Our favorite places & highlights with kids
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The Montafon, a 39-kilometer-long valley in southern Vorarlberg, surprises with a mix that instantly appeals to urban families: spectacular nature, real adventure, and a flair for design, culture and cuisine. Framed by the three mountain ranges Verwall, Rätikon and Silvretta, with the Piz Buin as Vorarlberg’s highest peak, the region feels like a retreat – rugged and authentic, yet modern and cosmopolitan at the same time.
It only takes a few hours to see how diverse a family holiday here can be. Hiking along panoramic trails, insights into traditional cheese-making, adventure mountains for kids, and a thrilling ride on the mountain carts. Experience follows experience, and the kids are having more fun than any amusement park could ever offer. For us parents, the mountains aren’t just more relaxing – they’re also more beautiful, because nature and modern lifestyle come together here so effortlessly.
Schruns as a home base
Our home for the weekend is the Adler Alpen Apartments in Schruns – spaciously designed, modernly furnished, and with just the right touch of alpine flair. From here we set off on our tours, as Schruns is the heart of the Montafon. The town was already a meeting point for mountaineers in the 1920s, and Ernest Hemingway spent entire winters here. Today, Schruns combines cafés, boutiques and restaurants with charming urban vibes, while the cable cars are practically on the doorstep.
Silver stories on the Kristberg
We kick things off with the Kristbergbahn, also known as the “mountain of indulgence.” The Kristbergbahn takes us up to the Silver Mountain. At the top, a hearty lunch awaits at the Panoramagasthof Kristberg, complete with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. Afterwards, we set out on the Silberpfad, a family-friendly themed trail that tells the mining history of the Montafon. For centuries, silver and copper were mined here, leaving their mark on the valley.
The children eagerly follow the stations, which explain in playful ways how miners once lived and worked. At the end, a giant marble run sparks plenty of excitement before rain clouds send us back down to the valley. We round off the evening at the Gasthof zum Kreuz, a traditional inn in Schruns. Fondue and hot stone grills are as much a part of the experience as the cozy dining room, which radiates the charm of old Vorarlberg tavern culture.
Cheese-making up close
Saturday begins with thunderstorms, but instead of getting restless we enjoy a slow morning of games in the apartment. Later the skies clear and we meet our hiking guide Carmen. Together we head to the Innerkapellalpe, one of around 30 alpine pastures in the Montafon that are still traditionally farmed. Here we’re welcomed by Senn Bernd, who passionately shares stories from his daily life.
Each season he produces 5.5 tons of cheese, including the famous Sura Kees. This regional specialty has a centuries-old tradition and is now protected as a culinary heritage. For the children, it’s a real experience to see how milk is transformed into cheese; for us parents, it’s a window into authentic Montafon life. In moments like these, you feel just how deeply tradition is rooted here – and it’s exactly that feeling you take home with you.
Playtime with a view at Hochjoch
In the afternoon we change perspective and head to the Hochjoch Adventure Mountain. In winter it’s famous for the longest ski tunnel descent in the world, but in summer it transforms into an adventure spot for families. Climbing elements, slacklines and play stations are ready to be explored. The children lose themselves in play, while we sit back on a bench and soak up the mountain scenery.
St. Josefsheim: A new meeting place in historic walls
Back in Schruns, the sauna at our apartment awaits before we head out for the evening at St. Josefsheim. Once a hospital, the historic building has been lovingly restored after many years of silence. Today, it’s a vibrant meeting place with a restaurant, hostel and chapel, where tradition and modern lifestyle come together. A real eye-catcher: the suspended gondola inside the restaurant, a playful nod to the surrounding mountains. Outside, a modern food truck serves up homemade dishes and regional specialties. We sit comfortably on the terrace, listen to live music, watch the kids run wild on the playground, and raise a glass of wine. It’s exactly this mix of history, authenticity and lightness that makes Montafon so special.
Breakfast above the clouds
Sunday begins at 2,000 meters. With the Gargellen cable car we ride up to the Schafberg Hüsli, one of the highest mountain restaurants in the region. Here, a breakfast buffet awaits that puts the focus on local produce: crusty bread, fresh dairy products, and cheese from the surrounding alpine pastures. The terrace sits among the peaks, while morning mist slowly lifts to reveal sweeping mountain views. A breakfast above the clouds that not only fills you up, but stays with you as a memory.
Mystical on the way up, fast on the way down
With some time left, we set out on the Johann Trail to Lake Ganda. The path winds across flowering alpine meadows, past cool mountain streams, and over rugged rock steps. The Johann Trail is part of the Gargellen Schafberg trails, where characters like the shepherd girl Marie, the customs officer Paul, or the mountain guide Johann tell their stories. Tales from the past, told in the very same places where we walk today. Each trail is just the right length to make it an exciting hike with kids.
The fog hangs heavy in the valley, then suddenly breaks apart to reveal a scene straight out of a fairy tale. Sometimes mystical, sometimes clear, always impressive.
But no sooner have we left the lake behind than the next adventure calls. Still energized from our mountain breakfast, we hop onto the mountain carts. Six kilometers downhill, on three wheels, no motor – just plenty of speed. After the very first turns it’s clear: this is a true family highlight. The kids squeal with joy, we parents are amazed at how safe and relaxed the ride feels, while the fun factor goes off the charts. By the time we reach the bottom, there’s only one demand: “Again!”
Why families love Montafon
After three days full of impressions, one thing is clear: Montafon is made for families who want to combine nature, adventure and culture.
- Nature & variety: from tranquil mountain lakes to alpine adventure playgrounds, the landscape is always part of the experience.
- Family fun: adventure mountains, slide parks, marble runs, and animal encounters make every day exciting.
- Authenticity & comfort: cheese-making, mining history, and centuries-old inn culture meet modern accommodations and thoughtful infrastructure.
- Easy planning: cable cars, clear organization, and family-friendly offers make the holiday truly relaxing.
Our family holiday in Montafon was an adventure package that had it all: cheese stories from Bernd, marble run fun in the rain, mountain carts in the sunshine, and breakfast above the clouds. These are exactly the kinds of experiences that stay with you – and spark the desire to return soon.
Transparency note: This article was created in collaboration with Montafon Tourism. Our experiences and impressions remain unaffected – they come directly from our hikes and adventures on site.
