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Hochstein with Kids: Family Activities in Lienz

13th September 2026Posted in Family AdventuresTagged Austria, Cable Car Adventures, Chairlift, Family Hikes, Lake, Mountain Adventures, Osttirol, SummerLeave a comment

Trip Duration: Full Day—Multiple Visits Recommended ⛰️ Difficulty Level: Easy, depending on the activities chosen 🚸 Trip Date: August 2026

Hochstein is not simply one family attraction. Between the activities near the valley station, the playground and petting zoo around Moosalm, Adventure Golf, the chairlift journey towards Sternalm and the reservoir hidden beyond it, there is an extraordinary amount to experience.

We arrived expecting to spend a day exploring the mountain. It did not take long to realise that seeing everything would be impossible—especially when each of our three children discovered something different they wanted to do.

Rather than rushing from one attraction to another, our family eventually divided into smaller groups and followed different interests. Even after a full day, we left with plenty of reasons to return.

Quick Overview

Location: Hochstein, Lienz, Osttirol, Austria
Parking: Free parking at Iseltaler Straße 27, 9900 Lienz
Getting there: The cable car travels from the valley station to the Moosalm area. From there, a two-seater chairlift continues towards Sternalm and the reservoir.
Pushchair: Suitable for the main family areas, although many attractions are close together and younger children may prefer to explore on foot.
Facilities: Available around the cable-car stations.
Official website: https://www.lienzer-bergbahnen.at/

Schloßberg Hochstein, Lienz, Austria

Our Adventure

Arriving Among the Hochstein Regulars

When we arrived at the cable-car station, groups of people dressed for all kinds of adventures were gathering around the entrance. We were stunned by the pace of the traffic. Everyone seemed to know exactly where they were going and what they had come to do—as though this were part of their everyday routine.

After passing through the gate, we paused in confusion. Chairlifts and cable-car cabins were travelling along the same line, something we had never encountered before. For a moment, we assumed that it did not matter which one we boarded or where we waited.

By observing everyone around us, we gradually worked it out. The chairlifts appeared to be used mainly by mountain bikers, with separate attachments carrying their bikes uphill. The enclosed cable-car cabins were better suited to families and larger groups like ours.

We moved towards the far side of the station and waited for a cabin. All seven of us managed to fit inside, and soon we were travelling up the mountainside.

Compared with some of the higher-altitude destinations we had visited during our holiday, Hochstein felt relatively low, taking us to around 1,000 metres above sea level. But it quickly became clear that its appeal was not simply about reaching a dramatic elevation. This mountain was filled with different ways to play, explore and spend the day.

A Mountain Station That Felt Like a Village

When we stepped out of the cable car near Moosalm, it felt as though we had arrived in another small village. Houses and cars surrounded us—an unusual sight compared with the more isolated mountain stations we had visited during our holiday.

We turned right towards Moosalm and soon reached the entrance to the petting zoo. It was crowded inside, with very little space to get close enough to see the animals, so we continued around the other side towards the playground.

After climbing a steep hill, the entire play area revealed itself below us. A long, twisting yellow slide occupied one side, while a water-play station zigzagged down the opposite slope. The playground was completely fenced, presumably to prevent any curious animals from the neighbouring petting zoo wandering through the gate.

Our youngest was hesitant to try the long slide at first. Once he gathered the courage, however, it turned out to be great fun. He and our daughter disappeared down it together, only to reappear ready for another turn.

Eventually, the water-play station captured the younger children’s attention, and we remained there for quite some time. Meanwhile, our eldest stood at the top of the playground studying the Adventure Golf course, which stretched out just beyond the play area.

After several journeys down the slide and a picnic break, we managed to persuade most of our group to move on. Golf plays a significant part in our family, so we were particularly curious to discover what Hochstein’s version of Adventure Golf had to offer.

A Second Chance at the Petting Zoo

As we moved towards Adventure Golf, our daughter returned to the petting zoo. By then, the earlier crowd had thinned, giving her much more space to see the animals.

Before long, she was sitting with a guinea pig resting on her lap. She looked incredibly proud as she carefully held the tiny creature, taking her responsibility very seriously. After the excitement of the playground and water station, it was lovely to watch her slow down and patiently care for it.

What we had initially dismissed as being too crowded became one of her favourite moments of the day. Sometimes, moving on and returning later is all that is needed to experience an attraction in a completely different way.

Dividing the Family at Adventure Golf

Adventure Golf turned out to be a miniature golf course with 14 holes rather than the traditional 18. The rules were strict: only those taking part were permitted onto the course, and non-players could not accompany them.

Naturally, our group of seven had to divide. The decision was made a little sweeter by the ice cream sold at reception, where players could also collect their clubs and scorecards.

After a quick ice-cream break—and once our daughter had said goodbye to her guinea pig—we set off on two separate Hochstein adventures.

Our eldest stayed to play golf with Dad and Grandma. Meanwhile, our two younger children joined me and Grandad for a ride on the chairlift towards Sternalm.

A Chairlift Through the Forest

The chairlift station stood directly in front of the cable-car station. With no queue ahead of us, we boarded the open two-seater chairs and began our journey towards Sternalm.

The lift stretched into the distance as far as we could see. Just when we appeared to be reaching the highest point, the line dipped downhill again before carrying us towards the final station.

Below us, the route passed through the forest, while the bare peaks of the Lienz Dolomites rose dramatically beyond the trees. After the activity and crowds around Moosalm, sitting on the chairlift gave us a chance to slow down and simply enjoy the view.

Once we arrived, we set off in search of the reservoir, which was signposted as approximately a ten-minute walk away.

A Hidden Reservoir Beyond the Fence

We initially followed the path beneath the chairlift before turning into the woods, guided by more yellow signs.

After around ten minutes of walking at the children’s pace, however, we reached what appeared to be a dead end. A barbed-wire fence blocked our way. Crossing it did not feel right, but we could not see another route ahead.

A local dog walker soon arrived and climbed through the fence without hesitation. He even offered to lift the children across for us. I politely declined, still unsure whether we were actually supposed to follow him.

Then we noticed another group in the field beyond the fence. They were chatting excitedly after catching their first glimpse of the reservoir. Apparently, we really were heading in the right direction.

Eventually, we carefully crawled beneath the wire. It was not particularly difficult, although the sight of a barbed-wire fence had been nearly enough to make me turn everyone around.

Goodness, I am glad we continued.

At the top of the hill, we discovered the entrance to the reservoir—and what a gem it was. We stood there speechless.

The small man-made lake looked like a crystal hidden within the forest. There was plenty of space around the water to settle down and enjoy a picnic. We quickly kicked off our shoes and dipped our toes into the cold mountain water.

Still Water and Warning Signs

Sitting at the edge of the reservoir, the children threw stones into the water and watched each one disappear beneath the surface before settling on the bottom. The water was remarkably clear, with very little visible movement beneath it.

Despite signs stating that swimming was not permitted, we saw a few visitors enter the water and swim across the reservoir. We were content simply dipping our toes and enjoying the stillness around us.

