Puzzle adventure with Bruno and a slow train ride to the alpine hut
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The Dachstein West region, nestled around Russbach, Gosau and Annaberg, is one of the most family-friendly mountain areas in the Salzkammergut. Instead of crowded hotspots, you’ll find authentic alpine experiences. Short distances, varied themed trails, nature-based play stations and rustic huts with panoramic views make hiking with kids feel less like a challenge and more like an adventure.
Families exploring the region will find the perfect conditions for little and big adventurers alike. You can even borrow strollers and handcarts on site.
Bruno’s Mountain World: 21 play and puzzle stations for kids
Today, we’ve chosen to explore Bruno’s Mountain World. It all begins at the Hornbahn cable car in Russbach. Even before the gondola takes off, the kids are deep in adventure mode. They grab their rally sheets, scribble their first ideas into the puzzle booklet and exchange excited guesses. As the gondola glides silently up the mountain, the anticipation grows. What will be waiting at the top?
This isn’t your typical hiking trail — it’s an interactive adventure trail with 21 playful and puzzling stations spread across a 1.5-kilometre stretch, each one drawing the kids in a little more.
In the fossil sandbox, young explorers dig for long-lost treasures. At the audio station, birdsong plays. The alpine concert features cowbells ringing to familiar tunes, while the alpine flower garden invites little botanists to learn about mountain plants. At the long jump station, kids race the animals, and one clear favourite is the climbing and balancing course with Emma the ant — complete with ropes, slides and balance beams.
Those in need of a break can stretch out on a wooden lounger in the Steinbock Arena, nibble on snacks in the grass, and take in the treetop views of the Dachstein and the Gosaukamm. And sometimes, if you’re lucky, Bruno himself makes an appearance to hand out little trail treats.
At the end, a small surprise awaits all those who’ve filled out their puzzle booklet with care.
All aboard the Ant Express for lunch
Adventure builds up an appetite, and just in time, the little “Ant Express” slow train comes rolling in. Its destination: the Edtalmhütte. The ride takes you past horse paddocks, flower-filled meadows and grazing cows. After a short final climb, you reach the terrace of this family-run alpine hut, where you can enjoy hearty spinach dumplings, traditional snacks and homemade cakes. There’s a small sandbox for the kids, and plenty of meadow space to run around safely. Good to know: cash only at the hut!
Want to discover more? Head to Gosau or Annaberg
If you’ve still got energy to spare, why not add an extra dose of adventure to your day? In Gosau, the lake sparkles in the sunlight and a little stream quickly becomes an outdoor construction site for creative stone towers. If you’re with smaller children, you can easily borrow a stroller for free at the top station of the Gosaukamm cable car, set off on a family hike to the Gosaunetplatzl, and soak in the stunning views of the towering Gosaukamm.
For those who prefer exploring Dachstein West with a local guide, Annaberg offers a range of guided hikes. Whether it’s the Gosaukamm loop or following in the footsteps of Empress Sisi, this is the perfect way to see the region from a fresh perspective.
