Slide Path in the Hohe Tauern National Park Holiday Region

Great fun is guaranteed. And the first indication of that comes from grandma and grandpa as they bravely disappear into the first tube slide, the "Liesl", letting out a joyous yell as they launch themselves. And then it's our turn. We drive at least once a year to Neukirchen in order to pay a visit to the Slide Path in the Wildkogel Arena. A popular excursion destination for families and a genuine highlight of any summer holiday spent in the Hohe Tauern National Park Holiday Region in the midst of the Austrian mountains – not only for children.

Family Adventure in the Hohe Tauern National Park Holiday Region

Those mild spring breezes not only awaken our life spirits, but also our yearning for adventure in the fresh air. Speaking of “adventure”, that brings to mind an excursion that you will simply have to plan in as part of your summer holiday with your children here at ALPS RESORTS in the Hohe Tauern National Park Holiday Region. A family outing that’s a regular part of our own program every single year. Great fun regardless of how often we have done it in the past.

First, you will ride the Wildkogel gondola from Neukirchen up to the mountain station at around 2100 meters above sea level, right next to which is the Kogel-Mogel Adventure Arena. A big playground with climbing equipment, slide, trampoline, sandbox and a ball track greets us the moment we get off the gondola. The kids are excited immediately. Mom and dad, too, especially at the sight of all those mountains in the Hohe Tauern range, including the Grossvenediger, with the Pinzgau valley far below. “Opposite” the Wildkogel lie the Upper and Lower Sulzbachtal valleys, located at the entrance to which is yet another exciting family excursion destination: Blausee, an idyllic spring-fed lake with picnic opportunities, and a glacier stream where the children have safe areas to play, build dams etc. Blausee is only a 10 min walk from Gasthof Siggen.

You should also be aware of another valley in Wildkogel-Arena in the Hohe Tauern National Park Holiday Region: Close to Bramberg, a neighboring community of Neukirchen, lies Habachtal, a valley which, due to its vast mineral deposits, has made quite a name for itself as the "Valley of Emeralds". On the Emerald Path, a self-guided walk leading through the National Park valley, you will come to a landslide area next to Gasthof Alpenrose. There, treasure hunters big and small can see if they are able to strike it rich hunting for precious stones.  

Fun & Action: on the Slide Path in Wildkogel-Arena

Now back to the Wildkogel and our slide adventure: After spending an extended amount of time at the playground, we ride the gondola back to the mid-station, though you can also walk there in about one hour. At the mid-station, we pick up some small felt mats – then away we go on our sliding expedition. Beginning with the “Liesl”, the first of ten tube and wave slides. The stainless-steel slides are between 22 and 53 meters in length and categorized from blue to black. In order to be able to slide alone, children must be at least six years old or 130 cm tall. The Slide Path in Neukirchen in Salzburger Land leads to a total of ten slides – with names such as “Sissi & Franz”, “Thresl”, “Heidi” and “Hias” – ending next to Gasthof Stockenbaum. The path itself is easy for children to negotiate and mostly lies in forest. Along the way, you have several opportunities to take a rest on a bench and enjoy a snack. The big feast – or an ice cream 😉 – awaits at the Stockenbaum. From there, you can either ride the shuttle bus or enjoy a 45-minute walk back to the valley station of the Wildkogelbahn in Neukirchen.

Included with the Nationalpark Sommercard

The Wildkogelbahn in the Hohe Tauern National Park Holiday Region – with its wide array of exciting attractions – is certified as one of the "Best Austrian Summer Lifts". No wonder, with so many options to choose from, including the Kogel Mogel Adventure Arena, the Slide Path and even a 4 km-long mountain carting course. And best of all: they are a partner of the Nationalpark Sommercard, automatically included when you stay at Carpe Solem Rauris, one of our ALPS RESORTS in the Hohe Tauern National Park Holiday Region. The Wildkogel-Arena is also easy to reach on public transportation, which you are able to use free of charge with the Sommercard. Good to know for the winter fans amongst you: In winter, the Wildkogel-Arena doesn’t only boast a fantastic family ski area, but also the world’s longest floodlit sled run. 14 kilometer in length, it drops around 1300 vertical meters and takes about 40 minutes to complete!

Apartments and Chalets in the Hohe Tauern National Park Holiday Region

From the modern apartments of Tauernsuites Mitterwirt in Piesendorf, it is roughly a 30-minute drive to the Wildkogel-Arena, whilst Tauernlodges Uttendorf are around 15 minutes away. Or simply ride the Pinzgauer Lokalbahn train and public buses.

Does a family day including a sliding adventure with your kids sound like a great plan? We have even more great ideas and excursion tips for your visit to Hohe Tauern National Park – we look forward to receiving your enquiry!

Photo materials:
Slide Path in Wildkogel-Arena © Wildkogel-Arena; Nationalpark Sommercard © Hohe Tauern National Park Holiday Region