Outings and highlights in the fresh mountain air, guaranteed to delight parents and kids alike.
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Goodbye city heat, hello mountain air! We spent a weekend in the mountains of Montafon in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg. More precisely, at the Silvretta Bielerhöhe, the Erlebnisberg Golm adventure mountain, and Lake Lünersee. All three destinations thoroughly impressed us. Our weekend in Montafon with kids was packed with plenty of family time, unforgettable adventures up in the mountains, discovering new favourite spots, and scenic gems we simply couldn’t get enough of.
One important thing upfront: the region is genuinely ahead of the curve when it comes to sustainable thinking and environmentally responsible practice. You can read up on exactly how CO2 emissions are being cut, how the power of water is used to generate green electricity for the whole region, and what further measures are being rolled out here.
Up the mountain to unwind: the Silvretta Bielerhöhe
Our excitement for a mountain weekend in Montafon with the kids couldn’t have been bigger. The moment the school bell announces the start of the weekend, we’re ready to go! Our first stop after a quick arrival in Vorarlberg is the Silvretta Alpine Road. Winding up steep switchbacks, we make our way up to the Bielerhöhe, over 2,000 metres above sea level. This mountain road ranks among the most beautiful in the entire Alpine region, and the mountain panorama unfolding outside the windows is phenomenal. Horses and cows graze calmly at the roadside, which of course delights the kids no end. We counted 15 cows and 22 horses in total, and had to drive extra slowly just to make sure we didn’t miss a single one.
Once we reach the top, we’re genuinely amazed by the deep turquoise blue of Lake Silvretta. That’s the name of the 1.31 km² reservoir on the mountain of the same name, used for generating electricity for the region. A well-maintained walking path runs around the lake, perfect for a stroll with kids. It first crosses the dam wall and leads into the winter access tunnel, which doubles as an art space. Gentle music and rotating sun motifs on the walls make for a wonderfully unusual experience up in the mountains. From that moment on, we’re all completely relaxed and properly in holiday mode. The Silvretta Bielerhöhe makes a brilliant start to a mountain weekend with kids. Exactly in the spirit of heading up the mountain to unwind.
Afterwards, if you like, you can stop in at the Silvretta Haus and treat yourself to an excellent Kaiserschmarrn with a lake view. At the car park you’ll also find the Piz Buin viewing platform, from where you can admire the peak, standing over 3,000 metres tall.
A day at the Erlebnisberg Golm adventure mountain – a must in Montafon with kids
The Erlebnisberg Golm is a genuine family paradise in Montafon with kids. We’re not just saying that. In fact, we can’t think of another mountain that offers quite this much.
The kids had been itching to visit the Erlebnisberg Golm well in advance, ever since it blew them away back in winter. When we rode the gondola towards the ski slopes about six months earlier, we could just make out the silver tubes of the forest slide park poking through the white snow. You can imagine how wide their eyes went. That settled it: we had to come back in summer. And that’s far from all the Erlebnisberg Golm has to offer families. On top of that there’s a discovery trail, the forest ropes course, and the summer toboggan run. A mountain programme like that is music to any kid’s ears.
Discovery trail
But let’s take it step by step. It all starts with the gondola ride up to the mountain station. That’s where you’ll find the entrance to Golmi’s Discovery Trail. The trail runs 3.5 kilometres downhill — perfect for kids — passing 22 stations along the way, offering a good mix of knowledge and hands-on action. Our favourite was the station about mountain plants. Every one of them turns out to have special powers. The leaves of ribwort plantain, for instance, ease the itch of a mosquito bite. Simply crumple the leaf between your fingers until a bit of plant juice comes out, then press it onto the bite. A great tip to take with you.
Halfway along the trail, you can already spot the water playground from above. That’s usually the moment the kids reach peak mountain happiness. Here you can take a break, sit in the shade under the trees, while the kids stay busy pumping, scooping and see-sawing.
