Innsbruck region: fun for the whole family in the mountain huts
Last updated on 30.04.2019
One evening you’re watching the sun set behind the majestic mountains. The next morning you’re indulging in a delicious homemade breakfast in a mountain hut. And then it’s off to have fun building a cairn or two and just being offline for once – enjoying nature far removed from all distractions. This is what draws families to the Alps. Hiking, climbing, biking or simply enjoying some time out together in a rustic hut or a comfortable mountain inn. An overnight stay in the mountains in the Innsbruck region makes for a unique experience. The huts have a wide range of attractive options, from cooking over an open fire to a GPS scavenger hunt. There’s something for everyone.
Pfeishütte – a holiday in the mountains for all ages
The Pfeishütte lies at an altitude of 1,922 metres at the end of the Samertal valley in the middle of the Karwendel Nature Park. The hut is surrounded by rugged, majestic mountain peaks such as the Rumer Spitze, Stempeljochspitze and Bachofenspitze. It’s also the destination of the Goetheweg trail which starts on the Hafelekar mountain overlooking Innsbruck. The easy way to get to the hike’s starting point at 2,200 metres is to take the Nordkettenbahnen from Innsbruck city centre, making it possible to complete a return trip in one day. The Pfeishütte also provides families with something very special. On nine dates over the summer, it offers six-day mountain holidays, the wide-ranging programme including excursions into the mountains, bow making and cooking over an open fire. The hut team also alternates between activities for the entire family and programme items when the parents can enjoy some quiet time for themselves while the children are entertained.
Full information: www.pfeishuette.at/en/
Solsteinhaus – climbing paradise for the whole family
The Solsteinhaus is located more than 1,805 metres above sea level surrounded by green alpine meadows at the foot of the Grosser Solstein mountain. You can make the climb via Zirl-Hochzirl and Scharnitz. Mountain holidays with an emphasis on adventure are offered here, especially for families. Two climbing gardens with short via ferratas and abseil points, a climbing wall by the hut, a flying fox about 100 metres long and two GPS scavenger hunts provide plenty of outdoor fun for the whole family. The family packages can be booked for three to five nights – so there‘s just the right amount of alpine adventures for everyone.
Full information: www.solsteinhaus.at
Patscherkofel Schutzhaus – mountain hut atmosphere high above the city
The climb to the Patscherkofel Schutzhaus shelter at 1,764 metres above sea level couldn’t be easier as it’s right next to the Patscherkofel cable car mountain station. Accommodation is provided in family rooms and a bunk house. The shelter is the starting point for lots of magnificent hikes especially suited to families, even those with quite young children. The Patscherkofel Gipfelstube can be reached in less than 50 minutes by following a forest path which is buggy-friendly. The famous Zirbenweg hiking trail, with gorgeous views of the Inntal valley, is the very epitome of enjoyable family hiking, and the experience is enhanced by the surrounding ancient pine forests high above Innsbruck.
Full information: www.schutzhaus-patscherkofel.at
Meissner Haus – mountain climbing the easy way
The hike to the Meissner Haus starts in the village of Ellbögen and sets off to the south of the Patscherkofel, Innsbruck’s home mountain, heading into the quiet and picturesque Viggartal valley. From the Meissner Haus, located at 1,720 metres above sea level, summits such as the Neunerspitze, Viggarspitze, Glungezer and Patscherkofel are relatively easy to climb and are perfect for mountain adventures with the whole family. The hut has two cosy original rooms with Swiss pine panelling. On cold days the tiled stoves decorated with Meissen porcelain provide welcome warmth. Overnight accommodation is available in a bunk house and a dormitory. Six-day mountain holidays are available on eight dates over the summer – including torchlight hike, treasure hunt and fun round the campfire.
Full information: www.meissner-haus.at
Lehnberghaus – a destination for hikers and mountain bikers
Located in the Mieming Mountains at 1,554 metres above sea level, the Lehnberghaus is an irresistible attraction serving traditional food and surrounded by unspoilt mountain scenery. A lovely terrace is a delightful place to relax and watch the children having fun on the playground. Getting to the mountain inn is also family-friendly. Hikers can reach the Lehnberghaus from Obsteig/Gasthaus Arzkasten inn in just one hour on a forest road – a route that‘s also easily manageable by mountain bike. In summer visitors staying the night are allowed to drive right up to their accommodation and can set off full of energy on additional tours directly from there. Rooms of various sizes are available and there‘s something to cater for every need, from double rooms to dormitory sleeping 10.
Full information: www.lehnberghaus.com
Alpengasthof Praxmar – comfortable mountain idyll
If you don‘t want to forego a certain degree of comfort during your hiking and mountain holiday, then the Alpengasthof Praxmar in the Sellraintal valley is just the place for you. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery at 1,700 metres above sea level, this is the perfect place for a memorable family holiday. With comfortable rooms and spacious apartments, you’re sure to find accommodation to make you feel completely at home. For children there‘s a playground and alpine meadows with plenty of space for fun and games. Children’s eyes light up at the sight of the inn’s own animals – making for a genuine farm holiday. You can also fish in the inn’s fish pond or join an expedition to observe the local game. Lots of family-friendly hiking trails take you directly from the Alpengasthof Praxmar into the surrounding mountains.
Full information: www.praxmar.at
Read everything about Hiking around Innsbruck here.