Where will I like if I like the Austrian Alps?

[HerbertVonDoodlebug]

Just had a lovely break in Austria. Stunning scenery - cable cars and peaceful panoramic walks - and apart from a couple of hotspots, not too overtouristed. Where else in Europe is like this? I know Swiss Alps are gorgeous but really concerned about it being too crowded.

@KeptWomanSummer funnily enough the Canadian Rockies are also on our shortlist but that seems even more of a tourist-packed nightmare!

Lake Bohinj in Slovenia.

The Pyrenees, staying in Andorra. We stayed in Soldeu but Andorra La Vella would give you more if a transport hub. Great public transport, beautiful scenery and the influencer types have never heard of it. Depending when you go, it will be hot though (as will anywhere around the Alps).

Iceland is stunning and even the Golden Circle wasn't particularly crowded when we went in the last week of August. Again, fantastic public transport. We enjoyed the hot springs - didn't go to the overpriced Blue Lagoon. ££££ though. We stayed at Midgard Base Camp in Hvolsvollur.

Lake Bled in Slovenia is absolutely gorgeous. Busy but not ridiculously so, i.e. we could walk into a restaurant and get a table every night. Surprisingly cheap for food spends. Very walkable, good bus network and there's a brilliant cycle path between Bled and Lake Bohinj.

Morzine as already mentioned is beautiful. Most accommodation providers offer the Morzine Pass in the summer, which gives you free swimming, free bus and ski lift use, discounts on various activities. Very busy with mountain bikers but if you're into swimming and walking then you'll find yourself out of the crowds in no time.

The Black Forest is slightly different but similar vibes.

We were there in mid July. It was pleasantly ‘busy’ in the town. Transport was fine. We have also visited in early June. Weather good both times. Empty alpine meadows to roam. No long queues for lifts/gondola etc.

@HerbertVonDoodlebug Wolfgangsee is east of Salzburg and a beautiful area with the lakes and small towns but it is just one small part of Austria. As an alternative you could look at the areas west of Salzburg - e.g. Hinterglemm, Hochkonig, Zell am See, Saalbach - which have more in the way of mountains than the Salzkammergut/Wolfgansee area has, but which of course don't have the lakes (except Zell am See). All are accessible by free public transport from Salzburg.

Further west there is Tirol - fly to Innsbruck and search out the mountain towns such as Kitzbuhel accessible from there. South of the Tauern National Park takes you to East Tirol (Lienz as a centre) and then on into Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, the part of Italy that was part of Austria until the end of WW1.

Further west again is Lake Constance (Bodensee) which is a great area - choose between staying in Germany, Austria or Switzerland. Or look at Lake Garda (although this area can get very busy) or Slovenia or ..... there are hundreds of places with a similar vibe but all slightly different 😎

Slightly further afield than Europe but try New Zealand!

Andorra would fit the bill. I've been skiing there for years. The Pyrenees are very well set up for summer tourism with lots of great hiking trails, stunning scenery & it's very affordable as it is a tax free country. Would recommend Soldeu or Arinsal. The capital city has excellent shopping.