Family Holidays: Salzburgerland Family Holidays
Take the Family holiday rating 
Why
Because the ‘hills are alive with the sound of music’ or so Julie Andrews told us anyway. The capital Salzburg is of course also synonymous with Mozart. Salzburgerland runs along the spectacular peaks of the Hohe Tauern mountains and is full of mineral springs, waterfalls and underground caves, a fantastic retreat for the active family.
- Top left: Eisriesenwelt Caves
- Top right: A mountain Inn
- Bottom left: Krimml Waterfall
- Bottom right: Snowboarders and skiers in Salzburgerland
When
Like all the Austrian regions it is both a great winter and summer holiday destination.
How
Salzburg is serviced by most of the low cost airlines with flights from many regional airports. Flybe goes from Birmingham, Exeter and Southampton, Thomson Fly from Sheffield, Coventry, Gatwick and Manchester, Ryan Air from Leeds, East Midlands, Liverpool, and Stansted. Salzerburgland can also be accessed from Munich.
Stay
There are 26 family hotels in Salzburgerland and the whole focus is placed around the children. 6 of these are Kinderhotels which all offer free childcare with qualified nannies for up to 60 hours per week for children of all ages and some taking babies from 7 days old.
Do
Skiing and wintesports
There are 23 excellent ski areas with 1700km of ski runs from superbly groomed family pistes to carving runs, deep snow slopes and mogul runs.
Summer pursuits
Fantastic hiking, rambling, cycling and mountain biking plus taking a dip in one of the 13 bathing lakes.
Eisriesenwelt Caves
Reportedly the largest caves on earth, with many weird and wonderful ice formations. The caves open from May to October each year.
Krimml Waterfall
Not only the highest in Europe, their masses of glacial water provide a spectacular scene also, as they fall over 3 cascades down the mountainside. A fantastic natural site, but quite a trek, and a slippy trail, so be warned if you have little ones.
Eat
It’s not just schnitzels (sliced veal in breadcrumbs) and apple strudel, Salzburg is full of organic farming land and organic food is practically a way of life, so look out for lovely fresh vegetables meats and cheeses. In the mountains innkeepers will serve delicious cheese products, refreshing buttermilk or curd cheese accompanied by home made bread and bacon. For the adults, a shot of gentian schnapps is worth a try and the youngsters will love sipping on a glass of fresh, healthy milk from cows that graze up on the high pastures.
Travel reading
by Mark Honan
Buy from Amazon.co.uk
A comprehensive guide to Austria, useful for trips in both the winter and summer.
