Traveling in Austria with Children
Austria is abundant with family attractions, and children of all ages will greatly enjoy it. While it may not have famous theme parks like Disneyland or Efteling, it offers a rich variety of other attractions seamlessly integrated with magnificent nature.
In my opinion, the most recommended areas for a family trip to Austria are Tyrol and the Salzburgerland region, though Vienna certainly offers plenty for kids to see and do as well: the famous Giant Ferris Wheel in Prater Park, the Spanish Riding School, and a tour of Schönbrunn Palace, which includes wonderful gardens and a zoo.
Salzburg Region
Salzburg
The largest and most important city in this region is, of course, Salzburg.
More details about Salzburg in the article: Touring the City of Salzburg
The main attraction for children in this beautiful city is Hellbrunn Palace with its delightful trick fountains.
It is also worth visiting the Salzburg Open-Air Museum to learn how people used to live, and see what the traditional houses, tools, etc., looked like.
A short drive south of the city brings you to the Dürrnberg salt mines in Hallein. There isn't a child (or adult...) who won't love sliding down the miners' wooden slides, sailing across the underground salt lake, riding the miniature mine train, and even crossing the underground border.
Austrians are true experts at transforming historic mines into fascinating tourist destinations. Other mines worth visiting include: the silver mines, the copper mines, and the Terra Mystica mine.
A wonderful and unique excursion is to the Eisriesenwelt ice cave, also located south of Salzburg. This is one of the largest ice caves in the world open to the public, showcasing remarkable natural ice sculptures as you walk through a cold, dark cave lit by carbide lamps. The view from the cave entrance, reached via cable car and a scenic walk, is breathtaking. Note that this trip is not suitable for young children or those with mobility difficulties, as it involves extensive walking and climbing numerous stairs.
Salzburg - Recommended Guided Tours and Ticket Bookings from Viator:
♦ Guided Walking Tour of Salzburg Old Town and Mirabell Gardens -
Salzburg Old Town Walking Tour, Mozart, Mirabell Gardens
Duration: 2 hours.
♦ Salt Mines Tour
Skip-The-Line Salt-Mines and Bavarian Mountains Tour from Salzburg
A great family experience featuring scenery, caves, and miners' slides. Skip-the-line entrance. Duration: approx. 4 hours.
♦ Tour to Hellbrunn Palace (with the trick fountains) and a Scenic River Cruise in the Old Town
River Cruise to Hellbrunn, Palace & world-famous trick fountains
♦ Private "The Sound of Music" Tour (approx. 4 hours) - Original Sound of Music Private Tour
♦ Combined Tour of Historical Sites and "The Sound of Music" Filming Locations (approx. 4 hours):
The Original Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg
♦ Dinner with a Mozart Concert -
Best of Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg
Appropriate evening attire is required for the event (no jeans, athletic shoes, or shorts).
♦ Scenic Tour to the "Eagle's Nest" -
Skip-the-Line: Eagle's Nest in Berchtesgaden Tour from Salzburg
This is Hitler's famous mountain retreat situated on an Alpine peak. The tour departs from the bus station at Mirabellplatz in Salzburg and lasts approx. 4.5 hours. Skip-the-line entrance (passport required as you cross the border into Germany).
It is highly recommended to visit the charming town of Zell am See. This is a lakeside resort town offering numerous leisure activities such as boat rides, lake swimming (or skiing and ice skating in winter), mini golf, and more. Zell am See is located near Austria's most spectacular alpine road pass: the Großglockner, ideal for mountain panoramas and snow activities. Between the town and the mountain pass, consider stopping at a pleasant amusement park (located next to a wildlife park) called Wild- & Freizeitpark Ferleiten near the town of Fusch.
Detailed information about attractions and recommended hotels in this region can be found in the article: Tours and Attractions in Salzburg Region
♦ Recommended Accommodations in Salzburg Region
It is recommended to stay in the region's sports area in the towns of Flachau and Wagrain, or one of the neighboring villages.
Highly Recommended Apartments in Flachau:
♦ Holiday Apartments
Rainerhof
Located in Flachau. Holiday apartments accommodating up to 9 guests. Fully equipped kitchen. Free bicycles for guests. Free Wi-Fi and parking.
♦ Aparthotel
Appartements Salzburgerhof
Located in Flachau. Holiday apartments accommodating up to 8 guests. Kitchen with dining area. Free Wi-Fi and parking.
♦ Aparthotel
Aparthotel Pichler
3-star aparthotel with kitchenettes. Located 3 km from the center of Flachau. Free Wi-Fi and parking.
♦ Holiday Apartments
Almdorf Almlust
A holiday apartment resort rich with amenities and activities in Flachau. Includes kitchens in apartments, natural outdoor swimming pool, and a spa with an indoor pool. Free Wi-Fi and parking.
Recommended Apartments in the Wagrain Area:
♦ Farm Holiday Apartments
Blankgut Familie Berner
Holiday apartments with kitchen in a traditional farmhouse. Located 3 km from the center of Wagrain. Apartments can accommodate up to 12 guests. Free Wi-Fi and parking.
♦ Pension Mozart
Located in Wagrain in a quiet setting, close to the Flying Mozart cable car. Free Wi-Fi and parking.
♦ Pension Panorama in Wagrain. Central location in the town of Wagrain.
♦ Hotel
Naturhotel Edelweiss Wagrain
4-star hotel in Wagrain on a half-board basis. Spa area with indoor swimming pool. Facilities for children. Free Wi-Fi and parking.
♦ Farm Holiday Apartments
Eisbauer
Holiday apartments with kitchen on a farm setting. Located approx. 13 km west of Wagrain. Apartments accommodate 4 to 6 guests. Swimming pool, free Wi-Fi and parking.