It was an incredibly peaceful place. A wide path circled the lake, with benches and plenty of space to stop and rest.

Reservoir resting spot in Hochstein Osttirol

Walking around the opposite side, I found several information boards explaining the importance of the reservoir as a dragonfly habitat. The signs gave us another reason to appreciate the quiet, protected environment around the water.

I also noticed another path disappearing into the forest at the far end of the reservoir. Hoping to find a quiet, open space where I could safely launch the drone, I followed it beneath the trees.

Before long, I reached another dead end. This time, a notice from the local hunting association warned visitors not to enter the animals’ resting area.

My imagination immediately began to wander as I turned around. What kind of animals were resting in those woods? Whatever they were, I certainly did not want to disturb them—or find myself being chased back towards the reservoir by one of them.

Reuniting Beside the Reservoir

After completing their round of Adventure Golf, my husband and our eldest travelled up to meet us at the reservoir.

Toddler resting on the summer ski slopes

With everyone reunited, it was much easier to persuade the children to leave. Rather than crawling beneath the intimidating barbed-wire fence again, we followed a route across one of the ski slopes towards the chairlift. It was a far less dramatic return journey.

Racing the Storm to the Osttirodler

Back at Moosalm, we found my mum resting on one of the double wooden loungers. As we gathered our belongings and prepared to descend, we heard thunder rumbling in the distance.

After what had happened during our first Osttirol adventure at St. Jakob, none of us needed convincing. We packed up quickly and headed straight towards the Osttirodler station.

The Osttirodler is a 2.7-kilometre alpine coaster running from Moosalm down towards Lienz. Children under three years old are not permitted to ride, so our group had to divide once again.

The grandparents remained at Moosalm with our youngest and planned to return to the valley by cable car. They waited beside the station while the rest of us joined the queue, just in case either of the older children changed their mind at the last moment.

Neither did. There was only excitement.

I climbed into one toboggan with our daughter, while my husband and our eldest took another. As the queue moved slowly forward, the sound of the approaching thunder made us increasingly anxious.

This time, however, the storm changed direction and passed us by. We were all able to enjoy a completely dry ride.

Zigzagging Down to Lienz

While our daughter and I sat in the toboggan waiting for the green light, we had a clear view into the Adventure Park below. It was extremely busy, with families and groups moving between the activities hidden among the trees.

Then the light changed, and it was our turn.

We gathered speed as we followed the track through the woods, twisting from one corner to the next. Our daughter screamed with delight as we zigzagged down the mountainside, while my husband and our eldest followed in the toboggan behind us.

Towards the end of the ride, we began catching up with the riders ahead. The track changed from wide zigzags into two circular spirals, causing the toboggans to gather closer together.

This was slightly disappointing because the automatic camera was positioned in the same area. Alongside everyone’s excited expressions, the photograph also recorded the speed of each toboggan—but by then, we were no longer travelling quite as fast.

At the bottom station, we tried to find the photographs taken during our descent. Unfortunately, the afternoon sunlight had faded the display so much that we could barely see the images on the screen.

We eventually gave up and left that particular souvenir for another visit.

What We Left for Next Time

Even after spending most of the day at Hochstein, we experienced only part of what the mountain has to offer. With three young children interested in different activities, trying to fit everything into one visit would have left us rushing from place to place.

Mountain Bike Park

The number of mountain bikers around the lift station immediately caught our attention. We watched their bikes travel uphill on special carriers while the riders used the chairlifts.

Exploring the mountain-bike trails was not part of our family plan this time, but it was clearly an important part of the Hochstein experience.

Adventure Park

We caught glimpses of the Adventure Park while waiting to ride the Osttirodler. It was busy with families and groups moving between the activities among the trees.

We did not have enough time to explore it properly, so it remains on our list for another visit—particularly when the children are old enough to take part together.

A Relaxed Meal on the Mountain

Although we passed the restaurants around Moosalm and Sternalm, our picnic and full schedule meant that we did not stop for a proper meal.

Next time, I would allow more time to sit down, try some local food and enjoy the mountain atmosphere without immediately moving towards another activity.

Why Each Child Loved Hochstein

Hochstein offered something different for each of our children. That variety was one of its greatest strengths, but it was also why moving the entire family from one attraction to the next proved difficult.

Why Our Youngest Loved It

Throwing stones into the reservoir
Travelling by both cable car and chairlift
Exploring the playground and water-play area beside the petting zoo

Why Our Daughter Loved It

Proudly caring for a guinea pig at the petting zoo
Playing on the long twisting slide
Exploring the water-play station
Screaming with delight as we descended on the Osttirodler

Why Our Eldest Loved It

Playing Adventure Golf with Dad and Grandma
Running freely around the reservoir
Riding the Osttirodler with Dad

Practical Tips for Parents

Choose Your Main Activity Before Arriving

There is too much to experience comfortably in one day. Decide which attraction is the family’s priority and treat everything else as a bonus.

If you want to combine the mountain activities with Adventure Golf, the Adventure Park and the Osttirodler, consider spreading your visit over more than one day.

Be Prepared to Divide the Family

Children of different ages may not be able—or willing—to participate in the same activities. Our family divided several times so that each child could follow something appropriate for their age and interests.

Travelling with grandparents made this much easier for us.

Return When an Area Is Less Crowded

The petting zoo was too crowded for us to enjoy when we first arrived. When our daughter returned later, she had enough space to sit quietly with a guinea pig on her lap.

If one of the smaller activity areas feels overwhelming, move on and try returning later in the day.

Let the Children Explore at Their Own Pace

The playground, water features, animals and reservoir may hold a young child’s attention for much longer than expected. Avoid creating a schedule that requires everyone to move on quickly.

Take the Chairlift When You Need a Break

The chairlift journey towards Sternalm offered a welcome pause after the busy attractions around Moosalm. We could sit down, enjoy the forest and admire the bare peaks of the Lienz Dolomites.

Check the Osttirodler Age Restrictions

Children under three years old cannot ride the Osttirodler. If travelling with a toddler, plan for an adult to accompany them back to Lienz in the cable car.

In our case, the grandparents stayed with our youngest while we rode with the two older children.

Pay Attention to the Weather

Mountain weather can change quickly. After our stormy experience at St. Jakob, hearing thunder in the distance was enough to make us pack immediately.

Check the forecast before visiting, but remain alert to changing conditions throughout the day.

Follow the Signs Around the Reservoir Carefully

The route we followed led us to a barbed-wire fence, and it was not immediately clear whether we were supposed to cross it. On our return, we found an easier route across one of the ski slopes.

Check the available route information before setting out and do not enter any areas marked as protected animal resting zones.

Would We Visit Again?

Absolutely—but next time, we would arrive with a much clearer priority rather than attempting to fit everything into one day.

Hochstein is the kind of destination where every member of the family discovers something different. Our eldest was drawn to Adventure Golf, our daughter treasured her quiet encounter with the guinea pig, and the younger children could have remained at the playground and water station for hours. All of us appreciated the peaceful reservoir above Sternalm.