Forest slide park
The discovery trail ends at the middle station, and that’s where the forest slide park begins. In between lies Haus Matschwitz, which is well worth a stop for something to eat before continuing on. The menu features Alpine classics alongside fresh salads. Then it’s full speed ahead to the first slide run. The seven slides in total range from 30 to 60 metres long, and are a genuine phenomenon unlike anything else out there. If you’re worried the stainless-steel tubes might get too hot on scorching summer days, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The entrance and exit of every slide are shielded with sun canopies, and the steel tubes are designed so that a natural breeze flows through them at all times. To this day, we still can’t agree on who had more fun — us parents, or the kids.
Golm Alpine Coaster
As soon as the valley station comes into view, the next family adventure is already waiting: the Golm Alpine Coaster, aka the summer toboggan run, an impressive 2.6 kilometres long. You zip down the mountain like a bolt of lightning, over small hills, sweeping curves and loops. Younger children ride the sled together with a parent, but from age 8 they can also give it a go solo. Everyone sets their own speed, by the way. The next rider is only allowed onto the track once there’s genuinely enough distance between sleds. We found that hugely reassuring, having had rather different experiences elsewhere.
Forest ropes course
After the summer toboggan run comes the forest ropes course. Tucked into the shade beneath tall trees, on the opposite side of the reservoir, hides a modern high ropes course. Whether beginner or seasoned pro, there’s a suitable route in the forest ropes course for every climbing level. Once everyone’s kitted out with climbing gear and helmets, there’s a short briefing, and then it’s straight into the first course.
For younger kids, the Zwergle course is exactly right. Kids taller than 120 cm can try their hand at the blue course. While we parents had noticeably more trouble at the stations, the children bounced through the courses like little squirrels. We were all so absorbed in climbing that we completely lost track of time. After a well-earned ice cream reward, we call it a day together with the forest ropes course team.
Advertisement – This article was created in partnership with Golm Silvretta Lünersee Tourismus GmbH.
A trip to a natural gem: Lake Lünersee
Lake Lünersee, also known as the Pearl of the Alps, was once counted among the largest natural mountain lakes. So you can look forward to a postcard-perfect setting of the highest order on your outing with kids in Montafon.
Today, the lake forms part of the region’s sustainable power supply. As soon as you arrive at the mountain station via the Lünerseebahn cable car, you can see on a display just how ingeniously hydroelectric power generation works in the region. Conveniently, there’s a playground right next door where the children can play while you take it all in. Then everyone’s ready for a hike around the lake. Plan on around two full hours for the full loop. Fishing is even permitted at a designated spot. Our kids were fascinated watching a handful of boys standing on the shore, pulling one fish after another out of the water with their rods. Swimming in the lake isn’t allowed, though given the water temperature, most children would probably think twice anyway. Back at the mountain station, there’s time for one last Alpine treat in Montafon with kids at the Douglass Hütte, before we head off towards home.
Tips on getting there, where to stay, and the WildPass
Within three hours, you can be whisked from Munich straight to beautiful Montafon by train or car, and dive right into your mountain holiday with the kids. Public transport gets you easily to the mountain railways, so a car on site isn’t strictly necessary. Sure, that means a bit more planning ahead, but it also lets you make your holiday a little kinder to the environment.
Still looking for somewhere to stay for a family holiday in Vorarlberg? Get inspired in this article, featuring a modern Schindlhaus, a family hotel, and charming mountain apartments.
Planning to spend several days in southern Vorarlberg? Then the WildPass is well worth it for Montafon with kids. It gets you the full range of activities at the Golm, the Alpine Road, the ride on the Lünerseebahn, and plenty of other mountain railways. On top of that, public transport, entry to outdoor pools and museums are already included in the ticket price. For adults it costs €66 for three days. Kids aged 7 and up pay €38; anyone younger goes free. You can read more about the ticket and all the benefits it includes here.
The Erlebnisberg Golm, the Silvretta Bielerhöhe and Lake Lünersee are practically made for a holiday and outings in Montafon with kids. Here, you can properly soak up the summer days among mountain lakes, forest slides, hut stops for a bite, and a thrilling ride down the mountain.