Recommended Accommodations Near Salzburg:
♦ Sheraton Fuschlsee-Salzburg Hotel Jagdhof
4-star hotel located 20 minutes east of Salzburg, overlooking the lake, featuring a private golf course, large spa, and indoor pool.
♦ Schloss Fuschl - Resort & Spa
5-star lakeside luxury resort located 20 minutes east of Salzburg.
♦ Pension Bergfried
A highly regarded guesthouse south of Salzburg, located in the picturesque town of Grödig about 8 km south of Salzburg.
A 3-star hotel in the southern suburbs of the city (about a 15-minute drive south of the Old Town) in a pastoral location with scenic views. Bus stop near the hotel. Rooms available in various sizes, including rooms accommodating 4 guests. Features restaurant, free parking, free Wi-Fi, and high-quality breakfast.
Recommended Accommodations in Central Salzburg:
For those who prefer staying directly inside the city, here are top recommended hotels:
♦ Hotel Goldener Hirsch, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Salzburg
A luxury 5-star hotel housed in a historic 15th-century building located in the heart of the Old Town on the famous Getreidegasse. Air-conditioned rooms featuring classic Austrian design with unique antique furnishings. Includes on-site restaurant and bar, free Wi-Fi, and private parking (additional charge).
A 4-star hotel surrounded by lovely private gardens, situated about a 15-minute walk from the Old Town center. Features impressive views of the neighboring mountains, free Wi-Fi, free parking, balcony in select rooms, and an excellent breakfast.
A charming, elegant 4-star boutique hotel in a central and convenient location, featuring rooms and suites in various layouts including spacious family rooms accommodating up to 4 guests. Includes spa and bar, free Wi-Fi, paid parking, and an outstanding breakfast.
Tyrol Region
Innsbruck
The regional capital is Innsbruck, a picturesque city surrounded by the Alps on all sides. It is highly recommended to admire the panoramic city view from the Hungerburg cable car mountain viewing terrace.
Detailed information about Innsbruck and its surroundings in the article: Trip to the City of Innsbruck and its Surroundings
Video of the Ascent and Viewpoint over Innsbruck:
And of course, take a stroll around the city center: the lively and beautiful pedestrian street, the river and the colorful houses along its banks, the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl), and the City Tower.
Excursions around Innsbruck
About a 30-minute drive eastward, a visit to Swarovski Crystal Worlds (Kristallwelten) is warmly recommended—a magical and spectacular site showcasing videos, exhibits, and effects involving glass, crystals, mirrors, and a huge crystal boutique resembling a museum.
Throughout Tyrol, dozens of cable cars take visitors up to mountain summits. Ascending to the summit of the Zugspitze, located on the border between Austria and Germany, is particularly recommended.
Detailed information about the Tyrol region in the article: Tours and Attractions in Tyrol Region
A wonderful nature excursion in Tyrol is to the Krimml Waterfalls or Stuibenfall Waterfalls:
♦ Recommended Accommodations in Tyrol Region
In the Wilder Kaiser Area:
Hotel Alpin Scheffau
The hotel is located on a 6,000 m² property featuring an expansive lawn home to small animals like rabbits and goats. The hotel comprises 2 adjacent buildings and includes a play area with climbing frames, trampoline, and table tennis. Additionally, there is a large sun terrace with lounge chairs, parasols, a swimming pool, and bike rental service. The hotel features 79 air-conditioned rooms and suites (a rarity in Austria).
Chalet Hotel am Leitenhof
A high-quality 4-star all-suite hotel offering luxurious, modern chalets and suites. Includes a spa with a natural swimming pool. The property has 31 rooms and features the Champagne Lounge Salettl serving an extensive drinks menu. The food at the hotel is exceptional!
Hofbauer
A farmhouse offering 6 accommodation units suitable for 2-7 guests. Located in the town of Itter in an ideal location for star trips throughout Tyrol.
Grünholz
Another farmhouse in Itter with 3 apartments suitable for 5-7 guests.
In the Brixental Area:
Hotel Hubertus
A 4-star hotel located just 150 meters from the Hochbrixen cable car. Offers 23 rooms designed for couples or 3 guests. Features a charming small leisure lake and a spa.
Appartement Haus Veronika
An aparthotel in the town of Westendorf offering 11 well-equipped apartments suitable for up to 7 guests at attractive rates.
Across Various Locations in Tyrol:
Das Rieser Aktiv & Spa Resort
A high-quality 4-star active family resort in Tyrol. Located near Lake Achen, approximately 50 km northeast of Innsbruck. Free parking and Wi-Fi.
Aktivhotel Veronika
A friendly, active 4-star family hotel in Seefeld. Indoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and free parking.
Hotel Klosterbraeu
A luxury 5-star hotel in Seefeld with a spacious spa, outdoor and indoor swimming pools.
Accommodation Recommendations in Kufstein (between Tyrol and Salzburgerland):
Stadt Kufstein
A 4-star hotel with 73 rooms. Located in the pedestrian zone in the center of Kufstein, just 300 meters from Kufstein Fortress.
Best Western Hotel Alpenrose
A 4-star hotel situated in the suburbs of Kufstein with 22 rooms, a high-quality spa, an award-winning restaurant, and free guest parking.
It is also very pleasant to stay in the town of Ebbs near Kufstein:
Pension Apartment Hödner
A renovated and modern aparthotel in Ebbs comprising 7 holiday apartments and rooms suitable for 2-5 guests. Includes a rich breakfast and a half-board option. Free Wi-Fi and parking.
♦ Car rental from the reliable and convenient Booking.com site: Booking.com