A holiday in Austria is ideal for families. You are not far from home, the climate is wonderful, and you discover the beauties that Austria has to offer. Anyone looking for a somewhat quieter holiday destination in the mountains during the high season is well advised to choose Annaberg. It is (still!) not that crowded here, and there are some truly great excursion destinations. We tried this out this year and went on holiday to Annaberg with our twins in August. We stayed at the JuFa in Annaberg. Then we were spoilt for choice when it came to excursion destinations: I have listed a few for you here, along with the experiences we had:
Summer tobogganing in Türnitz
In Türnitz, the all-weather toboggan run "Eibl Jet Türnitz" delights more than just young people. A fast-paced ride awaits with fun waves, jumps, 11 curves, and a roundabout. Of all the Alpine Coasters built worldwide to date, the track in Türnitz is the steepest and most attractive. Above all, you can whiz down the mountain at full speed in any weather (even in the rain!). You toboggan up to 7 m above the ground in some places and are in optimal safety thanks to seat belts, high-tech equipment, and video monitoring. There are 2 brakes on the side of the summer toboggan run, and you can also toboggan in pairs; there are 2 seats and 2 belts available.
Children aged 4-8 may only toboggan when accompanied by an adult. Children under 4 years of age are not yet allowed to ride.
In front of the summer toboggan run is a large parking lot where there are sufficient parking spaces. Right at the entrance to the summer toboggan run, there are very well-designed toilets and a snack bar to recharge. Right next to it is also a shop where you can buy nice souvenirs and a souvenir photo of the fast-paced ride for € 3.00.
Prices for summer tobogganing in Türnitz 2017
- 1 toboggan ride: Adults: € 5.50; Children € 3.00
- 5 toboggan rides: Adults: € 25.00; Children € 14.00
- 10 toboggan rides: Adults: € 50.00; Children € 27.00
Extra tip: With the NÖ Card and the Wilde Wunder Card, one ride is free. With the NÖ Family Pass card, the ride is slightly discounted.
Conclusion: We tried it out and were thrilled. We tobogganed together with our children and it was really, really fun. Definitely try it out. We even went there again on another day.
Address and contact for summer tobogganing in Türnitz:
Eibl Jet
Eiblstraße 12a
3184 Türnitz
Tel. no.: 02769 8245
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.tuernitz.at
Scooter or mountain cart riding Gemeindealpe
A slightly different descent is promised by scooter or mountain cart riding on the Gemeindealpe. With 2 modern chairlifts (a 4-seater chairlift from the valley to the middle station, a 2-seater chairlift from the middle station to the summit), you can comfortably get from 800 m to 1626 m. At the summit of the Gemeindealpe, a unique panoramic view awaits you at the Terzer Haus. You can eat very well here and sunbathe on the terrace in good weather. Right next to the Terzer Haus is a beautiful playground where children can let off steam by climbing and swinging. In any case, you should hike to the summit cross – the view from there is fantastic. Now you can either hike down to the middle station or take the chairlift back down. On the chairlift, you have a wonderful view of the Erlaufsee and the surrounding mountains.
At the middle station, there is also a restaurant where you can recharge. Right next to it is the rental shop for the scooters and mountain carts. There are 125 mountain carts in 5 different sizes, as well as 10 monster scooters available here. You have to choose a suitable helmet and will be assigned the appropriate vehicle. Then you're ready to go. On a winding gravel track of over 4.6 km, you roll steadily downhill into the valley.
Toddlers under 4 years are not allowed to ride the mountain carts. Children between 4 and 8 years and shorter than 140 cm ride for free together with an adult into the valley. 6-8 year olds only pay for the lift ride. From 8 years and a minimum height of 140 cm, they are allowed to steer a mountain cart alone. The height is important, otherwise you cannot reach the pedals.
Prices for scooter or mountain cart riding on the Gemeindealpe 2017
- 1x scooter or mountain cart ride including ascent for adults: € 21.00
- 1x scooter or mountain cart ride including ascent for children: € 12.00
Extra tip: With the NÖ Card and the Wilde Wunder Card, one ascent and descent is free.