We would love to return for the activities we missed, particularly the Adventure Park. I would also leave enough time for a relaxed meal on the mountain rather than trying to move immediately towards the next attraction.

Perhaps Hochstein is not meant to be completed in one visit. It is a place to return to, choosing a different family adventure each time.

A Moment to Remember

After the crowds, playgrounds and competing possibilities around Moosalm, the reservoir felt like an entirely different world.

Our youngest threw stone after stone into the clear water. Our daughter dipped her toes into the cold lake, while our eldest eventually arrived after his round of golf and began running around its edge.

For a little while, nobody needed to choose what we were doing next.

We had found a quiet place where all three children could simply explore in their own way—and, in a destination filled with attractions, that peaceful moment became one of the most memorable parts of our day.

Golzentipp Children’s Mile: A Buggy-Friendly Family Hike in Obertilliach

25th August 202628th August 2026Posted in Family AdventuresTagged Austria, Buggy-Friendly, Cable Car Adventures, Family Hikes, Mountain Adventures, Obertilliach, Osttirol, Summer, Treasure HuntLeave a comment

Spinning Wooden Lounger by the Reservoir

Trip Duration: Full Day ⛰️ Difficulty Level: Moderate with our young children 🚸 Trip Date: August 2026

The sunniest day of the week seemed like the logical time to visit the furthest mountain destination on our list. With no rain in the forecast, we felt confident that—unlike some of our previous mountain adventures—we would make it back down completely dry.

Now there was only one question: would the Children’s Mile at Golzentipp be worth driving an hour and a half in each direction?

Quick Overview

Location: Obertilliach, Osttirol, Austria
Parking: Free parking at the Golzentippbahn valley station, Dorf 135, 9942 Obertilliach
Getting there: The Golzentipp cable car travels to its mountain station at 2,070 m
Trail: The Children’s Mile is a 3.7 km circular route with 13 interactive stations and approximately 140 m of ascent
Highest point: 2,220 m
Pushchair: Suitable for an all-terrain pushchair. Even our folded double Thule bicycle trailer fitted through the 80 cm cabin door, and the seats inside the cabin could be folded
Facilities: Toilets and refreshments are available around the cable-car stations and mountain restaurant, but not throughout the trail
Extension: From Jochsee, families can continue to the Golzentipp summit at 2,317 m
Official Website: Golzentipp Children’s Mile.

Our Adventure

Another day, another gondola journey towards another panoramic trail in the Alps.

Children riding the Golzentipp cable car

I genuinely recommend investigating the regional mountain cards available during the summer. Our Osttirol Card encouraged us to explore destinations we might otherwise have overlooked—and our children began begging for cable-car rides whenever we planned another day out.

For them, travelling up the mountain was already an adventure. They had no idea what might be waiting when the gondola doors opened at the top.

Was It Worth the Drive?

Obertilliach was the furthest Osttirol destination we planned to visit from our hotel. We drove more than 80 kilometres to get there, passing through Lienz and continuing in the direction of Sillian before zigzagging back towards Obertilliach.

The journey took approximately an hour and a half in each direction. It was a considerable distance to travel for one family trail, but the weather was on our side and the Children’s Mile sounded as though it had been designed specifically for families like ours.

We decided to give it a chance.

Taking the Double Trailer Up the Mountain

The cable-car operator had no objection to us bringing our double bicycle trailer, so we folded it and took it with us.

Even though the gondola door was only around 80 cm wide, the folded trailer fitted through. The seats inside the cabin could also be folded, creating enough room for the bulky buggy.

Dividing ourselves between two cabins, the seven of us—including the two grannies and our double trailer—reached the mountain station at 2,070 metres in less than fifteen minutes.

The valley below appeared sunny and emerald green. From a distance, the vivid green fields could almost have been mistaken for the surface of a lake.

Green valley viewed from the Golzentipp cable car

Starting in the Wrong Direction

I am not sure whether it was the thinner mountain air or simply the distraction of the beautiful views, but as soon as we arrived, I temporarily forgot how to read the signs.

Instead of following the Children’s Mile, I led everyone directly towards the Conny Alm.

Perhaps my subconscious was trying to tell me to sit down and collect myself before setting off on another family hike.

Luckily, we noticed our mistake quickly. After a short detour, we turned around and found the beginning of the correct trail.

The Wooden Ball That Would Not Move

Our first stop was a wooden ball run.

Bending Wooden Ball Run with Mountain View

Child exploring the wooden marble run at Golzentipp

Wooden ball travelling through the Golzentipp ball run

This time, we had come prepared—or so we thought. We had brought a small collection of wooden balls from previous family attractions. Our family name was engraved into them, hopefully preventing the misunderstandings that can occur when several identical wooden balls are racing around the same track.

One of the children dropped the first ball into the starting hole.

Nothing happened.

The ball had been small enough to fit through the entrance, but it was too large to emerge from the other side. Our carefully prepared wooden ball was now firmly stuck inside the very first play station.

Fortunately, we had brought several sizes. Once we managed to remove the trapped ball, we tried again with a smaller one.

This time, it worked.

The ball raced through the different wooden and musical elements, mostly travelling independently but occasionally requiring a little encouragement. Eventually, it completed the entire course and crossed the finish line.

We had successfully completed the first of the 13 stations—but it was not exactly the effortless start we had imagined.

Thirteen Reasons to Keep Walking

The Children’s Mile followed a wide mountain path between 13 interactive stations. We balanced across wooden planks, experimented with water channels, dams and plugs, and made ourselves dizzy turning black-and-white spinning boards.

There were mazes, swings, climbing challenges, picnic areas and carefully positioned viewpoints. The distance between the stations was manageable for young children, and whenever their legs began to tire, another activity appeared ahead.

Children crawling through a wooden play tunnel

Wooden Woodpecker on the Children's Balancing Plank

Panoramic viewpoint along the Golzentipp Children’s Mile

Spinning Black and White Patterned Wooden Toys

However, the first part of the trail was challenging for our two youngest children.

Our daughter initially wanted to return to a lower altitude, while our youngest also seemed unsettled by the elevation. The mountain station already stood at 2,070 metres, and the trail continued climbing towards approximately 2,220 metres.

The difference may not have seemed particularly significant to us adults, but something was clearly affecting them. We had no reason to hurry, so we slowed down.

At the end of the day, our family can travel only as fast as its smallest feet. We were not there to make our children hate hiking. We wanted to give them reasons to enjoy it.

The Reservoir That Grounded Us

We continued slowly until we reached the reservoir.

Rotating wooden loungers invited us to stop, rest and take in the vast landscape surrounding us. This was more than another play station; it was a place where the whole family could pause.

Perhaps it was the break, or perhaps it was the enormous open space making us all feel tiny in the universe, but the reservoir grounded us again.

Reservoir from the Sky — The reservoir became the turning point of our family walk.

It became the turning point of our walk.

Our daughter, who had initially wanted to return to the valley, suddenly found a new burst of energy and began leading the way. Meanwhile, our youngest settled comfortably into the buggy for his afternoon nap.

