famous French hotspots, picturesque Austrian villages, Swiss food and scenery, or Italian style, there is something for everyone among our holiday rentals…
Switzerland
Switzerland is the quintessential alpine country, located smack in the middle of that famous mountain range. It has the biggest glaciers, the most peaks in Europe over 4000 metres, numerous lakes, villages featuring pretty medieval quarters, landmarks like capital Bern’s Zytglogge clock tower and Lucerne’s wooden chapel bridge and much more besides. It is incredibly picturesque and, while known as a luxurious destination, can be done on a budget!
Engelberg is a little known and quiet resort that has some of the country's best skiing and most beautiful views. In the winter, it may be a prime skiing destination but this bustling little town has plenty to offer throughout the year. There are a variety of hiking routes that suit all levels of fitness and difficulty and the scent of Alpine flowers and fresh air makes it the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature... Saas-Fee, meanwhile, is equally charming but a little better equipped and boasts reliable snowfall throughout much of the year. When the ground isn't covered in snow, it is a great place for hiking and rock-climbing, drawing people from all over to do both. Traditional and pretty, with lots of things to see and do, it is an incredibly compelling and magical location. There are many other great mountain destinations and vacation rentals in Switzerland, however, so check out our rentals in:
Zermatt Saint Moritz Davos Grindelwald Andermatt Basse-Nendaz
France
France offers the best variety of ski resorts of any country in the world in terms of facilities, styles and price ranges. However, in the spring and summer, when snow sports are not an option, it is an equally beautiful time to visit. Expect lush mountainsides, great views, pretty villages, great hiking and many other adventures besides...
The Chamonix Valley is home to 350 km of superbly maintained hiking trails, with 170 different itineraries offering walks adapted to all. It boasts several areas of natural reserves and amazing Mont Blanc panoramas. There is also so much climbing of each variety and options for beginners and the well-accustomed alike. Surrounded by towering peaks and tumbling glaciers, packed with Victorian and Belle Epoque buildings and offering a wide range of outdoor pursuits: there is a reason why it is one of the most famous mountain destinations in the country. Tignes in the Val D'Isère, meanwhile, boasts excellent snowfall, impressive terrain and a season that lasts almost the entire year. Made up of five villages set in a beautiful mountain plateau, it is a great skiing destination but also a popular area for hiking, climbing and more as the air is fresh, there is an impressive glacier to explore and much more besides. However, we do have plenty of other options in other excellent locations so check out our vacation rentals in:
Alpe D'Huez Val Thorens Les Deux Alpes Samoens Morzine Châtel Les Houches Megeve St. Gervais les Bains
Austria
Austria is all about picturesque resorts, a lively après scene, steins full of beer, tummies full of good food and good living, in general. One comes to Austria for the scenery and the outdoor pursuits, yes, but the whole experience that is offered is what is the real draw for tourists.
Tyrol is home to excellent hiking, rock climbing, cycling nand much more besides. It is an incredibly popular holiday destination all throughout the year and there is always something to see and do. Come enjoy the natural bounty, outdoor adventures and fresh air. Discover the regional capital of Innsbruck, with its many museums and other cultural attractions, the pretty village of Serfaus and lakes such as Lake Braies or Lake Caldaro. However, you should also check out our other vacation rentals in Austria in these destinations:
Kitzbühel Bad Gastein
Italy
Italy makes for a wonderful summer mountain destination with its cute towns, plentiful traditions, stunning scenery and a stylishness that is entirely Italian. If you are looking for some hearty meals, some wonderful views to photograph, fresh air and some peace and quiet, it is a perfect mountain destination!
Trentino, for example, offers a charming mixture of Alpine and Italian traditions in the Dolomites. The towering spikes and exuberant forms of these mountains form a dramatic backdrop to your whole holiday! It is a great skiing destination in the colder months and, during summer, it is a lush and picturesque place with a great range of hiking routes for different levels of proficiency, some excellent climbing opportunities, cute Alpine villages and truly stunning views. Cortina d'Ampezzo, meanwhile, is a fashionable ski resort town located in the Veneto region and has been a winter sports mecca since the 1930s. Outside the skiing season, it attracts walkers, climbers, and cyclists, and services and facilities reopen between June and September to meet their needs. We have lots of other vacation rentals in Italy's other ski areas so be sure to check out our vacation rentals in:
Val Gardena Canazei - Val di Fassa Madonna di Campiglio Merano Breuil Cervina Bormio Livigno Bardonecchia