Conclusion: This ride was really, really fun and brilliant. I rode together with my daughter and must admit, at first I was a little nervous about how the braking would work. The fear was unjustified. The brakes work very well and the curves are not that bad if you brake in time. We enjoyed the ride so much that we went again on another day. I can only recommend it, it really is something different.
Address and contact for Gemeindealpe Mitterbach:
The Gemeindealpe Mitterbach offers approx. 15 km of slope length, as well as a comfortable quad chairlift, a double chairlift, a T-bar lift, and a practice lift at the valley station. Snowboarders will have their fun in the snowpark, which even has its own T-bar lift. The area is very snow-sure, thanks to the snowmaking systems up to the summit. The local ski rental offers modern brand-name goods for optimal equipment.
Seestraße 28
3224 Mitterbach am Erlaufsee
Tel. no.: 03882 41720
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.gemeindealpe.at/mountaincarts
Hiking in the Ötschergräben
The Ötschergräben are truly very impressive and should be a fixed point on your excursion list. Here, narrow paths, steps, and bridges lead along the water past lush nature. It is rightly called the Grand Canyon of Austria, because the gorges and waterfalls are breathtaking. In the middle, you can find the Ötscherhias, where you can recharge with snacks.
Suggestion for a tour with the family: Entrance to the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park (Wienerbruck train station)-Lassingfall-Ötschergräben-Erlaufklause
We parked the car at the Ötscher-Basis Nature Park entrance and started our hike from there. You have to buy a parking ticket in the parking lot, for which you get an elderberry juice for € 2.00.
The hiking trail is very well signposted and easy to walk. Narrow paths, bridges, and footbridges were also easy for the children to walk on. I found the EVN power plant, which was open to us, very interesting. We hiked to the Ötscherhias – we had lunch there and marched from there to the Erlaufklause. The Erlaufklause reservoir was also very impressive to look at. After that, we only hiked to the Erlaufklause train station and took the Mariazellerbahn back to Wienerbruck.
- Distance: 8.07 km
- Duration 2:20 h
- Difficulty: medium
Conclusion: A really great hiking trail that we all liked very much. For the children, the hiking trail was no problem and we made it to the Ötscherhias perfectly. Only then did we take a longer break. The return trip with the Mariazellerbahn is great; that was also a nice experience.
Address for a hike to the Ötschergräben:
Nature Park Center Ötscher-Basis Wienerbruck
Langseitenrotte 140
3223 Wienerbruck
Tel. no.: 02728 211 00
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.naturpark-oetscher.at/oetscherbasis
Hiking Trefflingfall
A very beautiful hike leads from Puchenstuben to the Trefflingfall. We started our hike from the Erlebnisdorf Puchenstuben parking lot. At this parking lot, there is a small inn (Kiosk Trefflingfall) – but it is not always open. However, there is another inn about 200 m away from the parking lot that was open.
Right by the adventure village, a beautiful hiking trail leads in the direction of Trefflingfall. This great hiking trail always leads along the water and there are several narrow paths, bridges, and breathtaking gorges. All paths are very well secured and easy to walk. The highlight is, of course, the Trefflingfall, which is truly very impressive. We hiked further to the Schindlhütte/Ötscher stalactite cave. Unfortunately, the Schindlhütte is closed until further notice. We had a lunch break there and then went back to Puchenstuben.
Extra tip: It is better to bring provisions here, because the Schindlhütte was closed during our tour!
Conclusion: The Trefflingfall is very impressive. At one point, you can even stand behind the waterfall – an experience. The paths are well secured and also possible with children. Only the return trip is quite strenuous, as you have to hike up many steps again. But that was no problem for the children either.
Address for the Trefflingfall hike:
Parking lot Erlebnisdorf Puchenstuben
Naturparkstraße 13
3214 Puchenstuben
Erlaufsee
A nice excursion destination in beautiful summer weather is the Erlaufsee. There is a large (paid) parking lot right next to the road where you can go swimming for free. The water is very cold, but our children didn't mind. The children were especially taken with the great water slide. There is also a small playground here where the children can play with the sand and pebbles. Toilets and changing rooms are available. At the very beginning, there is an inn where you can recharge. On the other side of the road, right by the water, there is a small snack bar where you can order good food, pastries, and ice cream. Here, directly by the water next to the snack bar, pedal boats or electric boats can be rented.
