After a long year of travel restrictions, it’s time to head somewhere unfamiliar and unique. Most of us prefer a place that is full of fresh air and green lands, somewhere perfect for the adults to relax and for the children to wander which is why Innsbruck, Austria is our choice.
The Innsbruck region opens up a whole new world full of fun and action for the entire family: be it in the city or countryside, with outdoor activities or cultural visits - you won’t believe how many family-friendly leisure activities are available in Innsbruck.
Lakes and Pools
We can’t imagine summer without a dip in cool glistening water to start the holiday on the right foot.
Innsbruck offers many bathing lakes and swimming pools with facilities guaranteeing fun for the whole family.
Imagine plunging into the water against the backdrops of the mountains of the Mieminger Kette chain? The refreshing Mieming bathing lake with water trampoline and swimming islands and the Barwies forest swimming pool with slide and playground are some of the mesmerising spots to cool off.
The Natterer See holiday paradise with aqua park and boat rental also guarantees an exciting day by and in the water.
Bathing lake Mieminger Plateu
© Innsbruck Tourismus, Christian Vorhofer
Alpine Zoo
Visiting the highest zoo in Europe is a must. You can observe the mountain animals up close including the bearded vulture up in the treetops, a brown bear, eagles, lynxes, and many other alpine animals.
Alpine Zoo Innsbruck
© Innsbruck Tourismus, Christoph Lackner
Swarovski Crystal Worlds
Only 25 minutes from Innsbruck, in Wattens, you’ll find a land of crystal dreams, Swarovski Crystal World.
The crystal world has 17 underground chambers of wonder and the magically designed garden with climbing tower and playground.
Swarovski Crystal Worlds
(c) Swarovski Kristallwelten
With the Innsbruck Guest Cards (some hotels even include the Welcome Card for free with your stay) you will receive reduced or free admissions to the lakes, pools and museums, guided tours and mountain experiences as well as free rides with cable cars and public transportation as well as many other discounts. Find out more here.
You can’t visit Austria without having that mountain experience. There are multiple options to choose Take the cable car up a mountain and enjoy numerous family-friendly mountain inns in the region as well as local delicacies, venture the highest mountains trails, or go on carts down to the valley at high speed.
(c) Innsbruck-Tourismus_Christian-Vorhofer
The highest mountains are accessible even for the smallest hikers and some trails are also buggy-friendly so that even the youngest “mountaineers” can join in.
In the Kids and Beginners Park at the legendary Bikepark Innsbruck, right next to the Muttereralmbahn mountain station, there’s a practice area for you to have a first go at riding.
For those who are more on the experienced side, the varied single trails are a great ride and lots of fun!
Muttereralm-Mountaincarts
(c) Innsbruck Tourismus
If you prefer to be accompanied on your hike, join up with a certified mountain hiking guide so the whole family can enjoy a safe and carefree mountain experience.
Imagine having a “hairier” companion, take a llama hike on the sun-drenched Mieming Plateau.
You wouldn’t have seen a country until you’ve seen its cultural and historical side. Culture, history, and science do not have to be bland and boring.
Ambras Castle (c) KHM-Museumsverband
Audioversum
You will have to listen carefully for this one. “Open your ears!” is the motto at the Audioversum, the science centre dedicated to Hearing.
The interactive museum’s exhibitions make visitors listen carefully, participate and experiment with oversized sensory cells to an acoustic hunt for invisible birds to exploring the sense of balance with VR glasses.
Arsenal Museum
In the Arsenal Museum you can learn about the hidden treasures from Tyrol’s early natural and cultural history and the mysterious legends about mountains and dwarfs. And the Tyrolean State Museums provide tours specially designed for families.
Bergisel ski jump
A must see is the ski jump Bergisel, which was designed by late famous architect Zaha Hadid.
From the viewing terrace and the tower you can not only marvel at a breathtaking panorama but also imagine what it feels like when your ski jumping idols launch themselves against the impressive alpine-urban backdrop. Wow!
Bergisel Jump
(c) Innsbruck Tourismus, Tom Bause.
Main Image: Mieminger-Plateau (c) Innsbruck-Tourismus.