Tired of the same old city apartments or co-working hubs? Sometimes, a change of scenery is all you need to feel inspired and recharged. Europe—famous for its historic architecture and lush countrysides—offers far more than typical touristy cities. From a medieval stronghold turned hotel to a rustic Tuscan farmhouse, here are 8 offbeat locales where you can set up your laptop by day and wander fairy-tale landscapes by dusk.
Want More Remote-Work & Cultural Adventures?
- How to Spend a Month in Europe With Just a Carry-On—Minimalist Packing Hacks
- Are Europeans Healthier? 8 Everyday Habits They Have (That Tourists Completely Overlook)
- 10 Secrets to Understanding European Politeness (And Why You’re Doing It Wrong)
1. A Loire Valley Château Hideaway (France)
Why Work Here
- Imagine thick stone walls, stained-glass windows, and a landscaped garden as your daily view. Many châteaux now host guest rooms or co-living packages with modern comforts (including high-speed Wi-Fi).
Remote Work Perks
- The serene setting fosters deep focus—tend to your morning emails, then break for a stroll among vineyards or indulge in local cheese. Evenings can involve exploring nearby wine cellars.
Gateway City
- Tours or Angers: These mid-sized cities connect to Paris via high-speed TGV (about 1–2 hours). Then rent a car or arrange a château shuttle.
Pro Tip
- Check if your château offers shared working lounges or meeting rooms. Some run group retreats with built-in coworking spaces for professionals craving a unique brainstorm setting.
2. Tuscan Farmhouse Co-living (Italy)
Why Work Here
- Rolling hills, olive groves, a patchwork of vineyards—Tuscany’s postcard beauty is the real deal. Many farmhouses (agriturismos) have added dedicated Wi-Fi zones and rustic-chic rooms.
Remote Work Perks
- Start your morning with an espresso on a sunlit terrace, then log in to your Zoom calls with a sweeping valley backdrop. Late afternoons can be for wine tastings or quick drives to medieval hilltop towns like San Gimignano.
Gateway City
- Florence: Only an hour or two by car or bus to many countryside stays. Some farmhouses offer transfers from Florence’s train station.
Pro Tip
- Investigate “shoulder season” deals (spring or early fall) for mild weather and fewer tourists. You’ll likely land a discount and more personalized attention from hosts.
3. Irish Castle Estate (Ireland)
Why Work Here
- Ireland’s rolling green landscapes are the stuff of legend, and some castle estates offer boutique rooms with modern conveniences. Picture drafting reports from a turret or library lounge.
Remote Work Perks
- Swift fiber broadband is increasingly common, even in rural Ireland. When the workday ends, wander castle grounds or follow local hiking trails. Evenings might feature a roaring fireplace in the castle’s great hall.
Gateway City
- Dublin: Fly into the capital, then take a train or short drive to whichever county your chosen castle calls home. Distances vary, but most are under a 2–3-hour journey from the airport.
Pro Tip
- Castles often host events or weddings, so check availability midweek or off-season for quieter cowork vibes. Don’t forget to sample local ales at a nearby village pub.
4. Bavarian Castle Hotel (Germany)
Why Work Here
- Southern Germany’s storybook ambiance—alpine forests, charming villages—sets an energizing yet peaceful tone. Castle hotels in Bavaria frequently mix medieval architecture with sleek, business-friendly amenities.
Remote Work Perks
- Great Wi-Fi, a hearty breakfast (hello, pretzels and sausages!), and plenty of day-trip options for weekends (e.g., Neuschwanstein Castle). Mornings are for focused tasks, afternoons for scenic rambles.
Gateway City
- Munich: From Munich’s central station, regional trains or rental cars bring you deeper into Bavaria. Travel times vary from 1–3 hours, depending on the castle’s location.
Pro Tip
- Ask if the castle has a quiet lounge or library for calls. Some keep medieval-themed dining halls that can get lively at night—bring noise-cancelling headphones if you need absolute hush.
5. Scottish Highland Fortress Retreat (Scotland)
Why Work Here
- Rugged highlands, misty lochs, ancient fortress walls: the ultimate “outlander” vibe. Some fortress-like estates offer lodging with high-speed internet (surprisingly common in the UK).
Remote Work Perks
- Scenic trails or loch-side views encourage a daily dose of fresh air. Even a quick 15-minute walk can clear your mind between emails or strategy sessions.