After a hesitant beginning, our family had finally found its rhythm.

The Treasure Hunt We Nearly Missed

What we had not realised was that a treasure hunt had been incorporated into the Children’s Mile.

Because we had purchased our Osttirol Cards online, we had not needed to visit the ticket office. The online instructions had been clear, so we simply boarded the gondola without stopping to ask any questions.

I am sure the staff would have happily told us about the treasure hunt if we had spoken to them.

We only noticed at the second station that other children were stamping postcard-sized sheets. By then, we had missed the beginning of the official activity.

Children’s Mile route map at the Golzentipp mountain station

Fortunately, our eldest had brought his journal with him.

Instead of abandoning the treasure hunt, he decided to collect the stamps directly in his notebook. From that moment, every station offered more than another activity—it also meant another stamp to discover.

Should We Keep Going?

After leaving the reservoir, the trail continued climbing, with no obvious sign that it would soon turn back towards the cable-car station.

Near what appeared to be the highest part of the route, our group split up. The grannies decided to take a shortcut, while the five of us continued along the main trail.

Before long, we began to question our decision.

The path seemed to be taking us farther up the mountain rather than turning back. The final cable car would not wait for a family who had spent too long playing with water dams and collecting stamps.

For a moment, we wondered whether we should have followed the grannies.

Thankfully, our doubts did not last long.

Family following the uphill gravel path towards Jochsee

Family teamwork at the water-play station beside Jochsee

Wooden water-play station beside Jochsee

An Adventure for Another Day

Reaching Jochsee revealed another possibility. From there, a trail continued towards the 2,317-metre summit of Golzentipp. We saw several families returning from that direction, suggesting that the Children’s Mile did not have to be the end of the day’s adventure.

According to the official route information, the summit is approximately twenty minutes beyond Jochsee. On particularly clear days, it is even possible to see the Großglockner from there.

At that point in our holiday, our own rather dramatic Großglockner adventure was still ahead of us. We could not have known that, only a few days later, a thunderstorm would chase us down its slopes and leave us stranded on the wrong side of the mountain.

The opportunity to see the Großglockner peacefully from the summit of Golzentipp was tempting, but we had started too late. With the final cable car already on our minds, we turned back.

That would have to be an adventure for another day.

Zigzagging Back Down

Leaving Jochsee behind, the trail finally began to lead us back towards the cable-car station. From this point, the path mainly zigzagged downhill, with more play stations appearing along the way.

We all took off our shoes to complete the barefoot sensory path before continuing along the mountainside towards the remaining activities. By now, our youngest had woken from his brief afternoon nap. Refreshed, he climbed out of the buggy and rejoined the rest of the family on foot.

Zigzagging mountain path leading back towards the Golzentipp cable car

Children stopping at another play station on the return route

Family is Hiking on the Golzentipp Children's Mile

Dad and Child are playing on the wooden seesaw along the Children’s Mile

The children continued moving from one station to the next, while the descending path gradually brought us back towards the beginning of the Children’s Mile.

Eventually, the circular route rejoined the opening section of the trail—and gave our eldest the opportunity to collect the two treasure-hunt stamps he had missed.

Completing the Improvised Treasure Hunt

Our eldest had collected almost every stamp along the trail, but because we had discovered the treasure hunt late, the first two were still missing.

Luckily, the circular route brought us back close to the opening stations. He hurried over and pressed the missing stamps into his journal, completing his improvised version of the treasure hunt.

When we showed the collection to the cable-car operator at the mountain station, he added three extra-large stamps as a final flourish. He then invited each of our children to choose a sweet as their reward.

Only our eldest had done the stamping, but his younger siblings happily piggybacked their way to the prize. Apparently, treasure-hunt rewards are a shared family benefit.

Fifteen Minutes to Spare

We returned to the mountain station with fifteen minutes remaining before the final cable-car descent.

After driving more than 80 kilometres, starting in the wrong direction, getting our wooden ball stuck, struggling with the altitude and briefly wondering whether the trail would ever turn back, we had made it.

Our eldest had completed his improvised treasure hunt, all three children had received a sweet, and we had discovered another mountain path waiting for a future visit.

And yes—the Children’s Mile had been worth the journey.

What the Kids Loved

What Our Youngest Loved

Following the wooden ball as it raced through the different elements of the ball run
Experimenting with the water channels, dams and removable plugs
Making himself dizzy with the black-and-white spinning boards

What Our Daughter Loved

Taking off her shoes and exploring the barefoot sensory path
Playing at the different water stations
Spinning and relaxing on the wooden loungers beside the reservoir

What Our Eldest Loved

Collecting treasure-hunt stamps in his journal after we accidentally discovered the activity
Finding his way through the stone maze
Searching for and exploring all 13 play stations

All three children enjoyed choosing a sweet from the cable-car operator after our eldest completed his improvised treasure hunt—even if the two youngest had rather cleverly piggybacked their way to the reward.

Practical Tips for Parents

Collect the Treasure-Hunt Sheet First

Even if you have already purchased your cable-car tickets or Osttirol Card online, it is worth speaking to the staff before boarding. Ask whether a treasure hunt or another children’s activity is available. We only discovered the stamping challenge after starting the trail, although our eldest solved the problem by collecting the stamps in his journal.

Bring the Smallest Wooden Ball

If you already own wooden balls from other mountain attractions, bring a few different sizes and begin with the smallest one.

A ball may fit through the entrance but still become stuck farther inside the track—as we discovered at the very first station. Wooden balls may also be available to purchase on-site, sometimes with the attraction’s name or logo already engraved on them.

Allow Plenty of Time

The official walking time may not reflect how long a family will spend completing the Children’s Mile.

The children will want to stop and explore the play stations, while the reservoir and Jochsee invite families to pause and enjoy the surroundings. If your children are collecting stamps, racing wooden balls or building water dams, the stops may take considerably longer than the walking itself.

Starting early also leaves open the possibility of extending the hike to the Golzentipp summit.

Follow the Pace of the Smallest Feet

The Children’s Mile is described as an easy, pushchair-friendly family walk, but altitude can affect children differently.

Both of our youngest children struggled during the first part of the trail. Slowing down and resting beside the reservoir transformed the rest of our day. Our daughter regained her confidence, while our youngest slept briefly before completing more of the route on foot.

Take an All-Terrain Pushchair

The wide trail is pushchair-friendly, but an all-terrain model is still the most practical option for the mountain surface.

Our double Thule trailer was particularly valuable when our youngest needed an afternoon nap. Folded, it also fitted through the approximately 80 cm gondola doorway.

Keep Track of the Final Gondola

Check the operating hours before starting the trail and allow extra time for the play stations.

We returned with fifteen minutes to spare, but we would have needed an earlier start if we had wanted to continue from Jochsee to the Golzentipp summit.

Would We Visit Again?

Absolutely.

Despite the three-hour round trip, the Children’s Mile was worth the journey. Its 13 play stations gave the children manageable goals throughout the walk, while the reservoir, Jochsee and panoramic viewpoints offered just as much for the adults and grandparents to enjoy.

