Wonderful family favorites in South Tyrol’s quiet natural gem
Sponsored: This post was created in collaboration with Gossensass Tourism.
We explored northern South Tyrol with our kids and in this article, we’re sharing our top tips—natural playgrounds, cozy alpine huts, charming places to stay, and cool mountain adventures from trout fishing to mountain carts—all in a combination you’ve probably never experienced before.
Here’s a fun story to kick things off: The mountains around Gossensass are part of the Eastern Alps, not the Dolomites. And yet, they’re the reason the Dolomites got their name. How come? A French nobleman and geologist—Déodat de Dolomieu—discovered a unique, pale, shimmering type of limestone right here. He studied it and later asked for it to be named “dolomite.” Because this rock is found in the pale peaks of South Tyrol, those mountains were eventually named “Dolomites” in his honor.
So, even though Gossensass isn’t technically part of the Dolomites, the rocky formations here look suspiciously similar. Who knows—you might even spot your very own little dolomite rock along the way.
Gossensass & the Pflersch Valley: What to expect
Gossensass sits right along the Brenner route—and yet it feels worlds away from the rush of transit. As soon as you turn into the Pflersch Valley, everything slows down. No traffic noise, just the sound of a bubbling stream. No rush, just larches, moss, and waterfalls.
This isn’t some polished tourist showcase—it’s authentic South Tyrol: laid-back, rooted in nature, and full of heart. Families will find everything they need for a slower kind of holiday with kids: gentle hiking trails, welcoming alpine huts serving South Tyrolean specialties, dolci and really good coffee, forest playgrounds, and the rare feeling of simply having time together.
Our personal highlight: the blend of raw alpine beauty and little magic moments that you often only notice at second glance—or with an affogato in hand on a sunny hut terrace.
Streams, forest magic & meadow moments: Family adventures in Gossensass
From forest adventures to Kaiserschmarrn with a view – here are our favorite family experiences, all tried and loved.
Forest adventure: The Portjoch playground
The Portjoch forest playground above Gossensass isn’t your typical playground—it’s a full-on adventure zone for little nature lovers. Even the walk there feels like a promise: from the Ladurns valley station, it’s a car-free and easy stroll straight into the woods.
And suddenly, there it is between the trees: the Tropfenhaus. A wooden playhouse straight out of a nature fairytale, complete with climbing ropes, a slide, and balance logs. Everything is thoughtfully designed, yet still wild enough to spark real adventure.
Don’t miss: just around the corner, two small ponds filled with tadpoles and frogs. Bring a magnifying jar and it turns into a mini expedition.
Good to know: The Portjoch playground is part of the “Tracing Water” experience trail, a nearly ten-kilometer hike through the valley with activity stops, a herb garden, small climbing features, and the dramatic Hölle waterfall at the end.
Hölle Waterfall & Furtalm
From Innerpflersch, a relaxed forest trail leads to one of the region’s most spectacular natural shows: the Hölle waterfall. Thundering over the rocks, it fills the air with cool mist and turns the forest into a nature cinema.
At the top, you’ll reach the Furtalm—a sunny alpine hut with Kaiserschmarrn, Schlutzkrapfen, and a playground complete with trampoline. What more could a family afternoon need?
Bonus tip for nature explorers: Join local hiking guide Andreas Brunner for a family-friendly tour that turns the hike into a wild classroom—full of ants, grasses, and meadowside discoveries.
Click here for the full hiking guide for families in Gossensass.
Staying with heart: Hotel Alpin
The Hotel Alpin doesn’t greet you with grand gestures, but with something much better: warmth. Everything about this family-run hotel in South Tyrol feels calm, open, and genuine. There’s no overstyled concept trying to impress—just a place that invites you to slow down and settle in.
Lots of wood, soft tones, a garden with a playhouse, and a rabbit pen. Our kids dove right in, and we finally had a chance to exhale.
Inside, the atmosphere stays just as relaxed. The rooms are bright, spacious, and offer views of the mountains. There’s also a small spa area with a sauna—perfect for a bit of quiet after a long day outdoors. And kids? They’re more than covered: there’s a heated indoor pool for splashing, a kids’ club for crafting and games, and for older kids, a generous downstairs area with ping pong, games, and plenty of space to roam.
Dinner is a shared affair. Regional classics, thoughtfully prepared and served in a setting where tired kids are still welcomed with a smile. It’s all refreshingly down-to-earth, with just the right sense for what families really need.
A place that doesn’t need to shout to be remembered—for grown-ups and kids alike.
Goats, forest trails, and herder’s macaroni: Allriss Alm
If you love South Tyrolean alpine huts as much as we do, put the Allriss Alm high on your list. The starting point is the same as for the Furtalm hike, but this trail gives you two choices: the easy-going forest road or the more exciting woodland path.
At the top: pure South Tyrolean hut charm. Panoramic views, friendly goats, and homemade food. The Alm is lovingly run by former ski world champion Patrick Staudacher, who now serves hearty mountain fare together with his family.
A little detour with depth: The Wipptal Herb Garden
If you’re in the mood for a gentle break surrounded by scents, leaves, and lovingly tended nature, we highly recommend the Wipptal Herb Garden. Just a few minutes from Gossensass, this peaceful spot is home to medicinal plants, herbs, and alpine treasures—all grown with care and by hand.
It’s a beautiful place for anyone who wants to not just see nature, but also smell, taste, and truly understand it. The garden feels like a quiet little paradise and is especially inspiring for kids who love to discover the world through all their senses.
Erlebnistag in Ladurns: Fischen, Kaiserschmarrn und Mountaincart
Ein Tag. Fünf Erlebnisse. Null Langeweile.Los geht’s mit der Gondel zur Bergstation Ladurns, weiter über den Dolomieuweg zur Edelweißhütte, wo Kinder selbst Forellen angeln dürfen – frisch zubereitet auf den Teller.
Danach? Kaiserschmarrn an der Ladurnerhütte. Und als krönender Abschluss: mit Mountaincarts ganze 6,5 km talwärts sausen. Adrenalin und Glücksgefühle garantiert.
Adventure day in Ladurns: Fishing, Kaiserschmarrn, and mountain carts
One day. Five adventures. Zero boredom. Start with the gondola ride up to the Ladurns mountain station, then follow the Dolomieuweg trail to the Edelweißhütte, where kids can catch their own trout—freshly cooked and served right at the table.
Next up? Kaiserschmarrn at the Ladurnerhütte. And for the grand finale: a 6.5 km downhill ride on mountain carts. Pure adrenaline and joy guaranteed.
Click here for the full mountain adventure with kids in Ladurns.
Restaurant tip: Pasta happiness at Hotel Europa
Right in the heart of Gossensass, there’s a true hidden gem for pasta lovers: the restaurant at Hotel Europa. You can taste the love and craft in every bite—especially in the homemade pasta, which even had our kids completely won over.
The vibe is laid-back and welcoming, the service warm, and the food simply, honestly good. Just the right place for a relaxed family dinner after a day spent outdoors.
What to do when the weather doesn’t cooperate?
Head straight to the Balneum in Sterzing. Indoor pool, warm outdoor basin, a mini wellness area—the kids splash around while we get a chance to breathe.
And afterwards? Grab an ice cream in the charming old town of Sterzing. Just like that, the day is saved.
Our conclusion: Gossensass isn’t a place you just pass through—it’s a place to slow down. Between catching trout, exploring water trails, and racing down the mountain in carts, you’ll find nature moments that truly stick with you. It’s a family adventure for those who don’t need animation, but prefer good food, quality time, and a genuine mountain experience worth celebrating.
