Family Holidays in Winter
Fun Activities for All Ages
In winter, the most important toy for children is ... snow! Exciting activities and winter adventures on the farm, that’s building snowmen and igloos in the farmyard, going for a winter walk with animals from the farm or whizzing down the nearby hills and meadows on a toboggan or sledge. Fancy a longer toboggan run?
- Natural toboggan run in Hinterstoder: a descent of 1.2 kilometres - floodlit toboggan run incl. shuttle service in the Kalkalpen National Park region
- Natural toboggan run “Hochsteinalm” in Traunkirchen: a descent of 3.5 kilometres in the Salzkammergut region with a rental service and petting zoo at the start
But Upper Austria isn’t only fun for kids...
Not Only the World’s Best Athletes Go Skiing Here...
From Hinterstoder to Spital am Pyhrn
You can’t wait until winter’s here? The Kalkalpen National Park region is a paradise for everyone who loves snow and winters ports. The holiday destination “Pyhrn-Priel” is home to two fantastic ski resorts: “Hinterstoder-Höss” and “Wurzeralm”.
In Hinterstoder, you can speed down the World Cup track named after the local downhill world campion Hannes Trinkl. “Wurzeralm” is not only a popular place for skiing but also for ski touring and cross-country skiing. Thanks to a reliable snow cover and a sunny location with an awe-inspiring mountain scenery as a backdrop, the high-altitude track on the foot of the massif Warscheneck has everything a cross-country skier could possibly wish for. Plus, it’s family-friendly.
Do You Feel the Silence?
Pristine Nature All Around
Snow is glistening, trees are covered with soft rime and you hear ... nothing. A winter dream coming true in the Mühlviertel region. Far away from the crowds of large ski resorts, this region has plenty of space and pristine nature. It’s a peaceful landscape where even stressed-out city dwellers can calm down.
But that doesn’t mean that it’s boring here! The Mühlviertel region is a paradise for cross-country skiers. From the “Centre of Nording Skiing Böhmerwald” in Schöneben near Ulrichsberg to the “Winter Sports Arena” in Liebenau: hundreds of well-groomed tracks and trails for both, classic and skate style. Even the smaller village have a “loipe” nearby thanks to the reliable snow cover here, where clear winter skies prevail when a blanket of fog covers the low-lying areas.
The ski resort “Hochficht” is ideal for families. Walking in a winter wonderland - an enchanting white world is at your doorstep! Large forests and pristine rivers form the European Green Belt, a Natura 2000 area protecting the natural landscape on the Austrian/Czech border along the former Iron Curtain.
Horse enthusiasts will find no better place to spend their winter holiday than “Mühlviertler Alm”. Ride across snow-covered hills or let the horses drive the sleigh through the winter wonderland.
A Fairytale Winter
Snow-Covered Mountains and Crystal-Clear Lakes
Snow-capped mountains, shimmering lakes and picturesque houses with icicles hanging off the roofs - doesn’t that sound like a winter fairytale? An idyllic, peaceful and snow-covered landscape and ski resorts with perfectly groomed pistes, plenty of sun and powder snow await you in the Salzkammergut region. Where would you like to make your turns? The top ski resorts are:
- Kasberg in Grünau im Almtal: family-friendly ski resort - ideal for kids who want to make their first turns; winter walks and ski touring up the groomed pistes
- Feuerkogel in Ebensee at Lake Traunsee: Taking the cable car up to the top of the Feuerkogel (1,600 m) is so exciting! Extremely popular: well-signposted snow shoeing trails
- “Dachstein West” in Gosau: 160 kilometres of pistes, a reliable snow cover and a breathtaking mountain scenery as a backdrop
- “Freesports Arena Dachstein Krippenstein” in Obertraun: Epic freeride terrain with Austria’s longest descent in deep snow; Unforgettable: a guided snowshoeing tour up to 2,100 metres. The panoramic view will take your breath away!
Our guests are more than happy when they can go skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing or cross-country skiing directly from the farmhouse.After an exciting day in the mountainous winter landscape, they enjoy relaxing in a sauna, a pool or with some good food!
A Haven of Rest & Relaxation
Enjoy an Indulgent Spa Break
Take a break and relax far away from the crowds of large ski resorts. Snow-covered fields and rolling hills await you in the Innviertel-Hausruckwald region. Two of the country’s most beautiful spas are located here:
- “SPA Resort Therme Geinberg”: Caribbean flair in the sauna and the salt water lagoon! Relaxing massages and soothing spa treatments.
- “EurothermenResort” in Bad Schallerbach: Fun in the water for the young and young at heart! Explore the “Aquapulco Pirate World”, the “cabrio spa Tropicana” and the saunas.
The snow is falling and you’re inside immersing yourself in warm water or basking in the heat of a sauna. Can you think of a better way to relax? In between revitalising treatments, you can take a walk in the winter wonderland.
In the Middle of It All
Christmas Time in the Town
“Advent” - the weeks before Christmas. That’s the most delightful time to visit the historic centres of towns in the Zentralraum region. Whether you’re in Linz, Enns or Steyr - wrap yourself in warm clothes, visit the charming Christmas markets and stroll through the festive streets. Enjoy cultural amenities and great shopping facilities. Christmas concerts in beautiful churches, large concert halls or in the alleys of the historic centre - music lovers will be delighted!
From Linz, you can walk up to the lookout “Gisela-Warte” and enjoy a spectacular view overlooking the city! On very snowy days, we recommend snowshoeing or ski touring up there. In Enns, you can go ice-skating on Austria’s oldest town square.
Insider tip - the most picturesque Christmas markets in the city of Linz are here:
- Pfarrplatz
- OK Kulturquartier
- Main square, next to the bridge
- Main square
- Volksgarten
By the way: Did you know that you can post your letter in the Christkind’s post office? See children’s eyes beaming with joy in the village Christkindl near the town of Steyr.
Wellness Break on the Farm
Lean Back and Relax in a Private Spa
Would you like to warm up after a cold winter’s day in the great outdoors? Would you like to leave your worries behind and regenerate body, mind and soul? Good news! A lot of our farms offer a private spa area with sauna & more. Take a well-deserved break! You don’t even need to share it with other people, no crowds, no queues.
Facilities for your spa break: herbal steam bath, Infrared sauna, barrel sauna, Kneipp bath, natural swimming pool, waterbed, massage - our farms in Upper Austria have many pleasant surprises in store for you!
Culinary Delights in Upper Austria
Savour Winter Dishes in the Mountain Cabin
A delicious meal tastes even better after having spent the day outdoors enjoying the fresh, cold air. Sample the local cuisine in one of the restaurants or staffed mountain cabins in Upper Austria. To name but a few of the mouth-watering delights: soup with “Kaspressknödel” (fried cheese dumplings), “Bratl in der Rein” (pork roast with crispy crackling) and “Topfenstrudel” (quark strudel) with vanilla sauce. Taverns, restaurants and gourmet chefs serve irresistible dishes with locally grown products. Wrapped up warm, you can also savour these culinary delights outside on the terrace - the sun caressing your skin and a spectacular panorama at your feet!
Any Questions? Let Us Know!
Don't hesitate to call us during our office hours or send an email anytime. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
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