Family holidays in Steiermark
Family holidays in Styria are all about fun and adventure. Amid the Dachstein glacier, crystal-clear mountain lakes, mystic forests, blooming alpine pastures, fragrant vineyards and charming historic towns, there’s much to discover for explorers of all ages.
In the Green Heart of Austria, it’s a well-known fact that happy children equal happy holidays. That’s why there are plenty of holiday adventures waiting for the little ones and their parents throughout the year. For instance, how about Kali’s children’s via ferrata in Ramsau am Dachstein, a visit to Piber stud farm to see the Lippizan horses, or splashing about at H2O spa in the thermal spa region of Bad Waltersdorf? In winter, you can enjoy small, charming ski resorts or Schladming’s huge 4-Mountain Ski Area, cross-country skiing parks for kids or the water playgrounds of Loipersdorf spa.
Even in bad weather, there’s plenty to see and do in Styria. Local museums such as FRida & freD children’s museum in Graz are a perfect choice for rainy days, for instance. Alternatively, the nine thermal spas of Styria offer a warm and pleasant refuge from the rain.
Attractions for the whole family
Whether it's sunny or rainy...
From A as in adventure, alpine pastures or alpaca hiking to Z as in Zotter’s chocolate world or zip-lining: Styria boasts a multitude of attractions for all family members.
Family Ski-holidays in Steiermark
From small to large
The breathtaking mountains and charming ski resorts offer something for everyone - from beginner slopes for the little ones to challenging runs for the more athletic.
Particularly appealing are the family-friendly ski schools, which offer professional lessons for children while parents can enjoy the slopes. Styrian hospitality is evident in the cosy huts where you can fortify yourself with regional delicacies after a long day of skiing.
Sledging and more
Experiences in the midst of nature
Tobogganing and winter hiking with the family are perfect ways to enjoy the winter wonderland!
Tobogganing is full of fun and action down the slopes. Many ski resorts in Styria offer special toboggan runs that are ideal for young and old.
Winter hiking, on the other hand, allows you to discover the snow-covered landscape in peace. Well-marked hiking trails lead through idyllic forests and offer breathtaking views of the mountains. These joint excursions not only strengthen the family, but also invite you to enjoy the fresh air and the tranquillity of nature.
Family hiking in Steiermark
For grown-ups, hiking is mostly about enjoying nature. Kids, on the other hand, want a little more adventure than that. Fortunately, there's plenty of both in Styria – and combining the two makes for a truly special experience for all family members. Numerous themed hiking trails are full of highlights for the little ones, ranging from babbling mountain streams to mysterious forests.
Cycling & mountain biking for families
Time to jump on the saddle and pedal away! Whether it’s on child-friendly trails or on leisurely cycle paths leading to unique playgrounds: The cycle routes in the Green Heart of Austria are made for families!
Summer Cable cars
Especially on warm, sunny days, they are a comfortable way to access the beautiful mountain world of the alpine regions of Styria. Whether you take the cable car or chairlift: Once at the top, magnificent views and hiking trails are waiting for all summer visitors who like to take things a little easier. On some mountains, adventure trails and playgrounds invite little guests to romp around and have some fun.
Animal hiking adventures for the whole family
Out and about with alpacas & co
Hiking with animal companions makes family holidays in Styria particularly exciting: while alpacas lead the way step by step through the countryside with their calm demeanour, donkeys provide plenty of laughs with their charming nature and indescribable tranquillity. The Tierwelt Herberstein Wildlife Park in Eastern Styria delights visitors with animal species from all over the world, extensive habitats, enchanting gardens and a castle with exciting guided tours. The Wilde Berg Mautern, on the other hand, combines a zoo, adventure and Alpine panorama.
Horse riding enthusiasts will also get their money's worth – from first lessons at the pony farm to guided rides through forests and meadows. This makes every tour an experience that delights children and adults alike.
Guest Cards in Steiermark
Cleverly combined
Going on holiday and saving money at the same time – that‘s a combination that everyone loves. With the guest cards of Styria, families benefit from numerous offers such as discounted tickets, free cable car rides and more.
One of the region’s most popular discount cards is the Sommercard of the Schladming-Dachstein region. If you’re staying in the Styrian Spa Country, in the region of Graz and in Eastern or Southern Styria, be sure to get your very own GenussCard. With the convenient discount card, you enjoy free admission to the region’s best attractions, parks and regional producers.
