Summer in Austria or Germany

[Orangebadger]

Trying to plan our family holiday for next summer. Having never been to either country, apart from Berlin and 1 ski trip at school! I am getting totally boggled and confused by everything and where would be good to go with the kids.

Initially were looking at northern Austria, area surrounding Salzburg and also The Black Forest or Bavaria in Germany.

Kids will be 7 and 12, more into active things rather than anything cultural but I think they would probably enjoy a German castle.

Has anyone been in the summer, any tips of where to go and where to avoid?

Austria is better if you want mountains.

We’re staying in Austria next summer but also staying in Friedrichshafen for 3 days on the way back.

There seems just so much choice in Austria. Initially looked at the Tyrol, then salzburgerland with the joker card and then the Austrian lakes. All looks stunning, but I can't seem to pinpoint an area to focus on!

What do you want to do? That might narrow down an area.

Following - don’t know enough but suspect both are undiscovered for most Brits.

i went to Altausee once near Salzburg. Lots of very pretty lakeside cabins to stay in

I want somewhere where we can do lots of outdoors stuff with the kids. So Austria ticks a lot of boxes. Initially I was going more with hiking, biking and I saw an awesome high rope course that my kids would love.
But then I saw the lakes in Austria and all the water sports.

Tbh there is so much that ticks a lot of boxes that I can't seem to make my mind up!! Not a problem I normally have.

The Black Forest is amazing. We had one of our best family holidays there. I remember in the run up to going I was questioning why we'd decided on it, but we had a fantastic time. Outdoor swimming pools, cable cars, rodelbaans, cuckoo clocks, barefoot walk and all reasonably priced.

I love the Black Forest.
But of Austria this might help you Alps summer holidays with two young boys! www.mumsnet.com/Talk/holidays/4908845-alps-summer-holidays-with-two-young-boys?msgid=139159230#139159230

My first thought was also the Black Forest. The scenery is beautiful and I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding plenty of outdoor activities.But there are of course lots of lovely places in both countries. I think Germany is a vastly underestimated holiday destination and people tend to overlook Austria as a Summer holiday option too but they're both fabulous places to visit. I'm sure you'll have a great time whichever area you choose.

Austria, Seefeld is ace with a couple of nights in Munich talked on.

Zell am See/Kaprun, or Saalbach-Hinterglemm have everything that you've asked for. Both have guest card schemes (Joker Card in Saalbach, Sommercard in Zell) that give free access to the cable cars, local buses and some other activities (e.g. the outdoor pool complex in Saalbach) for guests staying in registered accommodation - which can be a hotel, B&B ("Pension" in Austria) or a self-catering apartment. Make sure that the accommodation you book offers these cards (they're free) - for a family of four they represent a saving of over €300 a week compared with the price of buying individual rides on the cable cars, entrance to activities etc.

Public transport is cheap, clean and reliable in Austria - and there is currently a proposal to make trains and buses free for tourists in the summer in the State of Salzburg. Fly a budget airline to/from Munich or Salzburg and then use public transport (remember to ask for discounted family tickets if travelling together).

If the kids are keen on activities then Saalbach-Hinterglemm is ideal. It is one of the major hiking and mountain biking centres in Austria and there is a huge Go-Ape style park at the end of the Saalbach valley, as well as zip wires, white water rafting at nearby Lofer, paragliding and climbing - but also lots of gentler walks and hikes for quieter days. And cafes that sell cake - in the village and on the mountain. Zell am See is 20 minutes away if you want to swim in the lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Kitzsteinhorn is another 15 minutes further, where there is a summer snow park on the glacier and more stunning views.

Check out Hochschwarzwald card accommodation. It’s great. You get so many free activities: paddle boarding, suspension bridge, e biking, cable cars, boat trips, all sorts. It’s a cheap high quality holiday destination and food and drink is very reasonable. The weather is more predictable than Austria as it’s not high alpine.

Totally agree re Saalbach and/or Zell, so much to offer in the area and usually fab weather in the summer