What should I pack for a family summer holiday in Austria?

[2003unbearable]

We’ve booked a Kinderhotel in August which is a bit of a departure from our usual typical sun-seeking pool holiday. It looks amazing for the kids (mine will be 3 and 1) and for us too. However one of my favourite things after booking a holiday is planning what clothes to take and I’m a bit stumped on this one as the weather isn’t really predictable in the way sunny holidays are. We’ll probably be doing lots of activities, some hopefully-not-too-demanding hiking, indoor and outdoor swimming, sailing etc…what sort of clothes would you take?! I still want to feel nice and stylish but also be comfortable and weather-appropriate. Anyone with experience of Austrian summers or this type of holiday please help!!

My parents used to holiday in Austria and they took the same as they would have done on the UK

Summer clothes and walking clothes.

Depending on where you are, it can get quite hot. In mountain areas you will usually have a nice breeze but the sun is still powerful and can catch you out in terms of burning. There are also warnings about ticks in the grassed/country areas, some 'Laender' more than others (in Austria you are urged to get vaccinations against Lyme disease), so although not a nice consideration, I recommend being aware of that and covering your lower legs, and children's legs, if you are planning to walk where you have a lot of green space.

I have spent August in Austrian cities and from about 3 pm with the angle of the sun, it gets very hot where you have lots of concrete or chrome, and can feel more heated up than at midday. In Vienna it is usual for theatres and concert halls not to offer programmes through August, although there are some outdoor equivalent shows to be found.

Thanks all! We’re going to Achensee so I understand the weather can be quite changeable (a bit like the UK) - potentially very hot in the day and cold at night, also with the risk of thunderstorms. I’m wondering whether to put my usual idea of ‘holiday clothes’ out of my mind and go for full activewear- but I want my clothes to be nice too!

Light rainproof coat
We holiday in Bavaria often and we find everyone tends to be in casual and understated but good quality clothes. Not a lot of make up or heels or anything like that.
Practicality over high fashion

I was told by a boyfriend (a long time ago now!) - in the context of not looking too English - that 'Not many women wear skirts', and although I wouldn't exactly have ever given him a job on the fashion columns, it was pretty true!

I’ve visited Austria and nearby Bavaria many times. My top recommendations are walking shoes or boots, walking trousers ( I have very good ones from Rohan) and layers including t shirts and lightweight fleeces plus light but warm jackets/anoraks to pack and carry in case. Caps or sun hats and sunglasses. Lightweight backpack. Swim things and sunscreen. Have fun

Yep, I've been to Achensee and I'd definitely say it's activewear, rather than holiday clothes. I think I took Salomon walking trousers, a couple of pairs of shorts (one walking, one denim), technical t-shirts and fleeces, a couple of my favourite band t-shirts and a pair of jeans and some hoodies for if it got cold in the evening, and a down-style jacket and waterproofs. Walking boots and trail trainers.

We live here, and have 2 year old. He just wears normal 2 year old clothes in summer. Ie shorts, T-shirt.

Bring double swim wear as they likely to be in water on and off if hot

Long sleeve kids cotton pjs helps prevent mosquitoe bites

No sandals for kids walking about. There’s too many ticks in grass and woods. So I buy enclosed Velcro type basic summer shoes and trainers.

zip up fleece top and leggings Incase cooler.

Decent kids sun hats. It was 38 here last summer for about 2 months.

Toddler Tula sling. Can use on front or back for either child. Pram unlikely to be useful if off road area. I put Ds in sling on my front if using a chair lift also so he was contained.

Same as UK but they have warmer summers and colder winters

More extreme than a British summer. Can be hot and dry or wet and stormy. Take practical layers, summer clothing and a couple of smart casual evening outfits. High factor suncream and waterproofs, gloves and hat if likely to go up to altitude.