Insider tips in and around Bad Ischl that will inspire you!
Vacation in the mountains is like a balm for the soul, but often the mountain regions are overcrowded and the vacation mode may not really set. That’s why it’s worth exploring Alpine regions that are away from mass tourism, have a fair price-performance ratio and are still considered undiscovered insider tips for winter vacations with kids. We have just one for you, because Bad Ischl, a beautiful small town in the middle of the Salzkammergut, will put you into vacation enjoyment from the very first minute.
Why? We will tell you in this article.
Winter vacation with kids in Austria is also relaxed!
The variety on winter vacation with kids is important to us. In addition to all the activities like skiing and tobogganing, we also like to make ourselves comfortable in the accommodation or explore the nearest town when the snow is thick on the slopes. The family-run Hotel Goldener Ochs in Bad Ischl is just the place to get your money’s worth on a winter vacation with kids in the Salzkammergut. The nearest ski resorts for families are only a few minutes away and yet the small-town flair attracts families to explore.
We start our winter vacation with children in Austria at the Godenen Ochsen with a delicious breakfast in the winter garden. The sun tickles the tip of your nose early in the morning. Everyone can help themselves and from homemade Birchermüsli, cheese and sweet treats is simply everything.
Snow fun skiing and tobogganing with children
Strengthened, we go directly to the slopes of the Postalm. The drive there takes less than twenty minutes. At the parking lot, the skis are strapped on or the toboggan unpacked and off to the slopes! The family ski area is designed in such a way that all lifts start from the central hub not far from the parking lot and the slopes also converge there again. In addition to the classic ski slopes, there are toboggan runs, cross-country ski trails and routes for touring. So every member of the family can pursue the preferred snow pleasure. At lunchtime, the charming alpine huts tempt you with delicacies from Austrian cuisine. Especially recommended is the Strobler hut. There the children can play around and the view of the menu makes the mouth water.
A hotel for connoisseurs on winter vacation with kids in the Salzkammergut.
After the last ride, it’s back to the Goldenen Ochsen, or more precisely, directly to the wellness area. The warm pool, a Kneipanlage, and the beautiful saunas let cold snow adventurers thaw quickly. While parents can take turns with sauna sessions, there are toys for the kids to splash around in next to the pool. In the evening you can dine in the in-house restaurant. The food is prepared using traditional cooking methods. For this, products are preferably chosen that come from the region, so real ingredients are prepared by real people and semi-finished products have no place here. Toys to pass the time are also available in the restaurant.
In addition to the restaurant, the Arthur Schnitzler Bar is another must-see favorite spot in the Goldenen Ochsen. Even with kids, because they will find a play corner there, in addition to drinks specially designed for the bar, there are of course children’s drinks. Another light-filled game area with a piano is located in the lobby.
The sensory wonder trail for kids in the middle of Bad Ischl
For the right portion of variety on vacation, the hike up Bad Ischl’s local mountain the next day. The Sinneswunderweg is a short hike up the Siriuskogel and starts directly at the hotel. The route is short, steep at times, but there are numerous stations waiting for the kids. On the way up, the small and large hikers dive into the world of the senses. Hearing funnels, a tree telephone, scent stations and much more are just waiting to be discovered on the way up. Arrived at the Siriuskogel inn, you can look forward to a first-class view over the small town, a children’s playground, a colorful animal world and home cooking.
Get a taste of small-town flair in Bad Ischl with kids
Lightly walking downhill back to Bad Ischl, a stroll through the spa town is absolutely recommended. The children’s store OH!LILLY has selected toys from the most popular European brands. The Kas store is worth a stop to stock up on the finest cheeses and specialties for home. Belgian hot chocolate and waffles are a must at Café Immervoll, and there’s even a play corner for the kids to warm up after a stroll around town. Along the Traun River, which as a tributary of the Danube carries most of its water from the Salzkammergut region, there are several playgrounds. They can be discovered all by themselves while walking and strolling along the banks. In addition, the playground for the kids at the spa park is a nice change.
Excursion destinations the winter vacation with kids in the Salzkammergut region.
When the weather is uncomfortable, a trip with kids to Hallstatt to the oldest salt mine in the world is just the right idea. The tour starts with a gondola ride and an impressive view over Lake Hallstatt. Via slides and lakes, the adventurous journey continues into the mountain, where people already discovered the origin of the salt worlds 7000 years ago.
For even more winter adventure, take a ride on the Katrin cable car. A nostalgic cable car that starts directly in Bad Ischl and transports its passengers towards recreation. Numerous vantage points on the surrounding lakes and mountains, culinary highlights – long live the Kaiserschmarrn and recharge your batteries while sunbathing make the destination perfect for parents. But also the kids get their money’s worth. On the toboggan run with free toboggan rental, the little ones can really let off steam.
You see the possibilities for your winter vacation with kids in the Salzkammergut in beautiful Bad Ischl are limitless. There is something for every member of the family, for every weather situation and above all away from mass tourism. And the very best comes at the end. While other ski regions are still in the main season and corresponding prices are charged, in the Goldenen Ochsen since February already off-season prices apply, which are very attractive for families. In addition, the house offers very family-friendly children’s prices out of conviction, small guests are very welcome with family Schweiger. In addition to family rooms, rooms with connecting doors are available for larger kids.