Country Guide: Austria
Your Family Guide:
Austria with Kids
From alpine cable cars to palace gardens, here’s how to explore Austria with kids without turning it into hard work.
Servus!
Austria has a calm, organised feel that works surprisingly well for family travel.
Distances are short, public transport is reliable, and nature is never far away. One day you’re riding a mountain cable car, the next you’re strolling palace gardens or swimming in a lake so clean it barely feels real. Yes, some sights lean traditional and mountain weather can change fast, but with a bit of planning Austria delivers fresh air, space to roam, and trips that don’t feel exhausting.
need to know:
AT A GLANCE
Regions
Best Regions & Cities for Families
Austria combines compact cities, calm countryside, and easy access to the mountains. Whether you want culture, nature, or both, travel stays manageable and well organised.
Tyrol
Mountain villages, cable cars, alpine lakes, and family friendly hiking trails with big views.Salzburg Region
Castles, lakes, gentle hikes, and a strong fairytale feel that works well with kids.Vienna
A surprisingly kid friendly capital with palaces, parks, a top zoo, and excellent transport.Salzkammergut
Lake swimming, boat rides, and relaxed towns set against mountain backdrops.- Carinthia
Sunny weather, warm lakes, and slower paced towns ideal for younger kids.
Attractions
Must see attractions
Attractions
Family favourites you really shouldn't miss.
Austria’s highlights balance culture and outdoor fun in a way that works well for families. Expect grand palaces, cable cars that do the hard work, and nature that feels accessible rather than overwhelming.
Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna
Hohensalzburg Fortress
Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Krimml Waterfalls
Vienna Zoo
Hallstatt
Nordkette Cable Car, Innsbruck
Salzkammergut Lakes
Tips
Practical Tips for Practical Parents
Use the Cable Cars
Tap Water Is Safe
Playgrounds Are Great
Carry Cash
Activities
Popular activities For kids
Activities
Adventures they'll be sure to remember
Austria keeps kids moving without overwhelming them. Between cable cars, lake swims, and open green spaces, activities feel fun rather than forced and parents actually get to enjoy the scenery too.
Impress a Local
Quick Phrases For Kids
| English | Austrian German | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hallo | HAH-loh |
| Thank You | Danke | DAN-kuh |
| Where is the toilet? | Wo ist die Toilette? | voh ist dee toy-LET-uh |
| I’m hungry | Ich habe Hunger | ikh HAH-buh HOONG-er |
| Let’s play | Lass uns spielen | luss oons SHPEE-len |
| Goodbye | Auf Wiedersehen | owf VEE-der-zay-en |
More than Vienna
Cities you'll love exploring together
Salzburg, Salzburg
Innsbruck, Tyrol
Graz, Styria
Linz, Upper Austria
Villach, Carinthia
Family Travel Itineraries:
Kid-Friendly Plans for Every Trip Length
5 Days – Vienna City Break
- Day 1: Arrive, relaxed old town stroll, then a big park play break.
- Day 2: Schönbrunn Palace gardens, the maze, and the zoo next door.
- Day 3: Hands-on museum day with transport exhibits and interactive displays.
- Day 4: Danube riverside time, playground stops, and a low-effort café break.
- Day 5: Souvenir hunt, pastry stop, then head home.
7 Days – Salzburg & Lake District
- Days 1–2: Base in Salzburg with fortress views, old town wandering, and park time.
- Day 3: Easy lake day in the Salzkammergut with swimming and a picnic.
- Day 4: Hallstatt for the views, then leave before the crowds take over.
- Day 5: Cable car day with big views and minimal walking.
- Day 6: Boat ride and lakeside wandering at a gentle pace.
- Day 7: Relaxed morning, bakery stop, then travel day.
10 Days – Vienna, Salzburg & Tyrol
- Days 1–3: Vienna base with Schönbrunn, the zoo, city parks, and one museum max.
- Days 4–6: Salzburg and the lakes with fortress visits and swimming spots.
- Days 7–9: Tyrol time with Innsbruck, cable cars, alpine playgrounds, and short hikes.
- Day 10: Buffer day for weather, snacks, and whatever the kids beg for.