The trail also reminded us that a successful family hike is not measured by how quickly we complete it. Our daughter needed time to adjust, our youngest needed a nap, and the rest of us needed to accept their pace. Once we did, the children found their rhythm and wanted to continue exploring.

Next time, however, we would set off earlier.

From Jochsee, the walk can be extended to the 2,317-metre summit of Golzentipp. On a particularly clear day, we might even see the Großglockner—a mountain that would later become the setting of one of our most chaotic family adventures—from an entirely different and hopefully much calmer perspective.

Panoramic hiking trail leading towards Golzentipp summit

That unfinished path is reason enough to return.

And next time, we will collect the official treasure-hunt sheet before boarding the gondola—although our eldest’s stamped journal, three oversized finishing stamps and a sweet for every child made a wonderful alternative.

A Moment to Remember

Standing beside the reservoir, surrounded by a landscape so vast that it made us feel tiny, something changed.

Our daughter, who had wanted to return to the valley, suddenly found her confidence and began leading us forward. Our youngest settled peacefully into the buggy before waking to walk beside the family again.

That quiet pause did not mark the end of our adventure.

It was the moment our adventure truly began.

Mountain reservoir surrounded by the Golzentipp landscape

Children relaxing in a mountain hammock overlooking Golzentipp

Grossglockner Resort with Kids: On the Wrong Side of the Mountain

23rd August 202628th August 2026Posted in Family AdventuresTagged Austria, Baby Carrier Recommended, Cable Car Adventures, Family Hikes, Grossglockner, Kals Am Grossglockner, Mountain Adventures, Osttirol, Osttirol Card, Summer1 Comment

Trip Duration: Half or Full Day ⛰️ Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging with young children 🚸 Trip Date: August 2026

Descending from one cable-car station to another sounded like a clever way to explore more of the mountain without making our children climb uphill. It was a perfectly reasonable plan—until a thunderstorm began chasing us down the trail and we discovered exactly what it meant to finish on the wrong side of the mountain.

Quick Overview

Location: Großdorf, Osttirol, Austria
Parking: Free parking at the Großglockner Resort cable-car station in Großdorf
Getting there: Cable car from Großdorf to the mountain station at 2,421 metres above sea level
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging with young children due to steep sections and loose stones.
Pushchair: A large all-terrain buggy can manage parts of the route, but the steep, loose descent was difficult to control. For young children, I would recommend a carrier.
Facilities: Toilets are available near the ticket office and at the Adler Lounge mountain station.

Our Adventure

I spent quite some time trying to decide how we should approach this destination. The mountain can be accessed from several cable-car stations, and many of the official routes suggested hiking from a lower station towards a higher one. However, only part of the route was described as pushchair-friendly.

Eventually, I decided that we would travel to the highest cable-car station and walk downhill to the Goldried mountain station (2,190 m) in Matrei on the opposite side of the mountain. If we still had enough time and energy, we could then explore part of the Europa Panorama Trail, which would lead us towards Kals Mittelstation mountain station (1,964 m), the middle station of the cable car we had originally taken.

On paper, it appeared to be a flexible family route. We could complete the descent first and decide later whether everyone had enough energy for the second stage. What I had not fully considered was how we would return to our car if we finished the day on the other side of the mountain.

Arrival and Ascent

A modern, spacious cable car carried us from Großdorf towards the Adler Lounge. There was plenty of room for our family, the buggy and all the belongings that naturally accompany a day in the mountains with three children.

During the journey, the cabin passed through a middle station, where it slowed down and the doors opened for passengers to get on or off. Several hiking trails passed through this station, including the route we hoped to explore later.

At the top, we stepped out onto a large open viewing area surrounded by information boards identifying the mountains visible from that point. According to the official website, more than 60 peaks above 3,000 metres can be seen from here.

On that beautifully clear afternoon, it was easy to believe. Mountain peaks stretched as far as we could see beneath a bright blue sky. There was no immediate sign of the weather that would soon be chasing us down the trail.

Racing the Rain Down the Mountain

When we left Großdorf, the weather forecast predicted rain at around 17:00. The final cable car was scheduled to depart at 16:30, so I felt confident that we would be safely back at the car before the weather changed.

We took our time at the top of the mountain, lingering a little longer over the views from the Adler Lounge before setting off along the trail.

As we descended through the mountain meadows, we spotted what appeared to be the furry brown back of a marmot disappearing into one of the many holes beside the path. We waited patiently, hoping it might reappear, but this particular mountain host was too shy to show itself again.

We did not know it then, but a few days later, on another mountain, we would receive a much warmer welcome from one of its relatives.

As we approached the first man-made lake, thunder began rumbling in the distance.

It still sounded far away, and we convinced ourselves that the storm might pass elsewhere. We even stopped beside the lake for our picnic before continuing downhill.

It soon became clear that the thunder was moving closer. We strapped our two youngest children into the buggy, packed away the camera equipment and picked up our pace along the zigzagging trail.

Towards the end, the path became so steep and loose that it took three adults to control the buggy. My husband held it from behind while my dad and I steadied it from either side, trying to prevent its wheels—and our feet—from slipping on the stones.

The sky grew darker and the wind began to pick up. In the distance, we could clearly see a curtain of rain approaching from the direction of the Matrei cable-car station—the very place we were trying to reach.

The station was already visible, but a long stretch of trail still separated us from its shelter. Other hikers began appearing around us, all hurrying in the same direction as the storm closed in.

Descending on the Wrong Side of the Mountain

Just before reaching the cable-car station, we passed through a wooden gate. On the other side, several large cows greeted us with complete calmness. They were probably accustomed to seeing hikers pass every day, but our children had never been quite so close to such enormous animals.

There was little time to stop and admire them. We hurried past, reached the station and divided ourselves between two cable-car cabins for the journey down.

Once again, we had come close to needing the final ride of the day. The rain finally caught up with us during the descent, but by then we were safely inside the cable car.

Finding Our Way Back to the Car

By the time we reached the valley, the rain had stopped, although thunder was still rumbling around us. We asked the woman at the ticket office how we could return to the cable-car station in Großdorf.

She gave a slightly nervous chuckle as she looked at our three-generation group and explained that there was only one realistic option: the bus.

Following her directions, we walked towards the bus stop in front of the SPAR shop. Unfortunately, we initially went to the wrong side of the road. We even watched our bus arrive at the correct stop and continued walking, unaware that it was the one we needed.

The service ran only once an hour. After the first 15-minute journey, returning to Großdorf required another bus—and that connection operated only once every two hours.

We eventually decided to divide the family. I took our three tired children directly back to the hotel, while my husband and parents travelled in the opposite direction to retrieve the cars from Großdorf.

In a perfectly timed piece of mountain absurdity, both buses arrived at the same time. Each journey would take approximately 25 minutes, but they carried our family in completely opposite directions.

