Travel Story: Salzburger Pinzgau for families

Arrive and Feel at Home

Two weeks before our arrival, we are already browsing through the travel documents that Eurohike has sent us by email, and we are full of excitement for the hiking days ahead. At our first accommodation, the family run Hotel am Reiterkogel in Hinterglemm, we receive a warm welcome from our hosts and immediately feel at home.

After a delicious breakfast, we are ready for our first hike in the valley head of Saalbach Hinterglemm. Due to the weather conditions, we decide to follow the shorter hiking route suggested in the route book, which leads directly to the Lindlingalm. Along the way, we pass grazing Pinzgau cows and Haflinger horses peacefully feeding along the banks of the gently flowing Saalbach stream. It is such an idyllic scene that we happily stop for a while to take it all in. My horse loving girls are absolutely thrilled when, at the end of the trail, we are welcomed by two adorable little ponies that happily enjoy all the attention and cuddles.

Father with two daughters watching cows by a mountain stream in Saalbach-Hinterglemm. Green alpine meadows and forest in background.

Adventure Hiking instead of Boredom

Right from the first day, it becomes clear that hiking here is anything but boring. Quite the opposite, the children are excited from the very beginning. At the end of the valley trail, we reach our first highlight: the Glemmtaler Baumzipfelweg treetop trail. The adventure starts in spectacular fashion with the “Golden Gate Bridge of the Alps”, a suspension bridge stretching 42 metres above the valley and offering a breathtaking view.

High above the ground, we walk through the treetops at heights of up to 30 metres along wooden walkways, stairs, towers, platforms, and suspension bridges. Along the way, we discover lovingly designed educational and interactive play stations. The children happily follow the little dwarf Wipfelzipfel, solve challenges, and learn fascinating facts about the forest along the way.

We continue the fun at the motor skills park, where climbing and balancing are the main attractions, and at the Teufelswasser water playground located right next to the Lindlingalm. Afterwards, we enjoy a traditional Brettljause with local specialties and a fluffy Kaiserschmarrn, which tastes especially delicious after an active day outdoors.

In the evening, we visit the Hinterglemmer Gasslfest in the village centre. With traditional music, folk dances, craft stalls, and regional delicacies, it is the perfect way to end our first day. Tired but happy, we return to our cosy beds at the hotel.

Hikers crossing a suspension bridge with orange towers on the Baumzipfelweg in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, surrounded by green alpine meadows and forests.

Two girls playing an interactive memory game on a wooden treetop walkway in Saalbach-Hinterglemm. Green panels with white symbols mounted on display.

Aerial view of Baumzipfelweg adventure park in Saalbach-Hinterglemm with long slides, a stream, and alpine chalets in a green mountain valley.

Two girls balancing on a colorful rotating play platform on an elevated treetop walkway in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Pinzgau.

Traditional wooden alpine hut Lindlingalm with flower boxes and pink wildflowers in foreground. Stone path leads to terrace with guests.

Wooden platter with cold cuts, cheese, pickles, onions, tomatoes, and bread basket on rustic table at Lindlingalm in Saalbach-Hinterglemm.

Conquering the Mountain through Play

The Montelino Adventure Trail above Saalbach Hinterglemm is another highlight and a great success with the children. As with all other mountain rides during our hiking trip, we receive free tickets for the cable car and a game pass at the valley station thanks to our guest card. From the Kohlmais summit, we walk gently downhill towards the middle station, passing exciting play areas along the way. There are stations such as a giant snake, a spider web with target throwing, a squirrel nest with a golden nut, and a giant slide. The mission is to help clown Montelino find his lost toys and friends so that he can regain his smile. The children solve puzzles, collect stamps, and are fully immersed in the adventure. Meanwhile, we enjoy the impressive mountain views and the fact that hiking becomes a fun experience without the children even noticing how far they are walking.

Two girls reading a map at Montelino's adventure trail starting station in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, with a colorful cartoon cutout and families in background.

Colorful circus-themed entrance gate with clown figure and 'ZIRKUS' sign. Two children with backpacks stand before it on a mountain trail.

Child on wooden platform at Montelino's water play area in Saalbach-Hinterglemm with mountain views and stepping stones in shallow water.

Hiker with blue backpack sitting on grassy hillside overlooking mountain panorama. Conifer trees frame the view of distant peaks under cloudy sky.

Traditional Alpine farmhouse with wooden balcony and white chapel tower, playground, and historic bread oven labeled 'Brotofen' on green meadow.

Little Heroes on the Dragon Trail

After our first alpine adventure, we continue to Zell am See, more precisely to Hotel Latini in Schüttdorf. As soon as we arrive, we notice that family friendliness is just as important here. The location is ideal, as the AreitXpress cable car station is only a few steps away and takes us straight to our next adventure the following morning. At the top of the mountain, Schmidolin’s Fire Trial awaits us. This themed circular trail features 19 lovingly designed adventure stations. Equipped with an adventure pass, the children help the little dragon Schmidolin grow up by completing courage tests, tricky puzzles, and exciting challenges. A small reward awaits them at the end. Climbing skills and coordination are needed, and we adults have just as much fun as the children. We walk across glowing coals, enter the “Fire Wheel”, and even dare to explore the dragon cave and the dragon tower. The creative stations spark the children’s imagination and motivate them to continue from one adventure to the next.