Extra tip: Definitely take a ride on the boat – the lake is really beautiful and offers a great view of the Gemeindealpe.
Conclusion: The lake is really beautiful, but personally, it was way too cold for me. The entry points have pebbles, but it is okay to walk in. My husband and the children were in the water and also took advantage of the slide. The lido is free, which surprised me a lot. You only have to pay at the parking lot. Everything is available here: toilets, inn, small play stations for the children, boat rental, large parking lot, sunbathing lawn. The highlight was the boat trip – you have to do that!
Address for the Erlaufsee lido:
Strandbuffet am Erlaufsee
Erlaufseestraße 74
8630 Mariazell/St. Sebastian
Tel. no.: 0043 676 93 62 399
Email: [email protected]
Nature trail Annaberg
For a hike with children, the Annaberg nature trail is recommended. At 21 stations along the hiking trail, children (and adults!) learn interesting facts about the importance, management, and care of the forest. You can start here, for example, right at the municipality in Annaberg by the playground. There are several ways to hike here. A guidance system leads through the nature trail so that you cannot get lost.
Extra tip: Guided tours can also be taken here by prior arrangement (e-mail: [email protected])
Address for the Annaberg nature trail:
Annarotte 14
3222 Annaberg
Website: www.annaberg.info/a-naturlehrpfad-annaberg
Bürgeralpe Adventure World Holzknechtland
Visiting the Bürgeralpe is an experience with children. You can comfortably get up to 1,300 m by gondola and spend a wonderful day here. A lovingly designed amusement park for young and old beckons here. In the Holzknechtland, there are several stations on the subject of lumberjacks. Several scenes are reenacted here using carved figures. Our children love to follow the logs in the water. A ride around the mountain lake can be enjoyed on a train. For adventurers, Europe's highest water ski lift for wakeboarding, water skiing, flying carpet, etc., beckons. The playground is generously laid out and houses many beautiful play equipment for children. Culinarically, you can choose between 3 inns or huts here.
Address for Bürgeralpe:
Wr. Str. 24, 8630 Mariazell
Extra trip: Reith outdoor pool
For a beautiful summer day, I recommend the Reith outdoor pool. Located very quietly right next to the Mariazeller Bahn, you will find the beautiful, small but very fine Reith outdoor pool. There are 2 pools here – a large one and a small one for toddlers. The large pool is solar-heated and is not as deep at the front and deeper at the back. Behind it is a nice large sunbathing lawn with a children's playground, trampoline, and table tennis table. Changing rooms and toilets are also available. Drinks and ice cream can be bought at the cash register and there are benches to linger on. Behind the outdoor pool, there is also a beach volleyball court and a tennis court where you can also play. You can swim here in good weather from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Prices for Reith outdoor pool 2017
- Day ticket adults: € 4.50
- Half-day ticket adults: € 2.50
- Day ticket children: € 2.50
- Half-day ticket children: € 1.50
- Evening ticket: € 1.50
Extra tip: with the Wilde Wunder Card, admission is free
Conclusion: You absolutely have to go here – I have never experienced such a friendly and attentive 'lifeguard'. We were allowed to borrow a beach volleyball, badminton, and also an inflatable ball. We felt very, very comfortable here. We were also allowed to use the beach volleyball court behind it. It was a very, very great afternoon there.
Address for Reith outdoor pool:
Leisure center – Reith outdoor pool
Langseitenrotte
A-3222 Annaberg
Cuisine in Annaberg
Gasthaus "Zur Wuchtlwirtin"
I can highly recommend this inn; they serve really very good (and large!) Wuchtl (known to us more as Buchteln). In summer and winter, you sit very nicely; in winter in the rustic guest room, in summer in the beautiful beer garden under the umbrella. In addition to the sensational Wuchtln, very good home-style cooking, such as schnitzel or trout, is offered.
In summer, I recommend reserving a table; the Wuchtlwirtin is often very busy.
