The first intense weeks of school are over, and now it’s time for a break! In this article, we’ll tell you why the mountains in Austria are the perfect vacation destination for your well-deserved autumn getaway.
Nature at its Glorious Best.
Before nature retreats into its winter sleep under a white blanket of snow, it gives us its all one final time. The forests, meadows, and alpine pastures are vibrant with color, the visibility in Austria’s mountains is second to none, and the air is wonderfully fresh. No wonder we’re drawn to the outdoors during autumn break!
After the first weeks of school, hours of sitting, and homework, nature offers a welcome change of pace for kids and their parents. We walk through rustling autumn leaves, delight in discovering the chestnuts, beech nuts, and acorns we find on the ground, take a giant leap into the next pile of leaves, and fly our kites high in the sky.
The best way to discover the autumn countryside during a vacation with children is on the kid-friendly hiking trails and educational paths that Austria offers in abundance. You can find our personal tips for your next family hike in the article "Hiking with Children".
What are some of the things to bear in mind for outdoor activities during autumn break?
- When planning your family vacation during autumn break, be sure to check the operating hours of cableways and mountain huts. Due to the temperatures and elevations, this is off-season in Austria’s mountains.
- Dress warm! In autumn, temperatures can drop below freezing overnight. Remember to bring gloves, hats, and warm jackets for your family vacation. We recommend the onion approach: Wearing multiple layers will keep you well prepared for temperature and weather fluctuations in Austria’s mountains.
- It gets dark earlier. Plan your excursions during autumn break so that you are safely back at your accommodations before dusk.
Other activities for children during autumn break
Museums for your family holiday in Austria
The selection of museums in Austria that are fun for kids is huge. There are natural history museums like the Haus der Natur in Salzburg and National Park Worlds in Mittersill, the Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, Tyrol, and even a Krampus Museum in Kitzbühel, open-air museums in Salzburg and Kramsach in Tyrol …
The centuries-old castles and palaces – like those in Styria – are also well worth a family visit during autumn break. For other weather-proof excursion tips, check out our rainy day recommendations, for example, in Salzburger Land.
Fun in and around the water during autumn break
Or visit one of the many thermal spa resorts in Austria. For example, the Erlebnis-Therme Amadé in Altenmarkt (Salzburg province), where you can enjoy a wave pool, a water climbing wall, and spectacular sliding experiences. The looping slide with 8-meter free fall is unique in Austria (for ages 12 and up). Guests of Hideaway Dachstein West and Tauernresidence Radstadt even get to take advantage of discounted entry tickets to Therme Amadé.
Erlebnis-Therme Zillertal also promises lots of aquatic fun: climbing nets, a lazy river, massage jets, a rock grotto, a wave pool, a saltwater pool, two slides over 130 meters long, and a sauna area are sure to make families thoroughly happy. The Erlebnis-Therme is only 750 meters from Zillertal Suites Fügen.
A cozy afternoon in your holiday home
If ever the sun doesn’t shine during your autumn break, simply make yourself comfortable indoors with your kids: perhaps with a book, popcorn in front of the TV, or a fun board game. Enjoy the wonderful opportunity to relax and spend quality time together. Other activity options:
- Sipping hot chocolate or coffee, or how about an indoor picnic?!
- Getting creative: painting, drawing, crafting
- Making a travel journal or scrapbook
- Researching excursion options for the next few days
Culinary delights in autumn
Autumn means enjoying what nature provides. From A for Apfelkiachl to E for Erdäpfelnidei and H for Heidelbeernocken to Z for Zwetschgenkuchen. Mmmh! You can savor these and other intriguingly named local delicacies at countless traditional autumn events and typical Austrian inns. At this time of year, dishes featuring wild game and mushrooms are also extremely popular.
Autumn wellness for parents
Relaxed parents are as crucial to a successful family vacation as happy children. Our spacious holiday homes and holiday apartments at ALPS RESORTS, some with wellness areas, provide much-needed relaxation during your autumn break. Some even boast private spa areas with sauna, (whirl-) pool, or outdoor bathtub. Check out the wellness amenities at our ALPS RESORTS
Accommodations for your autumn break in Austria
With the clear goal of a relaxing getaway in Austria in mind, the next homework assignments will be way easier to complete. So, please take a look at our current offers for your family holiday during autumn break. Can't make up your mind? Our on-site reception teams are happy to help with any questions you might have.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about Autumn Break with Children in Austria
The weather in Austria can vary greatly, from mild and sunny to cool and rainy. It might even snow at higher elevations. As an example, the Kitzsteinhorn glacier ski area in Salzburger Land starts its ski season as early as October.
Definitely pack warm clothing, rain gear, good footwear, gloves and hats, swimsuits for the spa resorts, board games, and hiking equipment. For your family stay at a holiday home, we have even put together a packing list for you to consult.
Popular regions for an autumn family vacation include the Austrian Alps, Salzburg province, Styria, Carinthia, and Tyrol. Our recommendation: Check out the websites of the various tourism regions for useful information about what’s available during your autumn break. Are the cableways running and are the mountain huts still open, what are your bad weather alternatives…? Opening times and offerings vary from region to region.
Autumn break in Austria usually falls in the period from the end of October to early November, somewhere around the Austrian National Day (October 26) and All Saints’ Day (November 1).
Photo materials © Grossgmain Open-Air Museum: Salzburger Land Tourism; Therme Amadé: Therme Amadé, Lorenz Masser;
Verena J.
Marketing Specialist at ALPS RESORTS
Millennial with a passion for solitary mountains and compelling stories, always on the lookout for exciting destinations and experiences.
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