The trail is varied, well signposted, and perfectly designed for families. There are even two shorter versions available for younger children. For us, it is clear that we want to complete all 19 stations. After around two hours, we know it was absolutely worth it. After a refreshing break with apple strudel, we continue our hike to the Plettsaukopf reservoir, where we enjoy fantastic views. Afterwards, we take the CityXpress cable car back down to the centre of Zell am See. With an ice cream in hand, we stroll along the lakeside promenade and watch the Zell am See Magic Lake Show, where fountains appear to dance across the water in rhythm with the music. We enjoy the evening atmosphere of this charming town before taking the train back to Schüttdorf. Thanks to our guest card, we can use public transport free of charge, and the journey back to our hotel is quick and easy.

Summit Bliss with Panoramic Views

On our final hiking day, we head high into the mountains once again, this time to the Schmittenhöhe, Zell am See’s local mountain. The Höhenpromenade ridge trail offers a spectacular panorama of more than 30 peaks over 3,000 metres high, making it a true highlight of our trip. Along the way, the children search for the beautifully carved animal figures hidden beside the trail and eagerly complete their puzzle passport.

At the end of the Höhenpromenade, the Sonnkogel Restaurant awaits with the perfect favourite spot for the whole family. For me, it is the comfortable sun lounger with a breathtaking view towards the Kitzsteinhorn, the Große Wiesbachhorn, and the Großglockner. This is the ideal place to relax with a refreshing drink and enjoy the mountain scenery. My personal tip is the homemade wild herb lemonade. Meanwhile, the children can let off steam at the adventure playground. Nature, enjoyment, and fun for everyone make this the perfect family spot.

Two girls reading an information board on Schmittenhöhe, overlooking alpine peaks and green mountain slopes in Pinzgau.

The Mystical Forest: Experiencing Nature with all the senses

Afterwards, we head directly into the Mystical Forest just below the restaurant. This short but impressive themed trail with legendary story stations leads gently downhill towards the Schmidhofalm. A sense of calm immediately surrounds us. The children are fascinated by the stories, while we enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the forest. We build little stone towers, watch the busy ants along the trail, listen to the birds singing, and discover the “sounds of the forest spirits” while breathing in the fresh scent of the trees.

After exploring the Mystical Forest, we continue downhill for a few more metres of altitude until we reach the Sonnenalmbahn mountain station. From there, we take the cable car back down into the valley, ending another unforgettable day in the mountains.

Young girl crouching on rocks beside a mountain stream, reaching toward the water. A wooden shelter is visible in the background among trees.

Farewell with a lake breeze & arrival at the country hotel

The perfect finale to our adventure comes today, on our final hiking day, with a boat trip across Lake Zell. The children let their legs dangle over the side, and we enjoy the gentle rocking of the boat. From the water, the mountains appear even more impressive. With a sense of awe and pride, the children look up at “their mountain” and are amazed by the distance they have conquered themselves.

In the late afternoon, we arrive at our final accommodation: Landhotel Schloss Kammer in Maishofen. The children immediately explore the spacious grounds along the old castle wall of the historic hereditary estate, pet the rabbits, and play with the red-and-white tabby castle cat, who happily joins them with a contented purr. A dip in the wonderfully refreshing natural swimming pond is exactly what we need to relax after our hike. In the cosy garden restaurant, we are treated to Pinzgau-style Kasnocken and ice cream with ham, while reflecting on the unforgettable moments of the past few days. It is a truly fitting and relaxing end to an eventful holiday.

White castle building with green shutters and tower in Pinzgau. Garden terrace with tables and umbrellas on manicured lawn, mountains in background.

Natural swimming pond with wooden dock in foreground, Schloss Kammer castle with round tower on hillside, surrounded by forest in Pinzgau.

Two children with blonde hair watching an orange cat resting on stone steps in front of a wooden door at Schloss Kammer in Pinzgau.

Traditional alpine building with wooden balcony decorated with red geraniums and heart ornaments in Schloss Kammer courtyard, Pinzgau.

Black pan with Käsespätzle topped with crispy onions and herbs on a wooden board. Beer glass and salad plates visible on a green tablecloth.

Alpine panorama in Saalbach-Hinterglemm with rocky mountain peaks, forested hills, green meadows, and evergreen trees in the foreground.

My Conclusion:

An absolute family paradise!

Our family hiking holiday in the Salzburg mountains is more than just a vacation – it is a break from everyday life filled with adventure, discovery, and shared experiences. Thanks to thoughtfully designed adventure trails, child-friendly facilities, and welcoming accommodations such as Hotel am Reiterkogel, Hotel Latini, and Landhotel Schloss Kammer, we feel completely at home.

Whether it’s playful hiking, encounters with animals, fun in the water, or simply relaxing while enjoying breathtaking views – the Pinzgau region has thought of everything. For families looking for outdoor activities, nature, and quality time together, this area is a true gem. We leave with happy children, wonderful memories, and the wish to return one day.

My favourite place:

At the end of the Höhenpromenade on the Schmittenhöhe, the Sonnkogel Restaurant offers the perfect favourite spot for the whole family. For me, it was the sun lounger with its magnificent panoramic view towards the Kitzsteinhorn, Großes Wiesbachhorn, and Großglockner. This is the perfect place to enjoy the mountain scenery with a refreshing drink (my tip: homemade wild herb lemonade), while the children can let off steam at the adventure playground. Nature, indulgence, and fun – the perfect favourite place for the whole family!

Person on red bench overlooking alpine meadow with blue backpack, pine trees, and snow-capped mountains in Pinzgau region.