Long summer days in the mountains hiking through flower-filled meadows and along ridgetop trails, through cool canyons and shady forests – heaven for adults, but sometimes a little boring for kids. That's why we have picked some of Tirol's most family-friendly long-distance hiking trails, where Mum, Dad and children of all ages will find plenty to keep them interested.
Imst Learning About Local History
It's not rain, heat, hunger or tired legs that are the biggest issue when it comes to hiking with kids. Boredom is the number one enemy. Bored kids will fail be be unimpressed by even the most beautiful flower or spectacular view. Good job, then, that this trail has plenty to keep walkers of all ages entertained, including castles, fortresses and ruins dotted across the landscape.
Highlights for children: Knights! Scorpions! And the longest single-seat summer rollercoaster in the Alps!
Top tip to keep the mood happy: Try the fantastic food served up by the nuns who run the Gasthof Kronburg.
Steeg im Lechtal Explore Europe's Last Wild River
With a total length of 125 kilometres, the Lech River Trail doesn't exactly sound particularly suitable for families with children. The good news is that the trail begins at 1,793 metres above sea level and finishes at 800 metres above sea level in the town of Füssen, so it's more or less downhill all the way. As the name suggests, the trail follows the course of the Lech river – one of the last remaining wild rivers in Europe – leading past groups of mountain goats and through flower-filled meadows. Along the way you will find child-friendly highlights such as outdoor swimming pools, canyoning adventures and rafting centres. Those with a strong stomach and good head for heights can even cross the hanging footbridge in Holzgau, which stands 110 metres above the ground and is a knee-trembling 200 metress long.
Highlights for children: Catching your own fish in the Lech river and then letting the chefs at the Fischstüberl cook it for you.
Top tip to keep the mood happy: Stop off at the Alpentherme Ehrenberg, a large leisure centre and spa offering action and adventure for kids as well as rest and relaxation for parents.
Hopfgarten im Brixental Scale the Heights Together as a Family
This trail is the first long-distance hike in Tirol to have been created specially for families with children. It comprises five stages starting in Hopfgarten and leading via Brixen, Kirchberg, Kitzbühel and St. Johann to the village of St. Ulrich am Pillersee. All in all there are 85 kilometres and 5,500 vertical metres of uphill to complete, meaning this trail requires good overall fitness. Hikers can, however, lighten the load by taking advantage of the luggage transport service available. And should your legs scream out for a break, it is possible to shorten the trail in several places by using the local cable cars. En route there are highlights like rock climbing areas, outdoor playgrounds, treasure hunts and high-rope adventure parks.
Highlights for children: Racing Mum and Dad using the mountain carts at St. Johann in Tirol.
Top tip to keep the mood happy: Visit the indoor 3D archery adventure area in Kirchbrg spread across 700 square metres.
Lienz Discover the Fascinating World of Water
From its source high on the Umbalkees glacier to the point where it meets the Drau river in Lienz, the Isel river measures just 57 kilometres in length and is one of the steepest alpine rivers in the region. As you can guess, this makes it one of the wilder rivers in Tirol, where masses of glacier meltwater thunder over waterfalls like the Virgener Katarakt as they power their way down into the valley. This family-friendly hike begins in Lienz, the largest town in East Tirol, and follows the course of the Isel river all the way to its source high in the mountains.
Highlights for children: Stay the night at the charming Clarahütte hut in the mountains – and don't forget to try the deliciously sweet "Kaiserschmarrn".
Top tip to keep the mood happy: How about a bit of friendly family rivalry who can hold their feet the longest in the freezing water of the Isel river?
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