Our Guide to a Family Vacation in Austria

One of the most elegant cities in the world, Vienna has topped the annual Mercer Quality of Life Survey for nine years running, and for good reason. Sat on the banks of the River Danube, Vienna is a wonderful mix of elegant architecture, an incredible musical heritage and delightful coffee shops. There’s an endless list of things to do in Vienna, making it a great place for families. Whether it’s soaking up the culture or enjoying a fairground ride, Vienna has something for everyone.

The fairground had humble beginnings with snack bars, stalls and a bowling alley but has since evolved, now housing all of the modern rides and attractions. The most famous of these attractions is the ferris wheel, or Wiener Riesenrad, which, at 65 metres tall, sits at the entrance to the park. With more than 250 attractions providing an adrenaline fix, kids and adults alike are sure to find something to enjoy at Prater amusement park.

At Schönbrunn Palace, children can learn about history in an interactive way by playing dress up and donning the clothes traditionally worn by the imperial family. In the twelve rooms on the palace ground floor, the exhibitions are all built around getting children engaged in the story of the palace’s 18th century residents. Using the time wheel here, children can also learn about the difference between imperial children and children from ordinary families; a poignant reminder of the differences between rich and poor families at the time. If a child is celebrating their birthday, the experience of hosting an imperial dinner party – where the birthday boy or girl dresses up as Empress Elisabeth or Emperor Franz Joseph – is also a truly unforgettable experience.

Austria’s lake district is an amalgamation of verdant rolling hills, colourful blooming flowers and crisp, clean air. There’s something here for both adults and children alike, so families are sure to find joy in the art of relaxation by one of Austria’s many lakes. The don’t-miss lakes here are Fuschl, Wolfgang and Hallstatt. At the emerald green Lake Fuschl, families can go snorkelling with the hope of seeing 23 different fish species or relax with family strolls along the picturesque lakeside.

Known for its historic importance and for being featured in 1965 film The Sound of Music, Salzburg is a picturesque region that caters well for families. With such beautiful and pristine surroundings, this part of Austria looks as though it has been lifted straight from a fairytale. In the jewel of Austria, families can take funicular rides up extraordinary mountains, wander through decadent palaces or shop along the charming old town Getreidegasse.

The palace itself is also astonishing, with the Marble Hall having previously been recognised as one of the ‘most beautiful wedding halls in the world.’ Once you’ve wandered through the beautiful palace and gardens, you can even recreate a Von Trapp family scene from The Sound of Music. During the song ‘Do Re Mi,’ Maria and the Von Trapp children dance around the Pegasus Fountain and sing on the steps of the Rose Hill.

Tyrol is an Alpine landscape like no other; a varied landscape of gorgeous peaks, verdant valleys and historic cities makes Tyrol a year-round destination. In winter, travellers flock here to go skiing and in summer, walking and hiking are the favoured activities. With over 400 kilometres of trails here, there’s something to suit every type of family. Head into the mountains of Tyrol and you’ll find plenty of activities and places of interest. Working farms, waterfalls, lakes and nature parks are just some of the incredible landmarks to explore here.