The most beautiful places in Gastein with kids that you shouldn’t miss around the hip region!
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Here you will find our tips for the best accommodation, the coolest excursions and favorite places in the Gastein Valley and the legendary Bad Gastein with kids. All tested and approved by us, of course.
The Gastein Valley is worth a visit simply because it is so different from all other mountain regions in Austria. Where the focus is not too much on mountain sports, but where art and customs are also very important.
The valley can only be reached via a tunnel. Once you have left it behind you, you can really let yourself be absorbed by Gastein’s charm. There is the nostalgic Bad Gastein, which is gradually being brought back to life with a proper retro vibe. The hip Bad Hofgastein and the original Dorfgastein.
What’s more, there are plenty of highlights to discover in the mountains around the villages, from Alpine pastures to hikes, thermal springs and ski resorts. A little bit of everything and that’s exactly what will ultimately delight parents and kids alike.
Before we set off, a brief detour into the history of the valley. Surrounded by majestic three-thousand-metre peaks, the region in Salzburger Land was once a thermal resort steeped in tradition, where everyone who was anyone flocked for a summer retreat. It was during this golden age that Bad Gastein’s many elegant Belle Époque buildings were built, which are still reminiscent of the splendor of days gone by.
Here are our tips and favorite places in Gastein with kids
Staying overnight in Gastein with kids: Sendlhofer’s
Sendlhofer’s – a beautiful, family-run hotel in the village center of Bad Hofgastein – is proof of how modernity and tradition can successfully come together. Here you are surrounded by an abundance of loving details, in which a lot of heart and soul resonates.
There are the cozy rooms with mountain views, the beautifully landscaped garden, a nature spa with indoor and outdoor pool, a family sauna and an adults-only sauna area. The heart of the house is clearly Luke’s living room, where a delicious breakfast awaits you in the morning and a menu full of delicacies made from regional and seasonal ingredients is served in the evening.
It goes without saying that in a place where several generations are involved, the children have also been thought of. From the indoor playroom with book corner and play kitchen to a slide in the restaurant and leisure facilities such as table football and table tennis, there is something for all ages.
Sendlhofer’s is by far the most beautiful family feel-good oasis in Gastein with kids.
Hike to the Annencafé with reward waffle
From Sendlhofer’s you start through the pedestrian zone in the direction of the church. Turn right onto the Gasteiner Höhenweg and follow the signs for the Annencafé. After a good 50-minute walk, you will reach the Annencafé with a beautiful playground and an even better view, which you can enjoy from the sun loungers. Be sure to try the homemade waffles before you make your way back via the gorge with its waterfall. You reach it after the first hairpin bend. From then on, you meander along narrow paths through the gorge and reach the village in no time at all. The perfect half-day excursion to spend the afternoon by the pool at Sendlhofer’s.
Family excursion on the Fulseck adventure mountain to Spiegelsee lake
A trip up the mountain that will motivate even lazy kids! If you’re out and about with small children, this little hike is just the thing for you. From the valley station in Dorfgastein, take the gondola up to the summit. Even the ascent is exciting, as the Spiegelsee lake attracts everyone’s attention with its intense blue color. Once at the top, you head off along a small trail or the slightly longer gravel path to the first playground in the middle of nature. A large slide, climbing facilities and a rest area make you want to take a short break. You can’t miss your destination, Lake Spiegelsee, because just a few steps later, the lake is right in front of you with a barefoot path right through the middle. The lake is stunning and we recommend staying here for at least one long picnic and enjoying the fabulous view of the mountains. As you walk around the small lake, the next play attraction comes into view. A giant memory game, slack lines and climbing course for the kids. Finally, the trail descends to the middle station, past the various power spots and games along the way for the kids.
Excursion in Bad Gastein with kids to feed squirrels on the Kaiser Wilhelm Promenade
A forest full of trusting squirrels just waiting to nibble hazelnuts straight from your hand? Yes, that’s possible in Bad Gastein. The way there is from Bad Gastein via the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Promenade in the direction of Café Gamskar. As soon as the forest comes into view, it’s not far away. It’s best to have your hazelnuts ready to hand, as it won’t be long before the first squirrels come scurrying into view. The squirrels carefully and bravely feel their way towards the nuts in the palms of their hands. Now it’s time to stay calm and observe. As soon as the squirrel has the nut in its safe paws, it quickly hops away. Your kids will be amazed! Afterwards, you can continue along the high trail – approx. 40 minutes – and stop off at Café Gamskar. They have the best cream slices far and wide.
