The Best Family Days Out in Imst, Ötztal Valley, Pitztal Valley, Fiss and Tannheimertal Valley
Wondering how you’re going to keep the kids occupied in Tirol’s Oberland Region? Fear not, as we’ve put together some ideas to help you build your own itinerary to suit your family!
1 · Miner’s World, Alpine Coaster & Fountain Walk in Imst
Morning: Get aboard the “Bummelbär” Choo-Choo Bear Slow Train to get to the Miner’s World in Tarrenz for a look below the surface into Tirol history: See how the mining equipment worked, spot veins of mining treasures and learn about mining characters. A great water playground completes the mining theme.
Lunchtime: For lunch, refuel with fine fare at rustic “Happis Hütte” snack bar, where a petting zoo awaits.
Afternoon: Afterwards, ride the Choo-Choo Bear Slow Train back to Imst and take the hiker’s shuttle bus to Hoch-Imst: Up there, climb into the toboggan-style cars of the Alpine Coaster and get ready for the ride of your life! The elevated track winds you down through forest and through more than 3.5 kilometers of turns, dips and twists to the base of the chair lift at Hoch-Imst.
Evening: The adventurous day is rounded out by a tour of Imst, the Town of Fountains. The medieval small town is a charming place full of cobbled streets, steeped in history and character. If you please, you can join one of two Fountain Walks – a delightful, guided tour from one of the town’s twelve historic fountains to the next. Cap off your day with a fine dinner enjoyed at one of the charming inns and restaurants of Imst.
Good to Know: Imst and Hoch-Imst Chair Lift are served by excellent public transit services from Imst-Pitztal Railroad Station. Public transportation is free to HOLIDAY PASS holders.
2 · Interpretive Trail, Water Park & Adventure Playground in Oetz
Morning: Acherkogelbahn Gondola speeds you to your Alpine adventure at Hochoetz Alpine Pasture Region. This beautiful and scenic mountain recreation area at an elevation of 2,023 meters is an awesome spot for family summer adventure. Capture panoramic mountain views and explore the gorgeous interpretive walk that has its trailhead at the gondola’s top terminal: The interpretive trail named “On the Tracks of Wild Animals” keeps children entertained, while life-sized figures and signage educate them on ten local animal species. After a 30-minute walk you will reach Balbachalm Alpine Pasture Hut, from where a broad path brings you back to the top terminal.
Lunchtime: Dig into a delicious mountain-inspired stir-fry dish, served with a side of spectacular mountain views at Kühtaile Alm, located within a ten minutes’ walk from Acherkogelbahn Gondola’s top terminal.
Afternoon: Ride the gondola back down to the valley – and decide which attraction comes first: Either the Oetz Outdoor Swimming Pool or the (complimentary) Kids Park in Oetz. The water park features a 50-meter waterslide, jets and flumes for splashtastic fun. The 5,000 square meter Kids Park playground revels in an outstanding design and an all-natural theme and boasts the top trumps of equipment, including a custom-made wooden climbing structure with bridges and ropes. Kids can climb, swoop, slide, swing, build, play and even try gold panning to their heart’s content.
Evening: Enjoy locally inspired cuisine set in a casual and charming café atmosphere at Heiner in the village center of Oetz. Homemade baked goods, hearty lunches and dinner specials are just a few of the treats that await you. Little ones will have a great time romping about their playground.
Good to Know: Oetz is served by excellent public transit services. Public transportation, gondola rides and swimming pool are free to Ötztal Card holders. Special feature of this summer family day out: Once arrived at the base of Acherkogel Gondola, there’s no more transfers needed (except the gondola rides).
3 · Adventure Walk & Treasure Hunt Overshadowed by Venet Mountain
Morning: From Zams, ride the Venet Gondola atop “Krahberg” Mountain, close to the summit of Venet. Up there you will find the trailhead of “Tobi’s Adventure Trail”, a 90-minute walk down to the gondola’s mid-mountain terminal with interactive activities to keep children entertained, from stacking rock cairns over damming waterways to admiring over-life sized wooden animals.
Lunchtime: Refuel with contemporary regional cuisine, crafted from the finest and freshest local ingredients at “Zammer Alm” rustic on-mountain restaurant, situated along Tobi’s Adventure Trail. Kids can spend time roaming about the playground while parents can enjoy delectable dishes and refreshments.