Gateway City
- Edinburgh or Glasgow: Most castle retreats are reachable by train plus a short taxi. The Highlands can be remote, so coordinate pickup or rent a car for maximum freedom.
Pro Tip
- Pack warm layers—the Highlands can be chilly and damp year-round. Drying off by an old stone fireplace after a brisk walk is part of the charm.
6. Douro River Vineyard Farmstay (Portugal)
Why Work Here
- Surrounded by terraced vineyards along the Douro River, farmhouses here often boast panoramic valley views, local wine tastings, and quiet, rustic charm.
Remote Work Perks
- Low-key environment equals minimal distractions—ideal for deep work. Indulge in a glass of port or a vineyard tour as a post-work treat, no city chaos in sight.
Gateway City
- Porto: The Douro Valley is about 1–2 hours away by train or car. Many quintas (wine estates) let you experience traditional Portuguese hospitality.
Pro Tip
- Some vineyards have limited phone signal—confirm Wi-Fi reliability. A digital detox might be lovely for a few days, but not if you have urgent client calls to handle.
7. Rural Serbian Monastery Guesthouse (Serbia)
Why Work Here
- For something truly offbeat, certain monasteries in Eastern Europe open guest wings or cooperative farmhouses. Peaceful courtyards, homemade food, and minimal tourist crowds define the ambiance.
Remote Work Perks
- Low-cost accommodation, serene surroundings, plus the novelty of working from a centuries-old spiritual site. Perfect for contemplative tasks or writing projects.
Gateway City
- Belgrade: From Serbia’s capital, trains or buses connect to towns near historical monasteries (like Studenica or smaller hidden gems). Expect scenic countryside along the way.
Pro Tip
- Communication might be trickier if staff speak limited English. Use translation apps, and ensure your data plan or portable hotspot covers Serbia’s rural areas for consistent Zoom calls.
8. Andalusian Olive Grove Farmhouse (Spain)
Why Work Here
- Picture white-walled cortijos (farmsteads) amid rolling olive groves under the warm Andalusian sun. Close to small villages, but far from hectic city vibes.
Remote Work Perks
- Typical features: robust Wi-Fi, a courtyard pool, and fresh local produce. Lunchtime siestas can become your chance to break from screens—pure Mediterranean lifestyle.
Gateway City
- Seville or Granada: Many fincas or farmhouses lie within an hour or two’s drive. Some owners offer transfers or coordinate with local taxis.
Pro Tip
- Embrace the slower pace. If you do big calls in the morning, spend afternoons exploring local cuisine or napping away the heat. Evening meals start late (9 PM+), so plan your daily schedule accordingly.
Bonus: Making the Most of These Settings
- Check Connectivity: Verify Wi-Fi speed/reliability, especially for Zoom-heavy work. Remote farmhouses might rely on satellite or slower broadband.
- Transportation: Many spots are in remote areas—factor in a rental car or prearranged transfer. If you rely on public transit, confirm schedules (they can be limited on weekends).
- Time-Zone Flexibility: If your colleagues are in North America or Asia, plan a stable workspace for late/early calls. Castles can have echoey halls—pack noise-canceling headphones.
- Health & Safety: Some older estates have steep stairs or minimal accessibility. Confirm if you have any mobility needs or prefer ground-floor living.
- Mix Work & Play: Schedule exploring or downtime. Whether it’s wine-tasting in Douro, a quick hike around a Scottish loch, or visiting a local town market, let the location inspire your off-hours.
The Bottom Line
Swapping the buzz of central Berlin or London for a quaint castle in Bavaria or a farmhouse in Tuscany can revive your creativity and sense of adventure—while still meeting those deadlines. Sure, there’s extra logistics (rural Wi-Fi or tricky transport), but the payoff is working from vantage points that merge centuries-old charm with modern coworking perks. If you crave focus, inspiration, and the thrill of offbeat travel, these 8 unexpected European spots might just deliver your dream remote-work scenario.
Pro Tip
Pick an off-season window for fewer crowds and better rates. Reach out directly to castle or farmhouse owners—many are open to extended stays at discounted weekly or monthly prices. Then pack that laptop, a sense of wonder, and prepare to fuse your work life with Europe’s historical soul. Bon voyage and happy remote-working!
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.