My wife and I, both early 70s, had a great trip to Switzerland last year. We stayed three nights in gimmelwald and seven nights in Mürren. We loved the local, laid-back feel , and of course, because of the great cable car, bus, and train service in Switzerland we had access to anywhere we wanted to go. Our question is what areas or towns would give us a similar vibe as the small quaint towns we experienced in Switzerland? We absolutely do not like big cities and we’re not looking for museums and things like that. More geared towards nature. Some light hikes and just really enjoying beautiful peaceful views . Thanks for any advice.
Posted by
52 posts
Austria can definately do that, and at much cheaper rates than Switzerland. But where depends on how you would get to Austria, the western end of the country is often easier via Munich or even Zurich airports, whilst Vienna airport is more convenient for Slovakia than most of Austria! Salzburg airport doesn't have a huge range of summer flights and connections to reach there are not usually worth it given Munich is so close. So first thing is to work out the best option for getting to Austria and then we can nail down locations.
Posted by
Green Bay
23423 posts
Offhand, I cannot think of any car-free villages in Austria like Muerren or Gimmelwald.
I have not been there, but the Brandnertal looks interesting.
https://www.vorarlberg-alpenregion.at/brandnertal/de/unsere-bergbahnen/bergbahnen-brandnertal#sommer-start
Zurich is the closest airport.
Posted by
NYC area
3134 posts
I’d recommend Finkenberg (or Mayrhofen) in the Zillertal or Soelden in the Oetztal.
https://www.tux.at/en/finkenberg/
https://www.tux.at/en/zillertal-activcard/
https://www.oetztal.com/en/oetztal-inside-guest-cards/summer-card
Posted by
2778 posts
I recommend the Salzkammergut region which provides a variety of different options.
https://www.salzkammergut.at/en/
Posted by
Oberpfalz, Germany
1629 posts
Mid to late June through October.? Well if you can drive I recommend Hinterhornbachtal. Going to spend a week in Gramis end of June. Krimml and Gerlos area is nice. Oetz/Sölden away from tourists is nice Gries. Großarltal, Hüttschlag. Virgen and Defereggen in Osttirol. You are not going to find the Swiss experience in Austria, but there are so many perfect valleys and mountain tops. Quiet and great local folks too. Look at the valleys. If you have a particular area in mind?