Afternoon: Ride the Venet Gondola back down to the valley and take a bus to the neighbouring small town of Landeck. Standing sentinel above town, the 13th-century hilltop Landeck Castle is visible from afar. The castle was erected around 1290 to serve as seat of court and administration. Today, the castle is the landmark of town and serves as a local heritage museum and cultural center, bringing to life over 800 years of dramatic local history. Little ones will love the exciting treasure hunt of the castle where knights, witches and herb women are explored and treasure stones are to be found.
Evening: Return to Zams and enjoy dinner at historic Gasthof Gemse Inn, specializing in contemporary Tirolean cuisine. This family friendly restaurant combines warm service with a unique ambiance and each dish is crafted by the freshest local ingredients.
Good to Know: Zams is served by excellent public transit services. Public transportation is free to TirolWest Card holders.
4 · Walks, Culinary Delicacies & Summer Fun Park in Fiss
Morning: Ride the Fiss Schönjoch Gondola to its mid-mountain terminal, where the Interpretive Animal Trail has its trailhead. This self-guided route has educational signs along the way that contain factual information about the area’s wildlife and takes you to Frommes Alp on-mountain restaurant within a 90-minute walk.
Lunchtime: Experience kestrels and snowy owls as they take flight on the mountain: Learn all about these spectacular birds and marvel at their agility as they brush right past you and fly right above your head at Frommes Alp raptor domain. Moreover, it offers visitors the chance to see beautiful stags and roe deer up close and personal. Pause for a rest, and refuel with culinary delicacies served at the friendly and rustic mountain inn.
Afternoon: After lunch, take a one-hour walk down to the village of Fiss. There, ride the Möseralm Gondola up to find your adventure threshold at the Fiss Summer Fun Park. Test your heart rate on the Skyswing with free fall 12 meters. Zoom down the mountain on the “Fisser Flitzer” Alpine Coaster. You’ll find amusement galore here as well, as the park has an area for younger visitors, including tubing, a petting zoo, electric cars, and a playground with exhilarating climbing structures. What better place to be a kid (and an adult) than in this mountain playground where the opportunities for adventure and fun are endless!
Evening: Speed down to the valley surrounded by gorgeous mountain scenery on the “Fisser Flitzer” Alpine Coaster. Next to the Fiss Base Terminal you will find Hexenalm Restaurant, with a menu that appeals to the entire family in a casual, yet unique atmosphere.
Good to Know: Gondola rides and Möseralm are free to Super.Summer.Card holders.
5 · Smugglers' Trails, Slow Train & Water Walk in Tannheimertal Valley
Morning: Follow the Smugglers' Trail for a walk with a difference. Trailhead is the base of Iselerbahn Chair Lift in Oberjoch (Allgäu, Germany). Find out about the smugglers who once smuggled goods between the Austria-German border and the revenue men who tried to catch them along this four-kilometre trail. An exhilarating experience the whole family will enjoy! Having arrived at the top of Wannenjoch Chair Lift in Schattwald (Tirol, Austria), gaze at the breathtaking vistas of Tannheimertal Valley. Kids will love “Michl‘s Land”, a playground with lovingly carved wooden figures.
Lunchtime: Fresh mountain air is sure to give you a healthy appetite—pause for a rest, and eat a hearty meal, masterly crafted by Family Schindler and served with stunning mountain views at Jochstadl Mountain Restaurant next to Wannenjoch Chair Lift’s Top Terminal. Feast on “wedding soup”, homemade salami and herbal spirit. The chef’s fine cheeses have even been awarded a medal at the Cheese Olympics.
Afternoon: Ride the chair lift back down to Schattwald and take the hiker’s shuttle bus to the base of Iselerbahn Chair Lift and to the village of Tannheim. There, get aboard the Alpine Express Slow Train and ride to Lake Vilsalpsee. This amazing nature reserve is an area of awesome natural beauty. A family-friendly one hour walk circles the lake, taking you to Vilsalpe Alpine Pasture and Berggaicht Waterfall. The Alpine Express brings you back to Tannheim.
Evening: An ample playground is located next to the Tourist Information Office in Tannheim. A selection of nearby restaurants offers appetizing fare, with many of them featuring organic and locally sourced ingredients.
Creative and dedicated, Silvia Pfeil is a recognized Tirol family travel expert, inspiring families to explore the Heart of the Alps together.
