Family holidays in the Thermen- & Vulkanland region in Styria

Time for shared experiences

Are you looking for a destination for your next family holiday that truly has something for everyone? A place where the kids experience adventures, while you can also take a moment to breathe and relax? Look no further than the Thermen- & Vulkanland region!

In the south-east of Styria, family-friendly thermal spas, exciting nature experiences, culinary delights and much more await families who love to explore. Distances are short, the choice is wide – and the fun factor is huge.

Whether you travel with young children, with school kids or together with the grandparents: The Thermen- & Vulkanland region offers exactly the mix of nature, activity and enjoyment that brings families together.

On this page, you will find:

family-friendly thermal spas in Styria
selected excursion destinations for kids
child-friendly cycling and hiking ideas
tips for rainy days
accommodation options for holidays with children

Highlights for your family getaway in South-Eastern Styria

Styrassic Park Bad Gleichenberg

Geier Adventure Park

Castle Riegersburg

Erlebniswelt Fürstenfeld

Zotter chocolate

Useful information for your family holidayhildren

Which attractions and offers in the region are particularly suitable for families? We have compiled the most important information to help you plan your holiday in Styria.

The region is generally very family-friendly. Places close to the thermal spas are especially popular, such as Bad Waltersdorf, Bad Loipersdorf or Bad Radkersburg. Around Riegersburg, Fürstenfeld and Bad Gleichenberg, you will also find many excursion destinations for children as well as suitable accommodation.

Because everything that makes a family holiday special is close at hand. Family-friendly thermal spas, castles and playgrounds offer plenty of variety without long journeys. The gentle rolling hills also mean there are very few steep climbs, making the landscape ideal for families with younger children.

From children’s tours at Riegersburg Castle to the Edible Zoo at Zotter Experience World, there is a wide range of excursion destinations for children in Styria. Workshops and hands-on experiences, such as alpaca trekking or archery, add even more variety.

Absolutely! Whether spring, summer, autumn or winter, the Thermen- & Vulkanland region offers thrilling experiences for your family holiday in Styria throughout the year.

In spring, blooming hills invite you to enjoy the year’s first hikes and child-friendly cycling tours.
In summer, the region’s public pools and family cycling routes provide plenty of options for outdoor activities.
Autumn brings lively festivities and many opportunities to discover regional traditions together.
In winter, crisp air and warm thermal spas make for wonderfully relaxing holidays

Water, warmth, wow: spa holidays with children

Slides, splashes and plenty of laughter – with relaxing moments in between. In the Thermen- & Vulkanland region, a spa holiday with children is a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Several thermal spas in Styria are specially designed with families in mind.

H2O-Hotel-Therme-Resort Bad Waltersdorf: Wave pools, slides and dedicated children’s areas provide plenty of action, while the grown-ups can relax in the warm thermal water. Thanks to the connected family hotel, everything is conveniently close by.
Thermenresort Loipersdorf: Plenty of space, varied pools and a large adventure area make Thermenresort Loipersdorf especially appealing for families with school-age children. While the kids are having a good time with Granny and Grandpa at the Fun Park, Mum and Dad can find quiet spots to unwind at the Schaffelbad.
Parktherme Bad Radkersburg: Spacious outdoor areas, sports pools and a lively summer programme create lots of opportunities for activity and variety. At the same time, there is ample space for relaxing moments in the warm water.

Excursion tips for curious kids: castles, dinosaurs and plenty of chocolate

Conquer castles, encounter animals up close or simply try something new: In the Thermen- & Vulkanland region, a wide range of excursion destinations awaits.

Riegersburg Castle: Guided tours for children, a treasure hunt and a birds of prey show bring history to life, while the Naturbursch climbing trail and the Flying Fox into the valley add a touch of adventure.
Zotter Experience World: Chocolate meets nature: First, taste your way through the world of chocolate, then discover animals at the Edible Zoo. Relaxed, spacious and perfect for families!
Styrassic Park: Life-sized dinosaurs, interactive stations and plenty of space to move around make Styrassic Park a hit with little explorers and ensure fun-filled hours outdoors.
Vulcano World of Ham: In the stables, children can feed the piglets, experience farming and gain fascinating insights into regional specialities.
Fürstenfeld Experience World: Along the experience world trail, at the motor skills park and on the Sagenpfad (“legends trail”), there is plenty to explore. The public pool, featuring an XL wooden marble run tower and a spacious play area, also offers many family-friendly summer highlights.
Franziskus animal adventure farm: More than 30 animal species, a petting zoo and a cosy farm café make the animal adventure farm in Unterlamm a relaxing destination for families. Young animal lovers will be in their element watching and petting the animals.

Castle Riegersburg

Zotter chocolate

Styrassic Park Bad Gleichenberg

‘Vulcano’ world of ham

Erlebniswelt Fürstenfeld

Activities and highlights – from animals to adventure

There is never a dull moment in the Thermen- & Vulkanland region. Sometimes it is all about exploring nature, sometimes about diving straight into adventure, and often both are only a few minutes apart.

