One region, four mountains and endless summer moments
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Some words suddenly resurface even though they never really disappeared. “Sommerfrische” is one of them. While the city streets simmer with heat, in the mountains you breathe in wonderfully fresh alpine air.
The Salzkammergut knows how to do sommerfrische. Even Empress Sisi retreated here, accompanied by Franz. It wasn’t by chance, but born from a deep need for air, light and ease. And even today, this region reveals its dreamlike side in summer: with clear lakes, exciting themed trails for kids, cool heights and new highlights for families craving nature and discovery.
Why summer in the mountains just feels good
There are some things you only understand when you experience them yourself. For example, that special feeling when you leave the city on a hot July day and slowly begin to feel the cool mountain air on the cable car. While the thermometer in the valley climbs above 30 degrees Celsius, a fresh breeze blows up on the mountain. Not icy cold, but pleasant enough to take a deep breath.
In fact, this is one of the biggest advantages of summer mountains: even on hot days, the temperatures are easy to bear. Sure, the sun can still warm you here, but the air is drier and lighter, and there is plenty of shade under the mountain pines or during a picnic with a view. A slight drop in temperature? Possible. A short afternoon rain shower? Not unusual. But that’s part of it. You slow down, become more spontaneous, and look up at the sky more often.
And for children? For them, a summer day in the mountains becomes an adventure that awakens all the senses. Splashing in icy-cold streams, stomping along mossy paths, balancing on stones, and collecting snail shells in the middle of July. Up here, movement turns into play and hiking becomes discovering the most natural playgrounds in the world.
The summer mountains in Dachstein Salzkammergut are genuine natural playgrounds. They are designed with little nature explorers, curious climbing fans, and families who want to be outside together in mind. Whether it’s adventure trails with puzzles, viewpoints that test your courage, or blooming mountain meadows with a winding summer toboggan run — here children are free to run, try things out and join in.
Krippenstein: reaching new heights on the karst plateau
The first ascent begins in Obertraun. As soon as the cable car lifts off toward Krippenstein, silence fills the cabin, and by the time you pass the first mast, you feel it: the world looks different up here. No wonder this panorama is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The karst plateau is rugged, vast and pristine. Children run off, searching for fossils and balancing on stones. It’s not a staged program but genuine outdoor adventure.
The path to the 5fingers — a viewing platform that hangs like a hand over the abyss — is doable even for younger hikers. After that, the trail continues to the silver World Heritage Spiral and the iconic Dachstein shark.
Dachstein West: Where hiking feels like playing
A little further west, Dachstein West awaits — a natural playground like no other. In Russbach, Gosau and Annaberg, hiking suddenly becomes kids’ favourite activity. The Hornbahn cable car takes you up in just a few minutes, and from there Bruno’s Mountain World begins. An adventure trail with water pumps, sound stations, mini cable cars and plenty of puzzles to solve.
The kids stay busy, discover, laugh, while parents get to take a deep breath, thanks to plenty of benches and even sun loungers along the way. Especially charming is the slow train ride to the Edtalmhütte. The journey feels like a scene from an old children’s film, passing horse pastures and alpine bliss. Up top, you’ll find dumplings, soup and apple strudel, handmade and served with warm hospitality that makes you want to come back. Good to know: cash only!
Grünberg Gmunden: eye level with the treetops
The cable car on the edge of Gmunden almost seems to dance above Lake Traunsee before landing at the top of Grünberg. Up there awaits a family-friendly mix of playground, summer toboggan run, treetop path with a 75-meter-long slide and a brand-new adventure trail.
Kids join the Grünberg Gang, who are on a mission to save the colour green, with magical creatures, tree puzzles and little stories. After that, the accessible treetop path offers interactive elements and a wonderful view over the lake. For those who want more, there’s a hike to Laudachsee with options to stop for refreshments and a swim.
Feuerkogel: quiet vistas and gentle adventures
High above Lake Traunsee lies Feuerkogel. The modern cable car takes you to a landscape that looks made for adventure. Especially impressive is the European Cross, a quiet spot with views in every direction. Embedded in its base are stones from every EU country. A beautiful symbol of unity and a perfect place to pause and reflect.
The paths are narrow, winding through mountain pines and past rocks that feel almost surreal. Older children love this landscape that feels like a natural playground — just without playground equipment. For adults seeking more adrenaline, there’s the Alberfeldkogel via ferrata or paragliding over the lake.
Overnight stay in Bad Ischl: between imperial charm and children’s laughter
Nestled in the heart of the Salzkammergut, among all these summer mountain destinations, lies Bad Ischl. Once a retreat for Franz and Sisi, today it is a charming small town full of character, culture, and the perfect location for a family-focused holiday right on the Traun River.
Our recommendation: the Hotel Goldener Ochs. Family-run, welcoming, and blending tradition with modern style. The rooms are spacious with colorful curtains made from traditional fabrics, and the décor is traditional yet fresh. The wellness area with pool, playroom, and garden offers space for everyone. And in the evening? The Arthur Schnitzler Bar is the place to be for parents looking to enjoy good drinks.
Overnight in Bad Ischl: between imperial flair and children’s laughter
In the heart of the Salzkammergut, among all these summer mountain destinations, lies Bad Ischl. Once a retreat for Franz and Sisi, it is today a charming small town full of atmosphere, culture and the perfect spot for a family-focused holiday on the Traun River.
Our recommendation is the Hotel Goldener Ochs. Family-run and welcoming, it blends tradition with modern style. The rooms are spacious, with colourful curtains made from traditional fabrics and décor that feels both classic and fresh. The wellness area with pool, playroom and garden offers space for everyone. And in the evening the Arthur Schnitzler Bar is the place to be for parents who fancy a good drink.
