In recent years, our family has fallen in love with walking holidays. What might sound cliché has proven ideal for us—active days exploring nature together. Next up: South Tyrol with the kids. With our oldest nearing independence, we're making the most of these trips while we can.
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Our interest in South Tyrol sparked when one of my daughter Lotte's friends returned raving about their family trip to the Seiser Alm (Alpe di Siusi) in the Dolomites. Lotte and I were captivated. Recently, a dinner with friends featuring an Italian chef and South Tyrolean wines sealed the deal. As seasoned family travelers, we're excited to explore this northern Italian gem.
Read here more about a great holiday in South Tyrol.
Boasting 300 sunny days annually, South Tyrol is a top family destination. The Dolomites—a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2009—offer stunning trails for hiking (our family's passion) and pristine mountain lakes perfect for relaxation.
The region's seven nature parks and one national park make it ideal for active families. Love walking or cycling? With 16,000 km of marked trails (450 km around Seiser Alm), it's a hiker's paradise.
Learn more about the Seiser Alm region in South Tyrol.
South Tyrol shines for hikers and cyclists, but we've curated kid-friendly options beyond trails. As plant enthusiasts, I appreciate the diverse flora, but our activities ensure everyone stays engaged.
Top of our wishlist: a guided family horse-riding tour. Far from basic pony rides, this promises adventure under expert supervision. With my riding experience, I'll lead, but safety comes first—imagine our teen's thrill atop a horse for an afternoon.
For an engaging family hike, try the Oswald von Wolkenstein path. This 7.8 km trail (1 hour 45 minutes) winds past Salegg and Hauenstein ruins, featuring 15 interactive stops with knight's tables, swords, and mythical creatures to delight kids.
Suitable for little ones, pack snacks for a relaxed morning or afternoon outing. Follow with a swim—pure family bliss in South Tyrol.
Nearby lakes like Völser Weiher—one of Italy's cleanest—in a nature reserve are hits. Cycle paths, swimming, or rowboat rentals make for perfect summer afternoons with kids.
South Tyrol is Italy's hidden gem, just 950 km from our home in Schijndel (shorter than our recent 1,050 km Austria trip). Fly into Innsbruck, Verona, Munich, Milan, or Venice and rent a car to roam freely.
Whether camping or booking cozy stays, Seiser Alm and the Dolomites deliver active fun, nature, and culture for families.
