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Family Summer Holiday in Austria with Kids: Our Honest Experience and Top Activities

As seasoned family travelers who've wintered in Austria for years, we finally tried a summer trip with our kids (ages 8 and 12). Doubts lingered—hiking mountains and nature immersion? We thought they'd balk after loving sunny campsites in France, Spain, and Italy. We were thrilled to be proven wrong!

In recent years, we've favored large, activity-packed campsites abroad to keep the kids entertained. It worked perfectly—beach days, kids' clubs, endless fun. But we craved variety. A chat with Landal at a travel fair tipped the scales, leading to our unforgettable stay at their Rehrenberg park in Viehhofen, near Saalbach and Zell am See.

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Family Holiday in Austria: Our Hesitations

Our kids aren't natural adventurers—they're more homebody loungers who dodge dog walks with excuses like 'too hot' or 'too cold.' Yet, in Austria's stunning landscapes, they transformed into eager explorers. We discovered hidden adventurers beneath their cozy exteriors.

An Apartment Over a Campsite

Swapping our usual campsite for Landal's spacious apartment felt risky—no constant in-and-out access. But it was a game-changer. The apartments offer luxury space, balconies for sunset Radlers or wine, and private showers after active days (a step up from boat holidays!). Landal's six Austrian parks shine in summer; Rehrenberg delivered breathtaking scenery and kid-friendly vibes.

A Refreshingly Different Adventure

This trip diverged sharply from past vacations. We hit the road by 10:30 AM daily, returning past 7 PM, packed with hikes, climbs, and discoveries. The kids thrived! Even with younger ones, adapt and go—plenty of family-friendly options await.

Top Things to Do with Kids in Austria

Based in Salzburgerland's Viehhofen, our outings suit much of Austria. Here's our lineup:

1. Krimml Waterfalls

A phenomenal hike to the top with epic views. Full report with photos available in our daily blogs.

2. Baumzipfelweg Treetop Walk

Scenic but pricier and less thrilling than expected—not covered by the Salzburgerland Card.

3. Stubnerkogel in Bad Gastein

Thrilling 140m suspension bridge over a valley. The return hike steals the show—details in our blogs.

4. Grossglockner via Hochalpenstrasse

A must-drive route ending in jaw-dropping alpine splendor, even for non-drivers.

5. Sigmund Thun Klamm and Krimmlsee in Kaprun

Family-friendly gorge with roaring waters; extend for more challenge.

6. Weißsee Glacier World

Magical snow play at 25°C—pure wonder amid glaciers.

Family favorites below. Tip: Check Melissa's trek to Verspreihütte in Kaunertal for more inspiration!

Luc's Top Activities

  1. Sigmund Thun Klamm
  2. Weißsee
  3. Krimml Waterfalls
  4. Stubnerkogel Bad Gastein
  5. Grossglockner
  6. Baumzipfelweg

Lotte's Top 6 Activities

  1. Krimml Waterfalls
  2. Weißsee
  3. Sigmund Thun Klamm
  4. Stubnerkogel Bad Gastein
  5. Grossglockner
  6. Baumzipfelweg

Frank's Favorites

Frank wanted even tougher hikes!

  1. Weißsee
  2. Krimml Waterfalls
  3. Stubnerkogel Bad Gastein
  4. Grossglockner
  5. Sigmund Thun Klamm
  6. Baumzipfelweg

My Top 6

Weißsee and Krimml tie for first in my book.

  1. Weißsee
  2. Krimml Waterfalls
  3. Sigmund Thun Klamm
  4. Stubnerkogel Bad Gastein
  5. Grossglockner
  6. Baumzipfelweg

The Salzburgerland Card

For 1-2 week summer stays, this card is invaluable: free/discounted access to 190 attractions—lifts, museums, hikes, wildlife parks, water parks. Ideal for explorers like us; skip if park-bound.