In the mountains… A Remote Refuge in Northern Italy Perched at a rugged 1,317 meters (4,320ft) in the Lombardy Alps, Rifugio Val di Togno is not a destination for the faint of heart. The journey itself is an adventure, with a four-mile dirt track from the nearest town carving through 27 challenging hairpins, ideally tackled in a robust four-wheel drive. Alternatively, a two-hour ascent from the quaint hamlet of Carnale offers a rewarding hike for the truly dedicated. Yet, as managers Luna Lybeer and Wout Allegaert eloquently put it, their philosophy is to "offer guests nothing so they can get away from everything." This paradoxical statement belies a beautifully renovated mountain hideout that is anything but "nothing." Each meticulously designed room frames breathtaking views of the Valmalenco valley, whether through intimate, porthole-like round windows or expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that invite the majestic landscape indoors. The all-inclusive stay ensures guests are well-nourished, with breakfast, lunch (or a packed picnic for hikes), an afternoon snack, aperitivo, and a delightful two-course vegetarian dinner. Every dish is a testament to fresh, local produce, often sourced directly from the couple’s own organic garden or foraged from the surrounding wilderness. Homemade kombucha, artisanal sourdough, and hand-rolled gnocchi elevate the culinary experience, making it a true highlight of this secluded Italian gem. Doubles from £298 all-inclusive (three-night minimum), rifugiovalditogno.com An Austrian Train Station Turned B&B In the picturesque Austrian Tirol, at the foot of the mighty Zugspitze – Germany’s highest peak – a piece of railway history has been gloriously reimagined. The old Lermoos train station, an elegant Alpine structure built in 1910, had fallen silent and stood empty for years until Johann Ehmann and his wife Cleo Weber fell under its spell. "We were fascinated by it and contacted Austrian Railways regularly for more than five years asking if it was for sale," Ehmann recalls, highlighting their persistence. In 2019, their dream became a reality. The couple meticulously converted the classic building into Lermooser, a stylish design B&B that seamlessly blends heritage with contemporary comfort. Its eight rooms cater to diverse needs, from cozy bunk-bed "cabins" perfect for solo adventurers or small families, to the more spacious "team XL" featuring three single beds and a double in a row, ideal for groups. Guests benefit from a communal kitchen, fostering a friendly atmosphere, and a downstairs kiosk serving freshly brewed coffee, delectable pastries, and hearty homemade soups. Remarkably, the train still makes its stop right outside, connecting guests to the wider region. For hikers, the convenience is unparalleled, with trails leading to the panoramic Tuftl Alm viewpoint, and the stunning glacial lakes of Seebensee and Drachensee, commencing directly from the B&B’s doorstep. Doubles from £106 B&B, lermooser.com A Historic Wilderness Hotel in Norway Deep in southern Norway, on the very fringes of the awe-inspiring Jotunheimen National Park, stands Røisheim, a hotel steeped in history and natural grandeur. In the summer months, a truly magical phenomenon occurs: the sun refuses to set until an astonishing 11 pm, granting guests extended daylight hours to explore the dramatic Norwegian wilderness. This extended twilight offers ample opportunity for exhilarating activities such as guided blue ice glacier walks, invigorating swims in crystal-clear mountain lakes, challenging cycling routes over the majestic Sognefjellet pass, or even tackling Galdhøpiggen, Norway’s tallest mountain at 2,469 meters (8,100ft). Røisheim holds a special place in mountaineering lore; the first recorded ascent of Galdhøpiggen in 1850 famously began from its very grounds, and a trail still leads from the hotel’s courtyard, though modern hikers often opt for quicker routes from Spiterstulen. Welcoming mountain-lovers since 1858, Røisheim is a true time capsule, a turf-roofed hotel where many rooms have been faithfully preserved. Guests can step back in time amidst timber-clad walls, intricately carved wooden beds, and unique barrel-like tubs, all while enjoying the comforts of a bygone era. Doubles from £243 B&B, roisheim.no Alpine Apartments in Bavaria "We didn’t choose Mittenwald because we wanted to open a hotel, we chose it because we wanted to