What the Kids Loved

What Our Youngest Loved

Riding in the spacious cable car
Throwing stones into the mountain lake
Running between the tables on the large Adler Lounge terrace

What Our Daughter Loved

Stopping for a picnic beside the lake
Smelling the mountain flowers and naming their colours
Retreating to the comfort of the buggy when the weather changed

What Our Eldest Loved

Taking in the views from the trail
Counting the seconds between lightning and thunder to work out whether the storm was approaching
Finding his own path through the meadows with Grandma

Practical Tips for Parents

Closed Shoes with Good Grip

The trail includes steep sections covered with loose stones and rocks. Because we visited during the height of summer, I initially set off in hiking sandals. It did not take long for me to regret that decision. My feet kept slipping forward, and I repeatedly hurt my toes against the stones.

I changed into closed shoes shortly after leaving the mountain station, and immediately felt more comfortable and secure. Even on a warm day, I would recommend sturdy closed shoes with good grip for this route.

Stay on the trail

Walking this trail with young children required our full attention. Our children usually enjoy wandering ahead and finding their own way, but the loose ground and changing drops beside the path meant that we had to keep them close.

Some meadow sections offered more freedom to explore, but along the steeper and narrower parts of the trail, we held hands and made sure everyone remained on the marked route.

Check the Weather and Keep Checking

The forecast predicted rain at around 17:00, while the final cable car was scheduled to leave at 16:30. I therefore felt confident that we would be safely back before the weather changed. In the mountains, however, conditions can develop much faster than expected.

Check the forecast before setting out, but continue watching the sky throughout the walk. Allow plenty of extra time to reach a cable-car station or another safe shelter, particularly when travelling with young children.

Check the Bus Connections Before Setting Out

If your walk finishes at a different cable-car station, check the public-transport connections before beginning your hike. We discovered that returning to Großdorf required two buses, with the second service running only once every two hours.

Public transport was included with our Osttirol Card during our visit, but it was the infrequent timetable—not the cost of the tickets—that complicated our return. Downloading or photographing the timetable in advance would have saved us considerable confusion.

Do Not Rely on the Buggy Alone

Even our large all-terrain buggy became difficult to control on the steepest sections of the descent. At one point, it took three adults to guide it safely over the loose stones.

If you are visiting with a baby or toddler, I would bring a carrier—even if you also decide to take an all-terrain buggy. It provides an alternative if the terrain becomes too steep or difficult.

Would We Visit Again?

Oh yes—but next time, we would arrive with a much clearer plan.

I would love to return and complete the designated Family Hiking Trail, including the Europa Panorama Trail. We would either plan an out-and-back route or carefully check the return connections before setting off.

The views, mountain meadows and sense of adventure would certainly bring us back. We would simply make sure that, next time, both our family and our car finish the day on the same side of the mountain.

The designated Familienwanderung Goldriedsee route we would like to explore on a future visit. Route information and conditions may change—check the official Grossglockner Resort website before setting out.

A Moment to Remember

As the two buses arrived almost simultaneously, our family divided at the roadside. I travelled back to the hotel with three exhausted children, while my husband and parents continued in the opposite direction to retrieve the cars. It was not the ending I had pictured while studying the hiking map—but it was a fitting conclusion to an adventure that had taken us over the mountain and quite literally left us on the wrong side of it.

Hochpustertal Sillian with Kids: Our First Alpine Marmot

16th August 202628th August 2026Posted in Family AdventuresTagged Austria, Baby Carrier Recommended, Cable Car Adventures, High Altitude, Mountain Adventures, Osttirol, Osttirol Card, Sillian, Summer, Thurntaler1 Comment

Trip Duration: Half Day / Full Day ⛰️ Difficulty Level: Moderate to Hard (with a toddler) 🚸 Trip Date: August 2026

I had just bitten into my well-deserved apple when something moved in front of me.

I froze.

Sitting on a bench beside one of the Three Lakes, I suddenly found myself on an impromptu alpine safari. A little furry head appeared from one of the holes in the ground and looked straight at me.

Could it be?

My very first Alpine marmot.

And somehow, I had the feeling my apple might have had something to do with it…

Quick Overview

Location: Thurntaler, Sillian, Osttirol, Austria
Starting point: Upper cable car station at approximately 2,100 m
Summit: Thurntaler, 2,407 m
Our highest point: Approximately 2,360 m
Parking: Free parking at the cable car station
Getting there: Cable car from Sillian
Hike: Trail No. 10 towards the Three Lakes and Thurntaler summit
Pushchair: Pushchairs can be taken on the lift, but I would not recommend using one for the hike. The trail is steep and uneven in places.
Facilities: Toilets and other facilities are available at the upper cable car station
Family note: The combination of altitude, uneven terrain and uphill hiking makes this a more challenging family adventure, particularly with toddlers.

Our Adventure

To be completely honest, we almost skipped this one.

Last year we had visited a mountain not far from here with a very similar name. When I saw this mountain listed on the Osttirol Card, I simply put it aside, convinced we had already been there.

Luckily, the day before, we visited Wichtelpark in the same village. As we drove past the mountain, something suddenly clicked. I had mixed up the two places.

And that was a very lucky mistake.

There was another reason I was particularly happy we hadn’t skipped it. A few days earlier, on our visit to the Grossglockner, we had caught a very brief glimpse of an Alpine marmot disappearing into its underground hole. It happened so quickly that we barely had time to realise what we had seen.

I was disappointed that we had missed our chance to see one properly.

Little did I know that a few days later, I would be sitting beside one of the Three Lakes with an apple in my hand — and an Alpine marmot would come looking for me.

Arrival / Cable Car Journey

There was plenty of parking when we arrived. Although more than 50 cars were already there, the car park could easily accommodate several times that number. Thurntaler is a popular ski destination, and the impressive number of chairlifts at the top of the mountain gives you a good idea of how busy it can get in winter. During our summer visit, however, most of them were out of operation.

The cable car took us up to approximately 2,100 m above sea level. As soon as we arrived, our three kids ran in three different directions.

One quickly kicked off her shoes and headed for the trampoline. The youngest discovered the toddler climbing frame and slide, while our eldest explored the games set up for visitors on the terrace of the hut.

It was a very good start to the hike — especially because it gave everyone a chance to play before we set off.

In front of the cable car station, a large map showed several hiking options. Our plan was to reach the Three Lakes and, if possible, have a swim. According to the map, we still had a fair amount of uphill walking ahead of us, so we weren’t entirely sure whether we would make it.

Uphill

Once everyone was ready to move on, we followed Trail No. 10, marked as an “easy hike” on the map.

The trail zigzagged between the towers of the chairlifts before taking us through alpine pastures. Every now and then we had to open a pasture gate, pass through and carefully close it behind us before continuing.

It didn’t take long before we needed our first break.

Our younger two were quite happy to take turns in the carrier or on our shoulders, but keeping our own breath at this altitude was a different story. The uphill climb was already proving more challenging than the word “easy” on the map had suggested.

Between two chairlift towers, we spread out our picnic blanket and took a well-deserved rest.

