Austria summer holiday

[SParr87]

Hi I’m planning a trip for my 40th birthday and as lovers of the outdoors usually enjoying the Peak District at a weekend I thought Austria could be a great choice. When we travel we will have a 7 year old and a 3 and a half year old and are looking to fly out on the 30/31st May. I’ve been trying to research location with sellfeld zell am see and saalbach all looking like contenders and I wonder if anyone has experience of the regions with similar aged children? I’ve read there’s a good lake in ZAS (although I expect not warm enough to swim in at that time of year) but saalbach sounds like there’s more to do because of the many lifts. One thing I thought was quite important was that I read ZAS will be a lot warmer. Could anyone help?

I have skied in Saalbach and have also stayed in Maishofen (north of the lake) in the summer.

Saalbach and Zell are not far apart. When we stayed in Maishofen, we went to both Zell and Saalbach.

Saalbach has much more of an 'in the mountains' feel whereas Zell is very much a town at the foot of the mountains and next to a lake.

What surprised me about Zell in the summer was the large number of Middle Eastern tourists. All quite surreal as it was not what I was expecting! https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2015/jul/20/zell-am-see-austrian-village-muslim-holiday-hotspot-in-pictures

Our children are older but we enjoyed the high ropes at Hinterglemm and riding eMTBs around Saalbach. We also enjoyed paddleboarding and swimming in the lake - there are a few lake spots with diving platforms etc. (We were there in August).

With children that age maybe a kinderhotel would suit. Tons of included activities for the kids, plus usually public transport and lift passes. The included food is excellent, not like an AI. Also includes full childcare too so you can enjoy a break in the spa or an evening drink knowing the kids are having a ball. Some of the kinderhotels even have expensive activities like horse riding lessons included. Personally I'd prefer Saalbach. ZAS is too touristy. Achensee is lovely if you specifically want a lake. Usually the price works out okay if you get a good deal, considering everything is included.

Thank you so much for your responses so much useful stuff for me to consider!

We went to ZAS with twins when they were 3 and had a great time!

I remember we hired bikes with toddler seats and cycled around the lake, it was lovely.

We stayed in Kaprun in a chalet hotel with Esprit Holidays which was a child focused ski company which also did summer holidays, but I’m not sure if they are still trading.

Saalbach was brilliant for us with similar aged kids. You get a lift pass included in the tourist tax and every single lift has something fun for kids. Loads of kid friendly hikes, playgrounds etc. I'd highly recommend! We've also enjoyed similar holidays in Skiwelt (Ellmau) and Serfaus.

Where do you all fly to, please?

How would you compare Saalbach and Skiwelt? Did you prefer one over the other? I've been looking at Skiwelt (Ellmau or Scheffau) in part because it's a bit easier for us to fly into Munich. It looks great but I don't know anyone IRL who has been there in the summer! Kids are 7 and 10.

For Saalbach or Zell am See the closest airport is Salzburg, which is only 80km or just over an hour away by car. From Munich it is a 3 hour train ride, and about the same by car.

Public transport, i.e. trains and buses, is free for tourists throughout Salzburgerland. The hotels or apartment owners provide their guests with the Salzburgerland Guest Mobility Card, which is valid from the arrival day until and including the departure day, so it can be used for the journeys between the airport and resorts. Guests receive the Card by email or app if they pre-register with their accommodation.

Both resorts offer their own summer tourist cards which give free access to the local cable cars, buses, outdoor pools, museums etc. In Saalbach this is the Joker Card, and for a family of 4 we calculated that it was worth about €400 compared with what we would have paid had we had to pay for the cable cars and other attractions.

Really enjoyed both. Skiwelt was really well connected by bus. There's a big swimming pool, lots of kid friendly mountain stuff up the lifts, the Wilder Kaiser is a stunning view and plenty of longer hikes too. The swim lake in "Going" is the most beautiful place to swim if you're there in summer!

Thank you, appreciate your reply! Sounds wonderful.