The Austrian Alps are one of those destinations that are literally just around the corner for us. Yet every time we visit, they manage to surprise us with something new. Over the course of several days, we explored different parts of the Salzburg region and visited places that we would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looking for an exceptional mountain holiday.
The aim of our trip was not simply to discover new hotels. We wanted to experience the atmosphere of each destination and find out what truly sets them apart. Personal experience is essential to us when recommending destinations.
During the trip, we discovered family resorts where both children and parents can enjoy their holiday, a historic castle beside a turquoise lake, private chalets overlooking the Alps, as well as Bad Gastein, which offers ideal conditions for hiking and e-bike rides. Here is our selection of the places that impressed us the most.
Where children discover the world
The resorts we visited during our journey all have one thing in common. Children can look forward to days filled with activity, time spent in nature and new adventures. Horse stables, animal farms, trampolines, climbing walls and a variety of other outdoor activities create an environment where every day brings something new.
We were also impressed by how naturally all these activities are integrated into everyday life at the resorts. They do not feel like additional attractions, but rather like an integral part of the experience, where children can spend most of the day outdoors while parents finally enjoy a moment to relax.
Familien Naturresort Moar Gut
Our first stop was Familien Naturresort Moar Gut in the Großarl Valley. From the moment you arrive, it is clear that the entire resort has been designed primarily with families in mind. Children can enjoy horses, the resort’s own farm, the opportunity to adopt an animal during their stay, climbing walls and a wide range of outdoor activities.
We loved that the property does not feel like a traditional hotel with a children’s corner, but rather like a place where adventure awaits around every corner.
Naturhotel Forsthofgut
Our next stop was Naturhotel Forsthofgut in Leogang. The resort impressed us with the way it naturally combines a family holiday with high-quality wellness. In summer, it offers excellent opportunities for swimming and exploring the surrounding countryside, while in winter it transforms into a ski-in & ski-out resort.
Another thoughtful detail is the space designed for parents, where they can relax or enjoy a coffee while their children spend time with the horses or take part in other activities.
Naturresort Puradies
Naturresort Puradies offers both hotel rooms and private chalets, allowing every guest to choose the style of accommodation that suits them best.
A small animal farm, a children’s paddling pool and its location in the heart of Leogang make it an ideal base for families who want to explore the surrounding mountains during their stay. And if you prefer greater privacy, the chalets offer plenty of space and a more peaceful atmosphere.
Summer by a turquoise lake
Most people associate Austria primarily with mountains, but during our journey we discovered a place that captivated us with a completely different atmosphere. Lake Fuschlsee is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Salzburg region. Crystal-clear water, surrounding forests and a peaceful Alpine landscape create an environment that invites you to slow down. It is here that history meets contemporary comfort.
Compared with Austria’s better-known lakes, Fuschlsee feels more intimate. Its shores are lined with forests, the water is beautifully clear, and the entire area offers ideal conditions for walking, swimming or simply relaxing with views of the surrounding Alpine peaks.
Rosewood Schloss Fuschl
The historic castle on the lakeshore has undergone a sensitive renovation that preserved its original character while giving it a new lease of life. Today, it offers a unique combination of historic castle ambience and modern design. What impressed us most was the contrast between the different interiors. While the lobby feels modern and airy, some parts of the castle have retained their original hunting-lodge character, giving the entire property a truly distinctive atmosphere.
All rooms overlook Lake Fuschlsee, and the property is also home to a museum dedicated to Empress Sisi. Directly on the lakeshore, you will find the stylish See Club, which is also open to non-resident guests. If you are spending your summer days in the area, we definitely recommend stopping by.
Private chalets in the heart of the Alps
The Austrian Alps are not only about large hotel resorts. During our journey, we also visited a place that impressed us with a completely different approach. Instead of the bustle of hotel lobbies, you will find private chalets scattered across a mountain slope, views over the Leogang Valley and a sense of tranquillity.
Places like this are perfect for those who want to enjoy their holiday at their own pace. Wake up in the morning to mountain views, head out for a hike during the day or simply relax on the terrace, and in the evening enjoy a level of peace and quiet that is hard to find in the city.
Priesteregg Premium Eco Chalets
Priesteregg Premium Eco Chalets form a private mountain village overlooking the Leogang Valley. From the moment you arrive, it is clear that the surrounding nature is an integral part of the entire resort. Each chalet offers plenty of privacy without sacrificing views of the surrounding Alpine peaks.
In summer, life revolves around the natural swimming pond and the infinity pool with panoramic mountain views. It is the kind of place where it is easy to slow down and let the surrounding landscape set the pace of the day.
The resort is also an excellent choice during the winter months. Thanks to its private shuttle, guests can easily reach the ski slopes and then return to the tranquillity of the mountain landscape.
Alpine trails and panoramic views
Bad Gastein impressed us with a completely different character from the previous destinations on our journey. This historic spa town surrounded by mountains is an ideal starting point for anyone who wants to spend their time actively. Whether you set out on a hike or explore the area by e-bike, the surrounding landscape offers dozens of routes with panoramic views.
During our visit, we explored some of the local trails and also stopped at mountain huts located at around 1,500 metres above sea level. It was here that we discovered one of those details that perfectly captures the atmosphere of the Austrian Alps. At some mountain huts, bread is still baked in traditional ovens to this day.
The Comodo Bad Gastein
Surrounded by forest and mountains, it offers a peaceful retreat for anyone who wants nature quite literally on their doorstep. Thanks to its location, it is an ideal starting point for hiking and e-bike rides. After an active day in the mountains, you will be happy to return here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Straubinger Grand Hotel
It is located in the historic centre of Bad Gastein, just a few steps from the waterfall. Unlike hotels surrounded by nature, it stands right in the heart of the town. After returning from the mountain trails, you can stroll through the town, stop for a coffee at one of its cafés or explore the streets of this historic spa destination.
Bread baked in a traditional oven
Our journey through the Austrian Alps once again confirmed that even a destination almost on our doorstep can surprise us with its diversity. Family resorts, historic hotels, private chalets and mountain trails all show that Austria has much more to offer than just winter skiing. These are places we can wholeheartedly recommend.