Meanwhile, hikers and a few families were coming back down from the mountain. We stopped one of the hikers to ask how much longer we had to go to reach the Three Lakes.

“About an hour,” he said.

I think our collective look of horror must have been quite something, because he quickly reconsidered.

“Maybe 45 minutes.”

That didn’t exactly make us feel better.

At that point, we were mentally prepared for another family hike where the promised destination simply wasn’t going to happen. But then, to our surprise, we spotted the first lake only about 20 minutes later.

Suddenly, the whole climb felt much more worthwhile.

We had made it to the Three Lakes.

The Three Lakes

Before taking the cable car, we had asked whether it was possible to swim in the Three Lakes. The man at the ticket office kindly called the upper station to check and came back with an answer: swimming was possible in the lower lake, but after the warm summer days there was barely any water left.

When we reached the first lake, we understood exactly what he meant.

It looked more like a swamp than a swimming lake, with just a little water remaining in the middle. Two boys were crossing it on a small wooden raft, pulling themselves along a rope from one side to the other.

The water level was so low that the raft got stuck among the rocks a few metres from the bank. Getting our three children on and off became an adventure of its own. Luckily, Daddy took charge, walking ankle-deep into the mud while I stayed safely on the bank and took a well-deserved bite from my apple.

And that’s when the highlight of my day appeared.

A few feet away, a little furry head suddenly popped out of one of the holes in the ground.

An Alpine marmot.

It looked at me for a moment before quickly disappearing again.

I called the others over and, convinced that the smell of my apple might have attracted it, my first instinct was to leave a small piece near the hole. Thinking about it afterwards, simply setting up the camera and waiting would have been the better choice. Even something as harmless-looking as a piece of apple doesn’t belong there.

So we waited.

For a few long minutes, nothing happened…

About five minutes later, the marmot appeared again.

This time, it didn’t run away. It sat there staring straight at the camera, which happened to be almost exactly at its eye level. For what felt like several minutes, it remained almost completely still, seemingly fascinated by the camera — or perhaps simply unimpressed by all of us.

Meanwhile, the kids had noticed what was happening and excitedly came over to join me.

Try explaining to a two-and-a-half-year-old that he needs to stay quiet when an Alpine marmot is sitting just a few feet away…

But somehow, the excitement and noise didn’t seem to bother our little visitor at all.

It was magical. The marmot sat there as if it had deliberately posed for its portrait.

Eventually, another family arrived with equally excited children, ready to try the raft. That was enough attention for our furry friend, and it disappeared underground again. It came out a few more times while we were there, before we eventually decided it was time to move on.

The largest of the Three Lakes, tucked behind the rock wall, was completely dried out during our visit. The images we had seen of the lakes looked very different, so I can only imagine how beautiful this area must be when the water levels are higher.

The rock wall around the dried-out lake is walkable and gave us another opportunity to explore before continuing a little higher.

There we reached a large storage pond. This one is definitely not another swimming opportunity. A prominent warning sign states that the pond is 10 metres deep and that entering and bathing are prohibited. With young children, this is an area where we kept them particularly close.

Nearby, large wooden loungers offered the perfect place to rest our tired feet and take in the mountain views before beginning our journey back down.

Descend

Interestingly, when it comes to walking downhill, our youngsters suddenly seem to remember what their feet are for.

They happily walked much of the way back, although the terrain was rough in places, with larger loose stones moving under our feet. At one point, we considered cutting across one of the ski slopes as a shortcut, but our eldest was having none of it. He insisted that we stick to the same path we had followed on the way up.

So we did.

On the way down, I kept thinking about our earlier conversation with the hiker who had told us it would take another 45 minutes to an hour to reach the Three Lakes. Considering how quickly we had actually reached them, I think we may simply have misunderstood each other.

Perhaps he thought I was asking how long it would take us to reach the Thurntaler summit at 2,407 m.

According to the compass app on my husband’s phone, we had reached approximately 2,360 m near the large lake. The summit was tantalisingly close.

For a moment, it was tempting to keep going.

But with three young children and the last cable car down at 16:30, this wasn’t the time to push our luck. The summit would have to wait for another adventure.

Why Each Child Loved Thurntaler…

Why our youngest loved it…

The playground at the top of the cable car
Walking along the rocky ridge beside one of the lakes
Riding the cable car up and down the mountain

Why our daughter loved it…

Watching the Alpine flowers dancing in the wind
Meeting our Alpine marmot
Relaxing on the large wooden lounger beside the storage pond

Why our eldest loved it…

Hiking up the mountain with his walking sticks
Pulling himself and his siblings across the lower lake on the wooden raft
Opening and closing the pasture gates along the trail

Practical Tips for Parents

Cable Car Ticket Deposit

When we presented our Osttirol Cards at the ticket office, they were scanned and we were given ski lift passes to use for the return journey after leaving a €5 deposit per pass.

We were able to pay the deposit by card, but it was returned to us in cash when we handed the passes back after our descent.

Wear Shoes with Good Grip

The trail towards the lakes follows a winding gravel path uphill. Going up didn’t feel particularly difficult underfoot, but coming back down was a different story. Loose gravel and larger moving stones made some sections surprisingly slippery.

Shoes with good grip made a real difference.

Many of the mountain destinations we visited during this trip had a sports shop near the lower station, which could be useful if you suddenly realise someone’s footwear isn’t quite mountain-ready.

Take your time

The hiking trails start at around 2,100 m above sea level, and with little children we never treat the suggested hiking times as something we have to achieve.

We stop often, take breaks when somebody needs one and usually allow ourselves double — sometimes even triple — the recommended time.

We hardly ever reach the top of the mountains we visit, and that’s okay. We watch the youngest members of our group and let them determine how far we go.

After all, we want our children to grow up loving hiking and exploring the mountains — not remembering it as something they were forced to finish.

Pack an Extra Layer

As we started our hike, we smiled at the people coming back down dressed in jackets and jumpers while we were still enjoying the sunshine.

Not long afterwards, we understood why.

As we climbed higher, the long sleeves came out of our bags. Eventually they stayed on even when the sun reappeared from behind the clouds.

The weather and temperature can feel very different higher up the mountain, so an extra layer is well worth carrying.

Would We Visit Again?

Absolutely. I cannot wait to return and, next time, hopefully make it all the way to the Thurntaler summit.

We were so close during this visit, but with three young children and the last cable car down at 16:30, reaching the top simply wasn’t worth the risk of being late.

And that’s okay. The summit will still be there next time.

Besides, considering what we found when we stopped beside the lakes, I don’t think we missed out at all.

A Moment to Remember

Sitting beside the lake with my apple in hand, watching the little marmot appear from its underground home, I realised that we were the visitors here.

This was its mountain. Its home. We were simply guests passing through.

For those few minutes, it felt as though our little Alpine host had come out to inspect the family who had settled beside its doorstep. It watched us, disappeared when it wanted to, and returned again when it felt safe enough to do so.

The children didn’t need to touch it or get any closer. Just watching a wild animal going about its life, right there in front of us, was exciting enough.

