15 Aug SUMMER FAMILY VACATION IN ZILLERTAL, AUSTRIA
We had visited Austria plenty of times during wintertime, but this was the first time we set foot on the Austrian lush hills during summertime. And let me tell you, it’s a completely different experience! We decided to discover the Zillertal region, as it’s perfect for families. And with two kids (aged three and seven), we discovered plenty of nice things to do, we want to share.
Zillertal in a Nutshell
Being one of popular regions for many travelers, and we get it. Offering various activities for outdoor enthusiasts but also families. With a mix of adventure, recreation and relaxation (there are so many spa’s around!), we cannot wait to tell you more. In this article we will share the following:
- Where to stay
- Best children’s activities around Zillertal
- Tips
Family stay in Zillertal
We can only talk from our experience, and we would love to share where we stayed during our visit to Zillertal. If you’re traveling with children under the age of ten years old, we highly recommend Alpin Family Hotel Seetal. This 4-star family hotel in Kaltenbach, is run by a family for several generations.
Although our room was a little outdated, it was clean, neat and large. With a separate bedroom for the kids, two showers, large living space and balcony. We had half-pension so the large breakfast buffet and dinner was included. Each morning their mascot mouse “Cheesy” walked around to hug the kids, which was the highlight of their dinner obviously. The menu offered a variation of traditional dishes with vegetarian and fish options. Kids could pick something from the menu or grab something from the buffet.
Diningroom
At Alpin Family Hotel Seetal they have a few spa’s; one for families with an indoor and outdoor pool, and one space for adults only. We took turns to look after the kids, so you can really experience both. For kids there is a separate ball pit and playroom downstairs where you can leave your kids under supervision.
Things we loved about this hotel:
- The adult spa was much better than I anticipated. Sauna’s (including a panorama), a cold bath, steam room and beautiful relax area.
- A natural pool (which also included a sauna and relax room), very calming and never crowded.
- They offered us a babyphone (no additional costs) so we could have a drink in the hotel bar. They would monitor the sounds and get us if they heard any crying. What a service!
- Daily kids activities such as easy hikes, climbing, face-painting, pony riding and much more.
- Outdoor playground with slides, a treehouse, jumping castle, and a petting zoo.
All in all, our kids loved it here and cried a little when we had to leave. And that is probably the biggest compliment!
Zillertal for families
This region is known for its range in options, for young and old. Below we will highlight the best things to do with kids, that adults will love too.
Best playgrounds in the Zillertal region
Take the cable car up to the Spieljoch which is located in Fügen, a town just ten minutes away from Alpin Family Hotel Seetal. Use the Zillertal Activecard for this. We got one for three days (€83 for adults), giving us the opportunity to use discounted cable fares and more. Specially for families: Purchase two adult cards (parents), and children born in or after 2009 can travel free! Once you’re up, you arrive at a place which is great for kids.
The little ones can explore the Crystal Village, which is also an option if it rains. Kids can search for gems and pretty stones and take them home. Furthermore, there are several trampolines and water fun. In terms of restaurants, there are two nice ones to choose from. Upstairs you have a luxury Pizzaria, and downstairs a more traditional Austrian restaurant where you can also get cakes. Both have an outside terrace, so you can relax in the sunshine.
Ride the Arena Coaster
Just below the cable car at station Zell am Ziller, you have another great activity for families. The Arena Coaster get’s your heart pumping, and each cart has space for two people. Tickets cost €7,50 for adults and €5 for kids. The ride is more than 1250 meters long and takes you through trees, around fast corners – with the Austrian Alps as a backdrop. Kids must be at least 1,25 meters to get in.
Fichtenschloss & Fichtensee
We loved this place! To get here you must take the cable car at Rosenalm. Get out at the 2nd station and walk to your first stop; Fichtenschloss. It’s basically a massive wooden castle where kids can climb and play. Surrounded by a water play area, sand pit and an obstacle forest. There is a small café where you can get a free map, ice-cream and drinks. Kids will easily spent hours here, and there are a plenty of comfortable benches to chill on.
Fichtenschloss
Once they finished playing, you can walk about 15 minutes towards Fichtensee – an easy and enjoyable hike. If the weather allows it, you can swim and play in the water. Paddleboarding and boat rentals are available, and the water comes freshly from the mountain.
Walking towards Fichtensee
Fichtensee
TIP: For lunch we highly recommend restaurant Wiesenalm, located at the middle station. It’s fairly new and has a fantastic menu! The portions were huge, and the view is priceless. Perfect to combine your visit on the Rosenalm cable car.
Restaurant Wiesenalm
Family hiking
One of the best hikes for both kids and adults must be a trip to the Stilluptal. In order to get there you must use various ways of transportation. A fun way is to take the train to Mayrhofen station. From there you hop on a small bus which will take you to Gasthof Wasserfall. A beautiful uphill journey through forest and valleys. Important note: this bus, and all the restaurants in the Stilluptal valley only take cash. This retour bus ride costs about 5 euro per person and takes about 30 minutes.
Take the wasserfall route and walk for about 1,5 hours until you get to Stilluperhaus. Here you can have a great lunch (try traditional kaiserschmarren!), while looking at the waterfall. If you are without kids, you can continue your hike, but with children I would advise to go back from here. The bus leaves every hour from the same starting point, so make sure you don’t miss it.
Other fun activities in Zillertal
We haven’t experienced these activities ourselves (yet), but these are some more options to explore.
- Rock climbing
- Mountain biking
- Visit a glacier
- Swimming
- Ziplining
- Golf
For more information about Zillertal, visit their website where you can find everything for your next visit!
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