live somewhere that summer still feels like summer," explains Anne-Sophie Trinkgeld, co-owner of the recently opened Karls Mittenwald. Along with her husband Dario, Anne-Sophie embarked on a quest to find the perfect Alpine location, prioritizing a harmonious blend of climate, outdoor activities, and accessibility. Mittenwald, a charming small town near the Austrian border, emerged as the clear winner – surrounded by majestic mountains, yet conveniently just 40 minutes from the vibrant city of Innsbruck. The couple transformed a former bakery into 11 thoughtfully designed one- and two-bedroom apartments, each exuding a contemporary Alpine aesthetic. Downstairs, a welcoming cafe serves delightful breakfast spreads and an array of homemade cakes, providing the perfect fuel for active days. Guests can spend their time swimming in the impossibly clear waters of Lautersee, cycling to the source of the Isar River through the protected Karwendel nature park, or embarking on a rewarding hike to Germany’s highest brewery, Karwendelbräu, for a well-earned refreshment. Karls Mittenwald offers a sophisticated yet laid-back base for experiencing the best of Bavarian Alpine life. Apartments from £145 a night, karls-mittenwald.de An Eco-Campsite in the Austrian Tirol Nestled nearly 1,000 meters (3,280 ft) above sea level, Austria’s Mieming Sun Plateau is renowned for its unusually mild microclimate and a network of inviting looping hikes that meander through fragrant pine forests and verdant Alpine meadows. It was here, on a family farm known as Gerhardhof, that Josef Volgger grew up, his parents having run a small guesthouse alongside their agricultural endeavors. Today, Josef, in collaboration with two business partners, has transformed Gerhardhof into a pioneering sustainability-minded campsite. The commitment to ecological practices is evident throughout, featuring grey water recycling systems, efficient wood-chip heating, and extensive solar energy utilization. A naturally filtered swimming pond offers a refreshing dip without chemical additives, further enhancing the natural appeal. While embracing modern eco-conscious practices, the spirit of the original farm endures. Guests can still find Josef’s mother, Edith, in the bakery, diligently turning out warm, flaky apple strudel, a beloved Tirolean treat. The on-site restaurant continues to serve hearty dinners, including classic Wiener Schnitzel and comforting Käsespätzle (an Alpine take on mac and cheese), ensuring a taste of authentic local cuisine amidst the stunning natural surroundings. Pitches from £38 a night, gerhardhof.com A 500-Year-Old Inn in the Italian Dolomites In the enchanting South Tirolean town of Lana, a building of immense historical character, now home to 1477 Reichhalter, has witnessed five centuries of transformations. Over its long life, it has served as a butcher shop, a bustling bakery, a sawmill, a stable, and a lively tavern, each incarnation adding layers to its rich narrative. Since 2018, this venerable edifice has been reimagined as an exquisite restaurant complemented by eight meticulously designed bedrooms, each furnished with a discerning collection of mid-century pieces. Room number 4, named Helmsdorf, offers a charming balcony with captivating views of the majestic Vigiljoch mountain and the historic Braunsberg Castle, an ideal spot for morning coffee. Guests can even borrow a bike to explore the scenic surroundings further. Schöller, another favored room, delights with its raw plaster walls and a traditional tiled stube stove, evoking a sense of rustic elegance. Downstairs, the restaurant’s tables gracefully spill onto the pedestrianized street, creating a vibrant al fresco dining experience. The menu boasts culinary delights such as a delectable beef tartare and a refreshing house salad featuring homemade pickled vegetables and seasonal produce harvested from the kitchen garden of its sister hotel, Villa Arnica, ensuring a truly farm-to-table experience. Doubles from £170 B&B, 1477reichhalter.com A Bauhaus Guesthouse in Italy’s South Tirol High above the charming village of Barbiano and the Eisack valley in Italy’s South Tirol, the Alpine hotel Briol stands as a testament to timeless simplicity and striking modernist architecture. For four decades, Johanna Fink meticulously ran her family’s establishment with an admirable efficiency, where bed sheets air-dried naturally on the line and guests