We hadn’t reached the summit. We hadn’t managed the swim we had planned. But sitting quietly beside that almost-dry lake gave us something much better than either of those things.

It reminded me that up here, we are the visitors. The mountains may be our playground for the day, but they are home to the wildlife that lives here long after we have taken the cable car back down.

And sometimes, if we are lucky, one of the locals might just come out to say hello.

Lake Anterselva with Kids: A Family Adventure in South Tyrol

11th August 202628th August 2026Posted in Family AdventuresTagged All-Terrain Buggy, Family Hikes, Italy, Lake, Lake Anterselva, South Tyrol, SummerLeave a comment

Trip Duration: Half or Full Day ⛰️ Difficulty Level: Easy 🚸 Trip Date: August 2026

Upon arriving at Lake Anterselva, our daughter made it very clear that there would be swimming involved.

She put her life vest on top of her blue dress and refused to let us take it off. So we packed the rest of the swimming gear into a large backpack and crossed our fingers that we could make her dream come true: swimming in a mountain lake at 1,640 m above sea level.

Researching on my phone on the way there, I found out that Lake Anterselva is the third-largest mountain lake in South Tyrol and that there is a circular path around it that promised to be family-friendly.

So, with high expectations, we set off to turn another day out into a family adventure.

Quick Overview

📍 Location: Lake Anterselva, Südtirol, Italy
⛰️ Difficulty: Easy
⏱️ Trip Duration: Half or full day
📅 Trip Date: August 2026
🚗 Parking: During our visit, we paid €10 for a full day at the Biathlon Centre. Parking is available on event-free days.
🚶 Walking: Approximately 3.4 km around the lake; allow extra time with young children.
👶 Pushchair: Yes — a pushchair with larger wheels is recommended.
🛝 Family Facilities: Restaurants, grassy areas, a playground and rest areas are available around the lake.
🏊 Swimming: We couldn’t find clear official information about swimming before our visit, so we packed swimwear just in case. During our visit, we saw people swimming and paddle boarding.
🚦 Staller Saddle: Timed one-way traffic if approaching from Austria.
🌐 Official Website: Antholzertal Tourism

Our Adventure

Staller Saddle Pass

Our adventure started before we even reached Lake Anterselva.

We arrived at the Staller Saddle Pass about 25 minutes before traffic from the Austrian side was due to get the green light. Rather than sitting in the car and waiting, we pulled into one of the large car parks beside Obersee and jumped out to explore.

The lake looked beautiful, but the water was a different story! My eldest couldn’t resist walking in to test it. He made it as far as his ankles before the freezing temperature sent us straight back out again.

With ten minutes to spare, we jumped back into the car and joined the queue for the pass.

During our August 2026 visit, traffic from the Austrian side was allowed through from the hour until quarter past, while traffic travelling in the opposite direction had its turn from half past until quarter to the hour. Signs at both ends of the pass show the green-go window, while a digital countdown board tells drivers how much time is left before the traffic direction changes.

Once the light changed, we were off.

The road winds its way down through the mountains, with sharp bends and the forest closing in around us.

Then, suddenly, the car in front came to a complete standstill.

For a moment, we had no idea what was happening. Then we spotted them — the jumping shadows of deer disappearing into the deep forest beside the road.

Within seconds they were gone, leaving us with just a glimpse of the wildlife sharing this spectacular mountain pass.

And then, through the trees below us, Lake Anterselva came into view.

Lake Anterselva – The Blue Valley

As we made our way down from the Staller Saddle, Lake Anterselva began to appear between the trees below us. The turquoise-green water looked almost unreal against the mountains surrounding it.

Lake Anterselva in South Tyrol with mountains in the background

We parked at the Biathlon Centre and set off on the circular path, keeping the lake on our right. It didn’t take long for our youngsters to find their own, very slow rhythm.

There was simply too much to see, touch and investigate — and only one path to share with the many other visitors.

We had brought our double Thule to make the walk easier, but our hardheaded youngsters had other ideas. They either wanted to walk or preferred to ride on one of our shoulders. Apparently, neither the buggy nor walking independently was quite comfortable enough!

So we split up and proceeded at the speed of a snail.

Bringing up the rear with our youngest turned out to have its advantages. The slower we went, the more we noticed.

Along the forest path, he discovered mushrooms tucked into tiny holes in the ground — many of them so small and well hidden that we would have walked straight past them.

I began to wonder if this was one of those moments when travelling at toddler speed actually lets you see more.

The path curled between the edge of the lake on one side and the steep mountain on the other, with the forest providing plenty of distractions along the way.

Finally, Time to Splash!

By the time we caught up with the rest of the group, we were all ready for a break — and, more importantly, some time in the water.

Before reaching the main grassy area by the restaurant, we spotted a woman out on a paddle board. As we were still unsure whether swimming was allowed, we stopped to ask her.

It turned out she was a local, and she was surprised to be the only paddle boarder out on the lake that Sunday morning. She told us that normally there are plenty of people swimming and paddle boarding here.

That was good news for our daughter, who had been wearing her life vest since we left the car — just in case.

When we reached the restaurant area, we found a large patch of green lawn beside the lake. A couple of people were getting in and out of the water, while others were relaxing in the sunshine.

There were places to eat and drink, and large rotating wooden loungers where visitors could sit and enjoy the view.

It felt surprisingly like a beach day — just at 1,640 metres above sea level.

We settled into the shade, got changed and finally headed towards the water.

The lake was wonderfully refreshing. In some places the water felt almost mild, while just a step deeper could be noticeably colder. Standing knee-deep, I could feel different temperatures around my ankles and shins.

As we stayed longer, more people appeared on the lake, including several paddle boarders. Perhaps our quiet first impression had simply been a matter of timing.

The Legend

Standing in the water, I couldn’t help thinking about the numerous mountain springs that feed Lake Anterselva. They reminded me of the legend behind the lake’s creation.

Long ago, according to the legend, three farms stood where Lake Anterselva is today. Their inhabitants were known for being hard-hearted towards the poor.

One day, during the village festival, an old beggar came to the farms asking for alms. The wealthy farmers gave him only some mouldy bread.

The beggar became angry and warned each of them:

Be careful, in a few days a spring will appear behind your house, and then you’ll see what happens.

For three days, nothing happened.

On the fourth day, however, a spring appeared behind each house. The springs grew larger and larger until they eventually submerged the farms, giving birth to Lake Anterselva.

So goes the legend.

In reality, Lake Anterselva was formed after massive landslides dammed the valley on both sides, allowing it to fill with water.

Standing knee-deep in the lake, with the mountain springs feeding the water around us, it was rather fitting to hear how folklore had explained the lake’s mysterious origins.

Return Journey

By the time we were ready to leave, we had already spent plenty of time exploring the lake. At the entrance to the grassy area, we stopped to look at the map of the circular trail and noticed that the other side of the loop follows the road through the forest.

With three small children, we decided to return the way we had come instead. The lakeside path was much more appealing than walking alongside the busy road.

It also meant we could enjoy the lake from a different perspective on the way back.