Austria, but in the summer (and yes, you want that)
Austria. You might be thinking: powder snow, (après)skiing, mulled wine, and steaming Apfelstrudel. That is all true. But there is another season you really shouldn't miss: summer. The good news: forget spending evenings searching for the perfect accommodation. Villa for You has already selected the most beautiful, fun, and unique holiday homes and chalets in Austria for you, from luxury villas with private pools or wellness facilities to cozy chalets with breathtaking views.
When the snow melts, mountain lakes, flower meadows, and hiking trails appear in Austria that you won't find anywhere else, and it turns out to be perfectly set up for children as well. Cable cars to playgrounds high up in the Alps, hurtling down the slopes on a summer toboggan run, and swimming in crystal-clear lakes: they will never want to go home. Meanwhile, you are sitting on a terrace with a mountain view and a glass of local wine in your hand. Everyone happy. Villa for You has something for everyone, and all houses have been personally visited so that you can book worry-free.
Styria is the part of Austria that most Dutch people are not yet familiar with. The Riesneralm Chalets are situated in the Donnersbachtal, a beautiful side valley surrounded by nature, with the sound of a babbling brook in the background. The luxurious detached chalets, accommodating 8 to 12 people, are each uniquely furnished by the owner, offering plenty of privacy and a private sauna. Are you coming with a large group or family? You can book multiple chalets next to each other, which is convenient if you want to be together but still have your own space.
In the summer, you hike through colorful flower meadows here, explore mountain lakes, or splash around in the Gipfel Pool, a heated outdoor pool at the top of the Riesner Krispen, at an altitude of 1.900 meters and with a 360-degree view. Swim until sunset. That is the good life.
Feeling sporty? There are hiking trails for every level, a barefoot trail in the mountains, and an E-Bike park for mountain bikers. And the best part: you can drive there without traffic jams, even during peak season.
Lake Zell is perhaps the most beautiful lake in Austria, and from the Tauern Suites Mitterwirt in Piesendorf, you are situated exactly between Zell am See and Kaprun.
Stylish apartments with Alpine views, balconies to enjoy the scenery with a cup of coffee in the morning, and a shared sauna for when your legs protest after a day of hiking or mountain biking. Because in the summer, this area is an outdoor paradise: mountain trails, alpine meadows, stand-up paddleboarding on the lake, and paragliding for the adventurous. Want to take it easy? Sunbathing by the water. That's possible too.
Wald im Pinzgau is authentic and welcoming: no high-rises, no tourist circus, but rather Alpine chalets, mountain huts, and exceptional local specialties. Think fresh Kasnocken, a steaming goulash soup, or a platter of Pinzgauer cheese and sausage after a day outdoors. The eleven small-scale lodges are spacious enough for families or groups of friends and all offer that wonderful blend of comfort and mountain air — including a private sauna. In summer, you swap the slopes for the hiking trails of the Hohe Tauern National Park and cycle past the Krimmler Waterfalls, Austria's highest waterfall. No crowds, but everything you need.
Carinthia is Austria's best-kept secret. More than a thousand lakes, clear and warm enough to swim in, surrounded by mountain peaks. Afritz am See is one of those places where you arrive and immediately decide you haven't booked enough nights. Sonnenalpe Nassfeld, a little further south, borders almost on Italy, and you can taste it too, in the cuisine and the atmosphere. Via Villa for You, you will find holiday homes here for every travel group.
It is not for nothing that the Alpbachtal is described as 'Tyrol Pur'. Nine authentic mountain villages, green meadows, gorges, mountain lakes, and a village atmosphere that makes you feel like time moves a little slower here. Take the cable car up to the playgrounds on the mountain and look out over the fairytale valley with an ice cream in hand. After a strenuous hike, pull up a chair at one of the rustic mountain huts for a Hüttenjause: a wooden board full of regional specialties that will leave you speechless. And if you prefer to head for the water: Lake Reintal is the warmest swimming lake in Tyrol, with temperatures reaching up to 25 degrees for a dip or renting a boat. Now that is what we call a good day.
Schladming is one of Austria's most famous ski villages, but Haus im Ennstal nearby is much quieter, which is exactly why it's so lovely. Apart33 features 35 stylish apartments with balconies, private saunas, and mountain views. In the summer, explore the 'Valley of a Thousand Springs': mountain lakes, springs, and waterfalls that you can simply wander through. Or let loose on the Dachstein Glacier, with paragliding and a suspension bridge you'd rather not point out to those with a fear of heights. For those who really want to go: book the penthouse, with two terraces offering panoramic views, an amazing kitchen with a wine cooler, and a split-level floor with a billiard table. Just because you can.
And for those who haven't had enough yet: besides Austria, Villa for You has a whole host of other dream destinations on offer. Arranging your holiday has never been so easy – and so fun.
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