were summoned to dinner by the resonant clang of a cowbell at precisely 7 pm. Today, her children, Victoria and Valentin von Klebelsberg, have taken the reins, ensuring Briol remains charmingly unchanged, a sanctuary from modern complexities. The main house underwent a significant renovation in 1928 by the artist Hubert Lanzinger, who imbued it with the clean lines and functional beauty of the Bauhaus style. In keeping with its minimalist philosophy, the bedrooms offer no heating (though a comforting hot-water bottle service is provided), bathrooms are shared, and there are no televisions, Wi-Fi, or decorative pictures on the walls. Yet, this intentional lack of distraction is profoundly welcome, especially with the mesmerizing views from the mountain meadow, inviting guests to truly immerse themselves in the pristine natural surroundings. From its doorstep, a network of well-maintained hiking trails beckons, offering endless opportunities for exploration and contemplation. Doubles from £255 half-board, briol.it By the lake… A Houseboat on a Swedish Lake In the tranquil Dalsland region of Sweden, the vast and intricate Lake Lelång is home to Stugbaat, a unique collection of five houseboats offering an unparalleled connection to water and nature. Each houseboat is elegantly perched on a sturdy aluminum or stainless steel pontoon, designed for both stability and adventure. Crucially, every booking includes a small motorboat, providing guests with the freedom to tow their tiny floating home to a secluded cove or simply putter ashore to explore the surrounding landscape. On dry land, the opportunities for discovery abound: guests can climb the scenic Egersknatten mountain, forage for wild berries and chanterelles in the dense forests, delve into local history at the straw museum in Bengtsfors, or sample craft brews at a microbrewery in Torrskog. However, the true essence of Stugbaat revolves around the lake itself. Whether fishing directly from the wooden deck that encircles each cabin, diving into the cool, clear waters, or taking out the included paddleboard, aquatic adventures are always at hand. For those seeking more, kayaks are available for hire, and a floating sauna offers a quintessential Swedish experience. Or, simply drop anchor in a serene spot and embrace the profound peace of doing absolutely nothing. From £233 a night (two-night minimum), sleeps 4, stugbaat.se Back-to-Nature Cabins in Sweden The story of Naturbyn began with Thomas Peterson, who, with his own hands, constructed a single log cabin on a pristine section of pine and spruce forest bordering the serene Lake Eldan in Värmland. His vision quickly expanded, leading to the creation of another cabin, then one nestled high in the treetops, and even a unique floating cabin on the water itself. Today, Naturbyn boasts seven distinct accommodations, each designed for a profound immersion in nature. All are entirely off-grid, eschewing modern distractions like Wi-Fi and electricity in favor of the rustic charm of wood-burning stoves and the soft glow of paraffin lamps. Every cabin offers captivating views of the lake, with some even featuring traditional grass roofs, dotted with tiny wild strawberries. As is customary in Sweden, a traditional sauna awaits guests on the lakeshore, promising invigorating heat followed by a refreshing dip. Beyond the comforts of the cabins, guests are encouraged to borrow a canoe and explore the tranquil waters, forage for nature’s bounty in the surrounding forest, keep a watchful eye for majestic elk among the trees, try their hand at catching pike for supper, or simply marvel at the countless shooting stars streaking across the inky, unpolluted night sky. Cabins from £160 a night, sleeps 2, naturbyn.se A Waterfront Hotel in Jutland In the heart of Denmark’s picturesque Lake District on the Jutland peninsula, the 19th-century mill town of Silkeborg proudly bears the title of Denmark’s outdoor capital. Just south of this vibrant hub, the enchanting waterfront hotel Ny Hattenæs has graced the forested shores of Brassø Lake since 1896, originally opening its doors as a charming summer boarding house. While now welcoming guests year-round, summer remains the most magical time to visit. Days are long and languid, the lake teems with activity – swimmers enjoying the cool waters, paddleboarders gliding silently, and canoeists exploring hidden coves. The hotel’s terrace becomes the