Children's birthday party at the Zloam
Glass melting craft in the Creative Workshop Zloam
4D-Archery Cinema Zloam
Pony ride at the Pferdfreunde Zloam horse barn
Wood craft at the Wood Workshop Zoam
Woodturning in the Wood Workshop Zloam
Arts und Craft in the Creative Workshop Zloam
Pony adventures for kids aged 3–8
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Glass melting craft in the Creative Workshop Zloam
4D-Archery Cinema Zloam
Pony ride at the Pferdfreunde Zloam horse barn
Wood craft at the Wood Workshop Zoam
Woodturning in the Wood Workshop Zloam
Arts und Craft in the Creative Workshop Zloam
Pony adventures for kids aged 3–8
next
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about family holidays in Austria
If the most important questions about a family holiday in Steiermark are clarified in advance, relaxation begins already at the planning stage. From child-friendly accommodation and bad-weather tips to discounts, families will find the key answers here for a relaxed family holiday in Steiermark.
Why Steiermark is ideal for families
Yes. Very much so. Infrastructure, safety, cleanliness and hospitality make Steiermark one of the most family-friendly travel destinations in Europe. Particularly characteristic are short distances, manageable excursion destinations and a high density of family-oriented activities – ideal for a holiday with children.
Yes. Austria is characterised by high safety standards, well-developed infrastructure and excellent medical care. Steiermark is among the regions with the highest density of medical services in Europe.
Absolutely. Many establishments focus on regional produce, organic offerings, gentle mobility and nature education for children – ideal conditions for a sustainable family holiday.
Accommodation for families
- Family hotels
- Holiday apartments and self-catering accommodation
- Farm stays
- Nature park hosts
- Thermal spa hotels with children’s areas
- Camping and glamping
Yes. Many establishments offer kids’ clubs, organised activities, playrooms or outdoor programmes, often tailored to different age groups. Properties specialising in holidays with children are part of FamilienUrlaub Steiermark.
Yes. In Steiermark, there are clearly designated and well-coordinated offers for families with babies and toddlers. Many family hotels provide baby and toddler childcare, dedicated baby play areas, children’s indoor pools and child-friendly rooms equipped with cots, high chairs and changing facilities.
Farm stays and many excursion destinations are also specifically tailored to the needs of young families. For relaxed nature experiences, pushchair-friendly walking routes are particularly suitable.
In winter, children’s ski schools with magic carpets and specially designed beginner courses ensure that even the youngest guests can enjoy their first experiences in the snow in a playful and safe way.
Regions & experiences
Particularly popular are:
- Lakes and gentle natural landscapes (e.g. Ausseerland Salzkammergut, Apfelland-Stubenbergsee in Oststeiermark)
- Guest card regions (e.g. Schladming-Dachstein, Erlebnisregion Murau)
- Nature experiences (nature parks, Gesäuse National Park)
- Thermal spa regions
Many excursion destinations are accessible with a pushchair – particularly themed trails, lakeside promenades, thermal spas and selected nature experiences such as Tierwelt Herberstein, the Wilde Berg Mautern or the Waldpark Hochreiter in the Almenland Nature Park.
Even in bad weather, Steiermark offers numerous excursion destinations for families:
- Nine thermal spas in Steiermark – including H2O Therme, a dedicated family thermal spa
- Castles and fortresses with special guided tours for children
- Show caves and mines such as the Salzwelten Altaussee
- Culinary attractions such as the Zotter Chocolate Experience World
- Indoor swimming pools and indoor play centres
- Numerous museums offering guided tours for children
Benefits & discounts
Regional guest cards make a family holiday in Steiermark particularly straightforward, varied and good value. They combine numerous services and allow families to enjoy more experiences with less planning effort. Many admissions and services – such as mountain lifts, bathing lakes, museums, wildlife parks or leisure attractions – are free of charge or heavily discounted. This results in noticeable savings, especially for families.
A family holiday in Austria – and especially in Steiermark – is possible for every budget, from a farm stay to a premium family hotel. Many establishments offer children’s discounts, free nights for children or special family packages and advantage cards. This is one of the reasons why Steiermark is also the most popular holiday region among Austrians.