35 Unique Stays In Europe For An Unforgettable Experience
What's better than staying in Europe? A unique stay that will score a place in your heart forever, of course! While a hotel room used to be one of the only options for any type of trip, these days unusual accommodations are popping up all over. Whether you want to stay in a treehouse, a lighthouse, or a geodesic dome, you can. In fact, you could probably even stay in a coal mine if you really wanted to!
Unique stays are an amazing gift for a loved one who values experiences over possessions and are also a fabulous way to take any trip from great to unforgettable in a flash. In this post, we’ll show you more than 30 different accommodation options all across Europe that are a little more interesting than a hotel room.
How To Find Unique Stays In Europe
Unique stays are often booked up fast on Airbnb, so if you don't have a specific date you need the booking for, try selecting a flexible time period. This will show you available dates for properties that are often booked up months in advance. It may also help you to secure lower prices on your stay.
There are tabs on Airbnb that allow you to browse the weirdest and most wonderful properties in your selected area. These include luxury apartments on the top of a crane, a bus that the Spice Girls used, and a snow igloo. You'll find these unusual properties under the "OMG!" tab.
There are many other filters on the website if you're looking for a particular type of stay. For example, you can select the "treehouses" option to only see treehouses or "design" to see architecturally surprising properties.
In order to find the most extraordinary stays, be as flexible as possible. Instead of typing in a destination, choose the map feature and zoom out to encompass a larger zone, which will give you the chance to explore cities or countries you hadn't considered. Even if you have a particular type of stay in mind, it's a good idea to browse the full selection of homes that are available on the website, in case you find that the perfect stay is different from what you imagined.
Finally, when booking a unique stay, be open-minded about the fact that unusual properties often have fewer facilities than luxury hotel stays. You may have an outdoor toilet or your bed may be a mattress on the floor. These add to the authentic experience and will create fun and memorable moments on your trip, even if a cold shower may be frustrating in the moment.
10 Unique Stays In Europe
Here are 10 of the most unusual, and in some cases, quite frankly, absurd properties you can book throughout Europe, to make your dream trip even more enjoyable.
Mirrored Glass Cabin in Rælingen
Norway
This cabin features calming Scandinavian design throughout and is made of mirrored glass so that you can stare at the outside world endlessly without being disturbed by others. The cabin is situated in the perfect position – far enough out to enjoy the wilderness of Norway and close enough to civilization to pop out for pizza.
Serbia
This houseboat features stunning scenery of Peruca Lake and the green hills that surround it. A barbecue, outside terrace, and a kayak make for the perfect outdoor experience, allowing you to enjoy the still peacefulness of the lake.
Spain
If you’ve ever wondered what life was like in the Flinstones, imagine that it may have been a little different from this luxury cave experience. It features a saltwater pool and is situated in the middle of brilliant white cliffs dotted with dark, bushy trees and waterfalls.
Netherlands
This unique design of this tower will have you twisting your head and wondering if it’s upside down. It overlooks the ocean and features a jacuzzi and a minibar. You’ll be served breakfast every morning in this splendid apartment.
Netherlands
Ever dreamt of staying in a 5* suite at the top of a crane? Neither have we, but you can bet we are now! It's got all of the home comforts you'd expect such as a bathtub and TV, and features a world-class view over the city.
Nature Observatory in Badachro
Scotland
One of the most unique stays in Scotland is this nature observatory on a secluded island. There are just three other properties on the island, and you’ll spend your time there feeling like the only person in the world.
Croatia
If you know an ocean lover, how about taking them to stay in a lighthouse? There are two apartments available to rent and the island that the lighthouse is situated on is extremely remote, without any shops or restaurants.
Spice Girls Bus in the Isle of Wight
UK
Spice Girls superfans among us will be giddy with excitement at the prospect of staying in the original girl band’s tour bus from the Spice Girls movie. The interior features throwbacks to the 1997 film, and you’ll be able to see the union jack exterior from afar.
Norway
This cozy cabin is the perfect spot to rejuvenate after hiking the Nordic fjords and surrounding mountains. It’s designed to feel like a retreat, with a log burning fire and candlelight to relax you after a day on the slopes.
Finland
This snow igloo is the ideal place to hang out and watch the northern lights. It houses up to four people, and while it's always chilly in the igloo, you'll be provided with toasty sleeping bags and real beds to keep you warm and comfortable.
If you want to hear about other women's unique traveling experiences, join our community and speak with people from all around the globe. You can swap tales of remarkable properties and figure out which one wears the crown for being the most extraordinary.
25 More Unique Stays In Europe
There are so many unique stays available on Airbnb that we simply couldn't pick our favorite. Here are 25 more to check out.
Final Thoughts On Unique Stays In Europe
There are so many fantastical properties available that what we've shown you is merely a needle in a haystack. Book one of these accommodations or use our tips to find your own unconventional place to spend the night.