perfect vantage point to savor the lingering twilight, a truly Danish experience. In 2022, Ny Hattenæs underwent a thoughtful revamp by the trio of siblings behind the acclaimed Danish design house, Society of Lifestyle. The 14 bedrooms now showcase a sophisticated Scandinavian aesthetic, furnished with elegant House Doctor pieces and stocked with luxurious Meraki natural products. For the ultimate experience, Room number 7 is the plum pick, boasting a spacious balcony that offers unparalleled, sweeping views directly over the serene water. Doubles from £205 B&B, nyhattenaes.com A New-Gen Hotel in Bavaria Less than an hour’s drive south of the bustling Bavarian capital of Munich lies Tegernsee, a stunning lake region where city dwellers traditionally flock in summer. Here, they indulge in the delights of leafy beer gardens, savor hearty knödel dumplings in rustic farmhouse restaurants, and enjoy leisurely boat trips across the pristine lake. While lederhosen and dirndls remain a common sight in some parts, the recently opened Blyb hotel in the quiet village of Gmund am Tegernsee offers a refreshing departure from conventional Bavarian clichés. Housed within a grand villa dating back to 1892, Blyb respectfully retains original architectural elements such as intricate stucco paintings and ornate wooden balconies. However, these historic features are beautifully juxtaposed with a crisp, monochrome decor that exudes modern sophistication. The culinary experience is equally contemporary, with a restaurant overseen by the team behind Munich’s hip Mural spot. Beyond dining, guests can unwind on an outdoor yoga deck or enjoy unique events that might range from a lively doner kebab and DJ pop-up to intimate unplugged gigs held within the hotel’s cozy library. Blyb reimagines the Alpine retreat, blending heritage with a vibrant, new-generation ethos. Doubles from £112 room-only, blyb.co Lakeside Cabins in a German Biosphere Reserve Driven by a desire to reconnect city-dwellers with nature, Berlin school friends Julian Trautwein, Johann Ahlers, and Christopher Eilers founded Raus in 2021. Their initial success with a handful of sustainably built cabins near German cities has blossomed, and this year marks the opening of their 100th location. Lodge am See exemplifies the Raus concept, transforming it into a charming cabin resort featuring 17 cozy huts nestled by a serene lake within the UNESCO Elbe River Landscape Biosphere Reserve, strategically located between Berlin and Hamburg. This protected area is celebrated for its peaceful cycle paths, inviting exploration on two wheels. However, the water itself is an equally compelling draw. Guests have access to free paddleboards, can easily arrange canoe hire nearby, and keen observers will delight in spotting diverse wildlife, including majestic sea eagles, elegant storks, and graceful cranes soaring above the wetlands. Lodge am See offers a perfect blend of comfort and ecological immersion, allowing guests to experience the tranquil beauty of one of Germany’s most significant natural landscapes. Cabins from £126 a night, sleep 2, raus.life Log Cabins in Finland’s Vast Lakeland Often hailed as Europe’s largest lake district, Finnish Lakeland is an intricate, watery labyrinth woven from thousands of interconnected lakes, rivers, and channels. Its crowning jewel, Lake Saimaa, is an expansive inland archipelago dotted with nearly 14,000 forest-covered islands, a landscape of unparalleled natural beauty. In summer, Finns traditionally flock to this region, seeking solace and rejuvenation in their lakeside log cabins, known as mökki – an essential and cherished part of Finnish culture. On the site of a historic sawmill along Saimaa’s gently rippling shoreline, Sahanlahti Resort beautifully embodies this mökki tradition, blending the timeless with the contemporary. The resort offers both classic, red-painted wooden cabins, some featuring their own private saunas for an authentic Finnish experience, and sleek, modern villas complete with expansive wraparound terraces that invite the outside in. Guests here are not just experiencing a stay; they are immersing themselves in an ecosystem. The fortunate few might even catch a glimpse of the critically endangered Saimaa ringed seal, one of the world’s rarest seals, gracefully navigating its natural habitat, adding an extraordinary dimension to this idyllic retreat. Cabins from £93 a night, sleep 