Alpaca walks: Pet the fluffy companions and stroll through the landscape together. A wonderfully relaxing experience that especially delights young animal lovers.
Archery: Aim, release, hit the target! Older kids can test their skills while their parents cheer them on – an active family experience with plenty of fun.
Workshops & children’s programmes:
- The Biedermeier Festival features a lovingly curated children’s programme that brings history to life.
- Rafting on the River Mur, as well as climbing opportunities around Riegersburg Castle or at Styrassic Park offer action and movement.
- At Maluhof or during herbal workshops with the Wilde Schwestern, children discover animals, plants and regional traditions.
- Town rallies in Fürstenfeld and Bad Radkersburg turn historic streets and squares into exciting spaces for exploration.
Other highlights: Don’t miss the region’s …
- intergenerational playgrounds,
- public pools,
- adventure parks and
  town rallies as well as child-friendly city strolls!

Cycling and hiking with children: relaxed explorations

Hop on your bike and head out into nature! The Thermen- & Vulkanland region is perfect for cycling with children. Instead of busy roads and steep climbs, active families can enjoy relaxed cycling routes in south-eastern Styria.

Family-friendly cycle paths lead through vineyards, along the River Mur or past small villages. Breaks at playgrounds, an ice cream along the way or a short detour to a swimming lake make each tour varied and enjoyable. Hiking with children also reveals the region’s gentle side. After all, in the Thermen- & Vulkanland region, spending quality time together is always at the heart of the experience.

Hiking with children also reveals the region’s gentle side. After all, in the Thermen- & Vulkanland region, spending quality time together is always at the heart of the experience.

The motor skills path in Bad Loipersdorf combines movement with playful activity stations.
The nature and cultural experience trail “Zukunft spazierendenken” in Bad Blumau invites visitors to try the interactive elements.
The historic circular trail in Riegersburg offers a shorter route that is also suitable for pushchairs.
The child-friendly city walk in Feldbach runs through the town centre on a short route, offering plenty of movement, fun and small discoveries along the way.

More family-friendly hiking trails

When the sun takes a break: indoor adventures in the region

Rain clouds in the sky? No problem. Even in wet weather, your family holiday in the Thermen- & Vulkanland region stays varied thanks to many indoor alternatives.

Climbing halls at JUFA Gnas and Fürstenfeld: At these two youth guesthouses, climbing halls take the action to new heights. Different routes provide challenges for older children and teenagers – ideal for burning off energy.
Kiddyland indoor playground: Slides, climbing elements and lots of space to run around make for plenty of action for younger children. An easy and popular meeting point for families with little ones.
Indoor playground at JUFA Fürstenfeld: Fun and games in a protected environment. Tip: Many JUFA hotels offer brunch for external guests. While the adults relax and enjoy the meal, children can romp around the indoor play area.
Fürstenfeld city library & media library: A quieter but equally engaging option. Regular events such as “Bücherzwerge” and children’s programmes turn reading and listening into a fun experience.

Sleep, play, relax: accommodation for families

Short distances, plenty of space and offers for different age groups: Many accommodation options in the Thermen- & Vulkanland region specialise in family holidays.

JUFA hotels in Gnas, Tieschen, Bad Radkersburg and Fürstenfeld: Play areas, spacious rooms and a wide range of leisure activities make the JUFA hotels popular choices for active families.
H2O-Hotel-Therme-Resort Bad Waltersdorf: Directly connected to the H2O Therme thermal spa, the resort is perfect for a spa holiday where you can walk from your room to the pool area in your bathrobe.
Thermenhotel Das Sonnreich: A playroom, gaming room and family-friendly facilities ensure there is plenty to do even outside the spa.
Thermenhotel Vier Jahreszeiten: A playroom right inside the restaurant and a dedicated area for older children create space for parents to relax while younger guests stay entertained.
Tree hotel at Styrassic Park: Sleeping among the treetops and dinosaurs is an experience that makes a family holiday in Styria truly unforgettable.
Farm holidays (“Urlaub am Bauernhof”): Animal encounters, plenty of nature and authentic rural life take centre stage at Landhaus Bender in Straden, Unger in Gnas and Kürbishof Gartner in Fehring.

Culinary delights with a playground bonus

A family holiday in the Thermen- & Vulkanland region tastes like more – more regional specialities, more endless summer nights spent outside and more relaxed family moments. Many wine taverns (“Buschenschänken”), restaurants and cafés are geared towards families. A playground nearby, a meadow to run around in or simply plenty of space can make all the difference. The importance placed on family-friendly dining is also reflected in the region’s child- and family-friendly restaurants recognised by the province of Styria.

For example, Lindenhof in Bad Radkersburg combines regional cuisine with a cosy atmosphere. At Maluhof in Bad Waltersdorf, farm experiences meet culinary enjoyment. And during the Knight’s Dinner at Kornberg Castle, a restaurant visit becomes a small adventure in itself. Pechmann’s old oil mill in Ratschendorf is another wonderful addition to the list of family-friendly culinary stops. In the rustic tavern, you can enjoy regional specialities while your little ones marvel at camels, emus and pot-bellied pigs.

The result is exactly the combination families appreciate: great food for the adults, freedom to move for the children, and plenty of quality time spent together.