Camping in the Alps with children

The mighty Alps stretch from the highest mountain in Europe, Mont Blanc, across South Tyrol and Slovenia to Austria and southern Germany. Numerous family campsites invite you to enjoy an entertaining stay. From here, you can go hiking on family-friendly routes through picturesque valleys or take the mountain railway up to the highest peaks. Summer toboggan runs, climbing gardens and refreshing lakes provide a varied holiday programme.

Top tips

• Especially during the summer holidays, there is a wide range of leisure activities for families. In Westendorf in the Kitzbühel Alps, the local mountain is transformed into an exciting playground for the youngest visitors every Monday. Fun competitions such as pine cone throwing provide plenty of amusement. Children can also make new friends while painting and doing handicrafts. On a guided hike in the Alpinolino discovery park, visitors learn interesting facts about the region.
• Flavoursome alpine cheese is a must when stopping off at a mountain hut in the Swiss mountains. In the show dairy at Engelberg Monastery, young and old gourmets alike can gain an exciting insight into the production of the famous Engelberg monastery cheese as well as flavoursome sheep's and goat's cheese all year round.

Activities and excursions

Summer toboggan runs and climbing parks provide thrills in the Alps. The lovingly designed themed trails are cosy and interesting.

Attractions for the adventurous

Whether you choose a family campsite in the Dolomites in South Tyrol, the Ziller or Ötztal valleys in North Tyrol or the Allgäu in Germany, the holiday regions have plenty to offer families. For example, a ride on one of the spectacular summer toboggan runs, such as the 3.5 km long Alpine Coaster in Hoch-Imst, is well worthwhile, while those who want to put their sense of balance to the test high above the treetops can visit the breathtaking climbing parks. One of these, with nine exciting adventure courses, can be found in Blomberg in Germany. The Rittisberg in Ramsau near the well-known winter sports resort of Schladming is also an Eldorado for families. Here, parents and children can hike along the fascinating fairytale trail through the forest up to the Rittisstadl. Visitors of all ages can fortify themselves with delicacies such as fresh Alpine cheese, bacon and farmhouse bread in the serviced hut. Back in the valley, adventure-seekers can enjoy the fast-paced summer toboggan run or the Flying Fox. The Ramsau Beach swimming lake on the Rittisberg rounds off the multi-faceted offer.

Interesting hikes on themed trails

The numerous themed trails are also full of variety, with information boards and interesting stations providing interesting facts in a child-friendly way. There is a choice of water and forest trails or fairytale trails for the little ones, for example in Rohrmoos in Styria, while various adventure worlds such as Wagraini's Grafenberg in Salzburg also provide plenty of exercise. Adventure playgrounds and a petting zoo await on the mountain peak. Another excursion tip is the Gumperle forest animal trail in South Tyrol, where children can go in search of clues. Salzburg's Saalbach-Hinterglemm also has exciting themed trails to offer. On the modern treasure hunt with GPS device, young hikers collect the crystals of a goblin and solve a riddle.

Events

Traditional events and other events give families an insight into the culture of the Alpine region and the festive spirit of the locals.

May

• Gauderfest: At the Gauderfest in Zell am Ziller, Austria, families take part in one of the largest traditional costume festivals in the Alps. A fairground with lots of rides makes children's eyes light up.

July - August

• Lang & Klang: Every Wednesday, St. Johann in Tirol is transformed into a festival site. Families are drawn to the play street, where dancers, jugglers and stilt walkers perform. Bands provide a great atmosphere on the stage on the main square.

September

• Gunzesried cattle drive: More than 1,500 animals arrive in the valley for one of the largest cattle drives in the Allgäu. In addition to colourfully decorated cattle, the highlights include the market and musical entertainment in the marquee.