Holiday apartments, airbnbs and chalets in Austria

There is no better way to immerse yourself in an authentic Austrian experience than by renting a chalet in Austria's ski resorts, where you wake up in a room with a view of the snowy summits which crown this county. For those who are less into snowy sports and more shopping, rent a self-catered apartment in Vienna or Salzburg, where you can enjoy the renowned coffee and cake culture, before exploring the supernatural atmosphere which has continued onto its timeless streets.

There is even more to Austria than its winter sports and luxury caffeine scene, as you can discover a hidden Austria by renting accommodation which is nestled in the heart of one of country's best-kept secrets. Whether it is an apartment with a garden in Klagenfurt, the glistening waterside city, or a colourful retreat through an apartment in Innsbruck, the rainbow kissed neighbourhood which sits at the foot of the Alps.

When to visit?

The best time to visit Austria depends on the purpose of your travels, as Austria's cities and ski resorts all peak at different times around the year. If you want to experience the country's winter-sport scene, choose to visit the resorts in-between December to late March, especially if you dream of spending a white Christmas filled with mulled wine and sleigh rides in the mountains.

Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck among other destinations across Austria are chilly during these winter months, so if a city break is your main priority, choose to visit in May, June or late September, when the streets can be explored at a pleasant temperature, but the attractions are not too busy with mid-summer crowds.

How to get there?

Austria's central European position means that it is easily accessible by both air and rail from the UK. Direct flights from London and Manchester into Vienna take approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. Once you arrive in Vienna Airport, you can reach the city centre by City Airport Train which takes just over 15 minutes, or you can jump onboard the Vienna Airport Line Bus which offers a 24 hour service, along with the taxi's in Vienna, so you can jump right into the bustle of the Austrian capital. If you are already travelling through Europe, Austria is easily accessible by rail from all corners of the continent. You can reach Austria in less than an hour from many holiday apartments in Germany, while travel time from accommodation in the Czech Republic is also minimal.

If you are staying beyond the city centre, the easiest way to reach your holiday accommodation may be by renting a car; however, the Österreichische Bundesbahnen, Austria's national rail service, connects the capital to the rest of the country. Alternatively, you can reach various areas of Austria by train from the UK, as Eurostar services run from London St Pancras to Salzburg, Innsbruck or Vienna in only one day.

Where to stay

Vienna

The only thing more impressive than this city's collection of art is its list of residents. Any town called home by the likes of Beethoven, Mozart and Freud must surely have a lot to offer those who visit, as years later, a contemporary crowd can continue to enjoy the vibrant cultural endeavours these greats similarly indulged in. Rent a self-catered apartment rental in Vienna and start your day drinking coffee in Cafe Central, a favourite of Austria's most influential figures. From there, witness a true Viennese splendour by visiting Schönbrunn Palace, and The Hofburg, a baroque palace which is the epitome of Austrian architecture.

Salzburg

Where a Medieval kingdom meets decadent Victorian haven, framed only by the verdant eastern Alps, Salzburg is a historical destination where you can enjoy the true essence of Austrian lifestyle. Choose a apartment rental in Salzburg for a romantic escape to this naturally blessed city, where you can recharge before climbing Fortress Hohensalzburg, a fortress which has stood proudly above the Alpine's urban utopia.

Klagenfurt

The riverside paradise of Klagenfurt is Austria's best-kept secret, offering a relaxed city escape, on the shores of the Lake Wörthersee, one of the most therapeutic settings in the country. Choose a bed and breakfast with a garden in Klagenfurt where you can enjoy your own slice of the area's vast organic assets after swimming in the lake in the summer.

Innsbruck

With its collection of pastel-painted townhouses which kiss the town with a rainbow palette of colour, you can find a place in this aesthetic wonderland, when you book an apartment in Innsbruck. Wake up in a room with a view of the nostalgic old town quarter, where you can gaze upon the famous Golden Roof and the gothic masterpiece of Innsbruck Court Church.

Ischgl

Secure a chalet in Ischgl, where you can live like a local in a traditional Austrian sanctuary, before taking to the slopes in the country's most famous water-sport resort. Known for its dynamic après-ski scene, you can fill your days with skiing, snowboarding and sleigh rides, however, remember to save some of your energy for when the sun sets above The Alps, as Ischgl is known as the "Ibiza of the Alps", meaning you will not want to return to your chalet until dawn.

Soelden

Showcasing the most impressive mountainous peaks in the country, along with unspoilt glaciers and world-class dining opportunities, Soelden is everything you could ever dream of in an Austrian ski resort. Chose a |chalet in Soelden, which is the perfect retreat to rest before a day of skiing among the most sublime landscape in Europe.

Austrian Food and Culture Tips

Famed for its coffee shop culture, Austrian cities are famed for their exclusive coffee and cake combinations across Europe. There is, however, even more to this country's cuisine than the caffeine, as Austria is a melting point of hearty European dishes which are guaranteed to give you enough energy to survive the slopes, cities, and everything in between.

If you have chosen a holiday apartment in Vienna, then you will undoubtedly come across the Vienna Schnitzel, Austria's national dish, composed of a fillet of thinned meat and coated in eggs and breadcrumbs before being fried. Along with the national dish, Wiener Würstels, or Vienna Sausages, are similarly enjoyed in the cities, and beyond, so be sure not to leave Austria without sampling this treasured cuisine, at least once.

Winter-sports in Austria

With its striking snow glazed Alps which make up a section of Austria's landscape, it is no surprise that Austria is renowned for its impressive winter sports scene. Choose a chalet in one of the popular resorts to place you in the prime position hitting the slopes and filling your days with skiing and snowboarding energy, from sunrise to sundown, and beyond.

Alternatively, you can shake up your winter-sports experience, by choosing a holiday rental in Italy which neighbours the country's most popular ski resorts, and will allow you to take a cultural journey Europe in only one day.