Contact:
Gasthaus "Zur Wuchtlwirtin"
Walstern 18 (at Hubertussee)
8630 Mariazell
Tel. no.: +43 3882 2235
Accommodation and good home-style cooking at Gasthaus Meyer
The Apartmenthaus Meyer is located directly in the center of Annaberg. The more than 350-year-old inn in the form of a four-sided courtyard, as well as the separately located apartments, are located right next to the church of Annaberg. The family business, which has existed since 1927, impresses with its family charm and loving, rustic furnishings. The food is really very, very good and is one of my favorite restaurants in Annaberg. There are always very good menus and great desserts here. In summer, you can sit outside in front of the inn or in the inner courtyard.
Gasthof Meyer is only about 800 m from the slopes, and there are 2 cross-country ski trails right in front of the door. Also right in front of the door are a playground and a beautiful hiking trail, which is also easy to walk with children.
The apartments also have a sauna, as well as a terrace with barbecue facilities, a children's playroom with darts, billiards, table football, or table tennis.
Summer and winter, it is really great here (In summer, you can escape our mosquitoes and hot nights here.
Contact:
Gasthaus & Appartementhaus Meyer
Annarotte 8
3222 Annaberg
Tel. no.: 02728 8204
Email: [email protected]
Brauhaus Mariazell Fam. Girrer
The Brauhaus Mariazell of the Girrer family is a small family business directly in Mariazell and is excellent. You can really eat very well here. Regional specialties are mainly offered, as well as the specially brewed beer, Girrerbräu. Definitely reserve here; it is usually well-attended and is really worth it.
There are even guest rooms available, but only 2, so you should plan in time.
Contact:
Brauhaus Mariazell Fam. Girrer
Wiener Straße 5
8630 Mariazell
Tel. no.: +43 3882 25230
Panoramic restaurant and bar Ko’eck
For us, the best burgers in this area. By chance, we found this restaurant near the Gemeindealpe and Erlaufsee and grew to love it; the children especially like going there. Steaks, burgers, and fries of really good quality that you can taste.
Contact
Panoramarestaurant & Bar Ko’eck
Hauptstraße 13
3224 Mitterbach am Erlaufsee
Tel. no.: +43 3882 3448243
Anna-Alm
The hut, Jausenstation Anna-Alm, is rustic and romantic, located high up in the Annaberg ski area. In summer, you can get there via many hiking trails or by chairlift. The viewing terrace is wonderful in summer and winter, the view is beautiful. Tasty home-style cooking, regional juices, and beers are served so that you can start the way home strengthened.
The hut is quite small and usually fills up quickly; it is worth coming here earlier or after lunchtime, especially in winter during the ski season, it is difficult to get a seat.
Contact:
Anna Alm
Annarotte 126
3222 Annaberg
Tel. no. +43 2728 8477
Accommodation in Annaberg: Hotel JUFA
As accommodation in Annaberg, the JUFA is a hot tip for young families. The great hotel is majestically situated on a mountain. This hotel is truly a dream for children. There are playgrounds outside and inside. Especially the indoor playground located right next to the restaurant and the bar is great for parents with children. Here, the children can climb and let off steam while the parents still enjoy their breakfast/dinner in comfort. In good weather, there is also a beautiful playground outside right by the breakfast/dinner buffet. In winter, it is located exactly on the slope for skiing and tobogganing.
The catering in the hotel is also very good: A good breakfast and dinner buffet is offered here. For children, there are always suitable dishes (spaghetti, dumplings, sausages, etc.). Drinks are charged extra. The offer also includes a water playground for the little ones and a super large sports hall. The rooms are very nicely furnished, with an extra toilet and bathroom and bunk beds for the children. Each room has either a balcony or a small terrace.
Conclusion: We felt very comfortable at the JuFa in Annaberg. Everything is very modern and child-friendly. The rooms were also nicely and modernly equipped. The food tasted very good to us, only the juice press is a little difficult – especially for the children, who naturally want to try it out again and again.
Address and contact JuFa Annaberg:
Annarotte 125
3222 Annaberg bei Mariazell
Tel. no.: 0570 83750
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.jufa.eu/hotel/annaberg
Photos by Sabine, meinhaushalt.at
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