Austria is a beautiful country, fabulously child friendly – the play areas, adventure playgrounds and trails for the kids we found were fantastic and it was so nice to see they had been thought of in so many destinations.  Combine this with the stunning scenery of the alps, and it makes  Austria the perfect destination for a family holiday, all year round.

We took our children on a road trip through the alps and had an amazing time in Austria; read on to find out our favourite places and must visit destinations to include on your Austrian travel itinerary.

Hallstat

This small village is a UNESCO world heritage site, a beautiful historic village nestled between Hallstatersee (Lake Hallstatt) and the lush green Dachstein mountains (part of the Northern Austrian alps). The colourful  traditional houses, market square and famous view point of the church with the scenic background make Hallstat impossibly pretty. There isn’t so much for kids to do there, but we had a wonderful family trip none the less – read what we got up to in our Family Hallstat Guide.

Wolfgangsee

Wolfgangsee is a large, beautiful lake, with the small and picturesque town of St Woldgang on its shore. Only 30 minutes from Salzburg, it’s a popular choice for foreign and domestic tourists, and it’s relaxed atmosphere and abundance of amazing swimming and sunbathing spots, both scenic and accessible  made this one of our family’s favourite Austrian destinations. The lake is surrounded by pastures and mountains, and the town of St Wolfgang is charming, with traditional buildings and colourful window boxes a plenty. You can rent a boat, stroll around the lake on one of the many walking paths, or hire a bike to explore the area.

There is plenty to occupy the children, from playgrounds, an amusement park, tobogann runs and more; check out the regional website here, to see everything on offer for kids at Wolfgangsee.

Glossglockner

We loved our trip to the epic mountain road – it is a spectacular alpine pass, one of the unmissable attractions of Austria.

Oon the 48k route,  Panoramic mountains views of over 30 peaks await as you drive through twists, turns, and 36 hairpin bends through the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park. There are various mountains stations to stop off along the the way, as well.as beaches, view points and other places to stop, pull over and take it all in.  There are at the stations restaurants, cafes, information points, play areas, and Panorama trails. Day tickets to drive on the road start at €40 for a car. Check out the website here for more details. 

Katschal Valley

The Katschal Valley is beautiful, with dense alpine forests, rivers, quiet villages, and countless biking and walking trails. Come to the Katschal Valley for authentic Austria, where you can enjoy nature.

Salzburg

Salzburg Salzburg, Austria, is a fantastic family getaway packed with fun! Wander through the charming Old Town, check out Mozart’s birthplace, and hop on the funicular to Hohensalzburg Fortress for jaw-dropping views. Kids will have a blast at the trick fountains in Hellbrunn Palace.

Zell Am See

Zell am See, Austria, is a dream family destination, offering year-round fun and adventure! In the summer, you can swim, sail, or picnic by the crystal-clear Lake Zell, while winter brings fantastic skiing and snowboarding on the surrounding mountains. Take a scenic ride up the Schmittenhöhe for breathtaking views and family-friendly hiking trails. Kids will love the adventure playgrounds and summer tobogganing, while parents can relax and soak in the beauty of the Alps. Whether you’re into snow sports or lakeside lounging, Zell am See is perfect for a family vacation.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck, Austria, is a fantastic spot for a family adventure, blending alpine fun with rich history. Nestled in the heart of the Alps, it’s a year-round destination where you can explore the charming Old Town, visit the famous Golden Roof, and enjoy breathtaking mountain views. In winter, families can hit the slopes for skiing or snowboarding, while summer offers hiking, biking, and cable car rides up the Nordkette. The Alpenzoo, with its fascinating alpine wildlife, is a big hit with kids. With its mix of outdoor fun and culture, Innsbruck is a perfect family getaway.

Graz

Graz, Austria, is a hidden gem for families, offering a mix of history, culture, and fun! Explore the charming Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. Kids will love a trip to the Schlossberg, where you can take a funicular or glass elevator up to the iconic clock tower for great views. The interactive exhibits at the Children’s Museum FRida & freD are a hit with younger visitors, while older kids might enjoy the cool modern art at the Kunsthaus. Graz is a delightful, family-friendly destination with something for everyone.