Family hike via the Bärenweg to the Amoseralm in Dorfgastein
This short but intense family hike up to the Amoseralm is perfect for kids aged 5 and over. You can park your car at the Unterberg hiking parking lot in Dorfgastein. However, the first part of the hike does not include any play stations. The large bear marking the entrance to the Bear Trail can be seen from afar. From now on, numerous play stations await the kids. Passing watercourses and benches for resting, you finally reach the Amoseralm. The Alm is not only very pretty, but also provides all hard-working hikers with delicious home-made food. There is a playground for the kids and lots of animals to visit. You can then return to the parking lot either via the Bärenweg trail or along the circular route. By the way, lucky ones make their way to the Amoseralm on Thursday. That’s when the art of bread baking is explained and the kids can join in.
Walk to the waterfall in Bad Gastein with a little Mama Escape
Bad Gastein is a must-see. A grotesque village scene consisting of empty Belle Epoque buildings that are gradually being filled with modern life again. And then there is the thundering waterfall in the center of the village, which plunges over 340 meters into the depths. An impressive natural spectacle that is said to be particularly beneficial to health due to the atomization of negatively ionized air. So feel free to stretch your face a little longer towards the waterfall.
Directly opposite is the beautiful WALLY Bad Gastein concept store. Fashion from all over Europe is at home here and a visit is a must for all moms. Meanwhile, the rest of the family can make their way back or head to Café Kraftwerk for coffee and cake with a direct view of the waterfall. The soundscape to go with it is also included.
Excursion to Tiny Tibet in Bad Gastein
Sportgastein – also known as Tiny Tibet, is located in the Hohe Tauern Nature Park and is a popular destination in Gastein for kids. Surrounded by gigantic mountains, you can enjoy a relaxed hike between meadows, forest and water on the high plateau. There is a route for every ability level and the wide gravel paths are even suitable for baby carriages. The trail runs alongside small streams where children are only too happy to play. With a bit of luck, you may come across wild horses and sheep. Each tour leads to a mountain pasture, which we really like. The first mountain pasture is just a 20-minute walk away. We particularly like stopping off at the Nassfelder Hütte with its playground and petting zoo. Sportgastein is a good tip, especially for families with young kids. Such a fantastic mountain panorama is usually not so easy to reach with kids.
Pure nature experience on the Zirbenzauber for families on the Graukogel
On the Graukogel there is an ancient stand of stone pines. Some of the trees are almost 400 years old. In honor of the stone pine, a themed trail has been created with many attractions to explore with all your senses. You should plan a good hour for the walk through the fragrant forest with kids. However, the path is very flat. In between, you can look out for the Swiss stone pine swing, a Swiss stone pine bed, a suspended swing and other attractions. Of course, this is especially fun for the kids. Even parents are reluctant to say no when they see the comfortable swings with a view. After the circular route, you can stop off at the Graukogelhütte and enjoy traditional Austrian cuisine.
Playfully learn all about nature at the adventure playground in Dorfgastein
In the middle of beautiful Dorfgastein, the Naturerlebnis Dorfgastein welcomes you and your kids. Play stations provide a playful insight into the history and nature of Dorfgastein. For example, there is the stone path, which introduces rocks, plants and mushrooms from the Salzburger Land region, or the biotope, where kids can learn all about the valuable benefits of the wetland biotope. The modern Kneipp health facility with a medicinal herb garden is just as popular with adults as it is with the younger members of the family. Another highlight along the way is the large adventure playground. Equipped with natural play equipment, a waterfall, a recreated mine and a large tree house, the playground does its part to tell the story of Gastein and nature even more vividly.
Gastein with kids: First hiking, then baking doughnuts at the Astenalmen
The Obere and Unter Astenalm are two cozy alpine huts in Bad Gastein that are a must-see with kids. After a leisurely walk from the Hotel Evianquelle, it takes around 25 minutes to reach the two alpine huts, which are just a few meters apart. We recommend stopping off at the Obere Astenalm. The doughnut show kitchen is simply a sensation. At best, the kids can even join in and bake their own doughnuts. With a dollop of fresh jam, it tastes simply heavenly. There is also a playground and animals to get to know. The Astenalmen are the perfect destination for families during the summer months.