4, sahanlahtiresort.fi An Adults-Only Hideout in the Austrian Alps Just beyond the medieval charm of Kitzbühel, the Schwarzsee lake captivates with its unique mineral-rich peat waters, giving it its name, "black lake." These waters are renowned for being some of the warmest in the entire Alps, reaching a balmy 27C in summer, perfect for a refreshing dip. Perched gracefully on a hillside overlooking this distinctive lake, Seebichl presents another "black beauty" – its darkly painted wooden balconies overflowing with vibrant flowers, creating a striking visual contrast against the verdant landscape. Brothers Max and Sebastian Witzmann, whose grandfather acquired Seebichl in the 1950s, have masterfully transformed the property into an artsy interpretation of a traditional Alpine hotel. Here, guests will find bright orange Eames chairs instead of conventional carved-wood Tirolean furnishings, and contemporary art adorning the walls rather than classic antlers, infusing the space with a fresh, modern energy. Should the Schwarzsee or the hotel’s heated garden pool prove too warm, guests can embark on a invigorating hike to the nearby Sintersbach Waterfall for a more bracing dip, adding another dimension to their Alpine escape. Seebichl offers an adults-only sanctuary where design, nature, and relaxation converge in a truly unique Austrian experience. Doubles from £170 B&B, hotel-seebichl.at In the forest… A-Frame Cabins in the Slovenian Alps The Savinja River, famed for its mesmerizing emerald green waters, carves a majestic path from the dramatic Rinka Falls at the head of the pristine Logar Valley in northern Slovenia, flowing through ancient forested gorges within the Slovenian Alps. Along its serene banks, Forest Camping Mozirje offers a peaceful and immersive base for exploring the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding Savinja Valley. Here, traditional tents and campervans find their spots amidst verdant meadows shaded by towering trees. For those seeking a blend of camping spirit and added comfort, the site provides charming bell tents and unique A-frame-shaped "forest beds," meticulously crafted from local timber, blending seamlessly with the natural environment. The campsite fosters a warm, communal atmosphere where fellow campers readily swap hiking tips, discuss the merits of rafting versus canyoning, and gather for dinner at well-stocked communal tables in the covered kitchen area. As evening descends, guests can convene around crackling campfires, sharing stories under the stars, or simply unwind in a hammock beside the charming little outdoor library, indulging in the profound tranquility of the Slovenian wilderness. Pitches from £15 plus £14 per adult. Forest Beds from £84, campingmozirje.com A Design Hotel in the Black Forest Germany’s legendary Black Forest, or Schwarzwald, earns its evocative name from the extraordinarily dense canopy of conifer trees that allows only slivers of sunlight to penetrate, creating an atmosphere of mysterious enchantment. This ancient forest is often associated with the dark fairytales collected and penned by the Brothers Grimm, although their actual fieldwork took place further north around Kassel. Nevertheless, it is easy to conjure images of Hansel and Gretel or Little Red Riding Hood venturing down its winding trails, though modern-day visitors are more likely to encounter German families enjoying a leisurely stroll or discover a historic hilltop castle. In the heart of Waldkirch, a Black Forest town historically renowned for its production of intricate church and fairground organs, Artbau Designhotel stands as a strikingly modern counterpoint to the region’s fairytale aesthetic. With its sharp concrete walls and minimalist steel tables, the hotel offers a bold architectural statement. Yet, this contemporary design is softened by carefully chosen Moroccan textiles and expansive balconies that offer serene, uninterrupted views directly into the dense, whispering treetops, inviting guests to connect with the forest from a unique vantage point. Doubles from £115 room-only, artbau-designhotel.de A Forest Sauna in Latvia Deep within a fragrant pine forest, bordering the expansive Gauja National Park, Ziedlejas offers a profound immersion into the cherished Latvian tradition of pirts. This isn’t merely a sauna; it’s Post navigation Brescia: The Undiscovered Gem of Italy, Rich in History, Culture, and Culinary Delights
