The highest mountain range in Europe, stretching across the territory of several countries, is a great place for a family vacation. Discover the most interesting attractions of the Alps in summer with kids.
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The massive mountains that dominate half of Europe total 1,200 km and stretch from the Mediterranean coast to Vienna, passing through Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Liechtenstein, Slovenia, and Austria. There are 82 peaks in the Alps, the height of which exceeds 4000 m above sea level. They are also known for their scenic passes, beautiful lakes and waterfalls, and valleys, which often self-contained enclaves with their culture.
In the Alps in summer, you will find everything a family needs – extremely diverse mountain trails, from almost flat to truly extreme, excellent infrastructure with lots of lifts and cable cars, and many extraordinary attractions. You can feel the unusual atmosphere in small mountain towns, where time passes more slowly, and you will enjoy much entertainment in larger cities.
Tyrol (Austria)
Tyrol is a truly alpine region in Austria, known worldwide for its distinctive folk costumes and original music (yodeling). However, the biggest attraction here is the mountains, which offer the possibility of family hiking and admiring the beautiful landscape. Up to 25,000 km of hiking trails are in Tyrol, both high-altitude and suitable for trips with children.
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Tyrol Alps in summer with kids
Numerous alpine lakes, such as the Achensee, can be visited during mountain hikes, where a steamer sails. The Tyrolean waterfalls also look great, the largest of which is the Stuibenfall in the Ötztal Valley. However, there are many more water attractions – the water amusement parks Murmliwasser in Serfaus and Hexenwasser in Hochsöll, numerous mountain rapids where rafting is organized, as well as Area 47 in the Ötztal valley – Austria’s largest recreation complex with pools, slides, and other attractions.
Being in Tyrol, it is worth using the numerous cable cars that provide amazing views. The most famous are the Nordkettenbahn in Innsbruck and the Gletscher Express, which enters the Pitztal Glacier up to 3,440 m above sea level. A no less beautiful panorama can be seen from the observation platform Top of Tyrol on the Stubai Glacier and from the longest suspension bridge in the world, Highline 179, in Ehrenberg. This bridge can cross from Fort Claudius to Ehrenberg Castle, where knightly shows and tournaments are held.
Other famous castles in Tyrol include the Hofburg and Ambras castles in Innsbruck and the Kufstein fortress (also home to the world’s largest pipe organ). Children will also enjoy visiting Ötzi’s Village, where they can learn more about the first people to inhabit the area 3,000 years ago, and Swarovski Crystal World in Wattens, the world jewelry magnate’s factory.
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Dolomites (Italy)
This extremely popular Italian tourist region is adjacent to the Austrian Tyrol and historically forms one unit. Located in the Eastern Alps, it also offers many scenic mountain trails. On the border with Lombardy lies Italy’s largest national park – the Stelvio, famous for its picturesque valleys. Cities such as Trento (the region’s capital) and Bolzano are worth visiting to explore the interesting medieval old towns and the charming, intimate Torbole. Lake Lago di Garda is also a big attraction, the northern part of which lies within the borders of Trentino. Many resorts on the lake, such as Riva del Garda, are famous for their good conditions for water sports.
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Zermatt (Switzerland)
Another suggestion for a family holiday in the Alps is the Swiss town of Zermatt, located at the foot of the majestic Matterhorn. This is one of the most famous and, simultaneously, the most inaccessible peaks in the Alps, but we don’t have to climb it immediately with children. Especially since the cable car goes up to the Klein Matterhorn at an altitude of 3,883 m, it is the highest railway station in Europe. From here, you can admire the wonderful panorama of the Alps – the Matterhorn and, with good visibility, Mont Blanc.
The Matterhorn even has its own museum in Zermatt—Zermatlantis—that presents the history of the mountain’s conquerors. Among the area’s biggest attractions is the Glacier Express, which travels all the way to St. Moritz, passing spectacular tunnels and bridges that guarantee great views. An interesting fact is that only electric cars can move around Zermatt.
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Bavarian Alps (Germany)
It is a relatively low mountain range for the Alps, but you can still count on exciting mountain routes here. Despite its relatively low altitude (2962 m above sea level), the highest peak- Zugspitze- is not so easy to climb. Fortunately, you can ride the cable car and the cogwheel at the starting station in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a well-known Bavarian resort. The cable car’s route goes through a tunnel carved in the rock – it’s a really interesting experience. At the top of the Zugspitze, you can also visit the shelter and the weather station – both buildings are over 100 years old.
During your holiday in the Bavarian Alps, you must visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen, home to the famous Große Olympiaschanze, where the 4 Bridge Tournament competitions take place, Neuschwanstein Castle and a little further Munich with its many attractions.
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