Cheerful and happy all the way

In places where you can go skiing in winter, you can also go hiking on lush alpine pastures and into the Ötschergräben in the area around Annaberg and Mitterbach in the summer.

Up and down you go around Annaberg and Mitterbach - either on foot, by chairlift, by horse or on two wheels. The Gemeindealpe Mitterbach invites families to enjoy panoramic ascents and rapid descents, while the Ötschergräben are a great place to explore the beauty of nature. They have one thing in common: Fun for the whole family doesn't take long to find.

Look up to Vater(berg):
The best tips for outings with children.

170 square metres of pure nature await families in the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park. The numerous legends that entwine around the Vaterberg, the many hiking trails that wind their way around and through the Ötschergräben, and exciting expeditions with nature guides that reveal undreamt-of secrets, demonstrate the beauty and biodiversity of Lower Austria's largest nature park in a most fascinating way. The Wienerbruck – Ötscherhias – Erlaufklause tour, for example, is perfect for families. Here you will encounter gorges shaped by the water, several waterfalls and walk along the turquoise-blue Ötscherbach through the wild nature. And because hiking back is only half as exciting, you can return with the Mariazellerbahn, which is an experience in itself.

The nature trail is a highlight for families in Annaberg. 21 stations recount unexpected and interesting facts about the forest. Who lives here, how is it managed and what does it mean to care for a forest? The answers are waiting along the way. Families - especially children, of course - are big fans of Jochi's farm adventures. On this themed trail, the stable doors are open so that you can observe exactly how horses, sheep, cows, hares and the like live on the farm. Petting and holding is of course allowed!

In the horse region around Annaberg, there are of course many possibilities to enjoy a carriage ride, riding lesson or an exploratory tour on horseback. Hundreds of Haflinger are at home here and are awaiting activities. Ultimately, the picture-book landscape around Annaberg can be discovered in a very beautiful way.

Finally, enjoy a high-paced thriller with the new Zipline Annaberg - a proper adventure for the entire family. Here, dare-devils whizz down on four ropes tightened next to one another at speeds of 100 km/h in just 90 seconds, all the way from Hennesteck down into the valley. If you prefer to cycle through the countryside, the Mini-Bikepark Annaberg is the right place for you. Whether you prefer a bicycle or a professional bike, the freely accessible mountain bike training area with pump track, skill track, flowline and skill line is fun for everyone. Or would you prefer to experience Hennesteck together with Niki’s Alm-Abenteuer adventure centre? Simply grab an accompanying booklet at the valley station and work together with Niki to solve all kinds of different puzzles.

Between Kernhof and St. Aegyd am Neuwalde, the “Auf zu den Kamelen” cycling route for kids leads to the only camel theatre in the world. One hour cycling to the White Zoo, which is home to white tigers, snow leopards, alpacas and many other animals.

On the Gemeindealpe Mitterbach, you can also rush downhill on mountain carts from the chairlift's middle station. The course is 4.6 kilometres long - and guarantees adventure for young and old every millimetre of the way. You can cool down in the turquoise-green Erlaufsee and at the foot of the Gemeindealpe, the Mitterbach open-air swimming pool with solar heating, which also invites you to soak in the water.

In winter, the Annaberg and Gemeindealpe Mitterbach ski areas are particularly popular because of the many varied and family-friendly slopes. From beginners to experts, everyone will find their favourite slope here - and the entire family will have unforgettable days in the snow.

In the realm of the white tigers and rapid steep curves:
All-weather tips for families.

The Eibl Jet, the all-weather toboggan run in Türnitz, is there when it is raining. The weather is quickly forgotten as you race down into the valley for 1 km at full pelt. The fascinating Kernhof White Zoo and Camel Theatre is home to the white tigers and the “I Am A Star” camel theatre. The audio-visual Open Air “Himalaya Show” also provides excellent entertainment, detailing the history of snow leopards.

Holidays on horseback:
Accommodation for families.

Holidays on horseback can be experienced at Bodenhof in Wienerbruck. Good-natured Haflinger horses populate the farm and are happy to be stroked or ridden at their own riding arena, and in the evening a camp-fire invites you to a barbecue. In summer you can enjoy the view of the Ötscher from the pergola, while tobogganing and torchlight hikes are on the programme in winter. Mini ponies and cuddly bunnies - just as cows and pigs - are looking forward to a family visit at Pension Kobichl in Annaberg. The large adventure playground, the numerous go-karts, the climbing wall and the playroom ensure that no boredom arises. The Annaberger Lifte ski centre is also fairly nearby.

A holiday in the middle of the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park is particularly enjoyable. The Vorderötscher shelter always provides excitement upon arrival -  and a hike as it can only be reached on foot. Away from roads and noise, adventure and relaxation are guaranteed. Our tip: More than 70 hosts offer the Wilde Wunder Card free of charge. It allows you to visit over 50 excursion destinations and adventure programs for free!

Mostviertler meal times:
Child-friendly inns and huts.

The Terzerhaus is located at the very top of the Gemeindealpe. Here you can marvel at the large playground and the magnificent mountain panorama, while real "Mostviertler Hüttenkost" is served on the tables. Right next to the start of the mountain cart track you should definitely try the excellent, home-made pastries in s’Balzplatzerl. Directly at the entrance to Trefflingfall in the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park, the Gasthaus Trefflingtalerhaus serves main courses that everyone can enjoy - and the delicious organic ice cream from the Eis-Greissler from Krumbach in the Vienna Alps in Lower Austria. Parents can enjoy the sun in the garden while the children explore the playground. The Ötscher-Basis at the idyllic Wienerbruck reservoir serves regional and grilled food. Here you can enjoy the sun or admire the view over the Vaterberg through the large glass fronts. The hearty snacks, sweet delicacies and typical Mostviertler dishes are the perfect refreshment for the discovery tour through the nature park.