Family Holiday at Hochrindl in Summer — 8 Activities for Kids & Parents

Why the Berglodge Hochrindl Works for Families

• •1,630 m altitude — comfortable temperatures even in the height of summer.
• •Car-free walking zones — children can roam freely without constant supervision.
• •Gear on site — Disc Golf discs, pétanque, badminton included in the lodge.
• •Rainy-day backup in 20 minutes — Therme Bad Kleinkirchheim with family area just a short drive away.

1. König Waldgeist — the Theme Trail for Little Ones

Age: from 3 · Duration: 1–1.5 h · Distance from lodge: 5 min walk · Cost: free

König Waldgeist (King Forest Spirit) is Hochrindl's mascot for children. Carved wooden figures, puzzle stations and interactive games lead through the Swiss stone pine forest. Even children who normally complain after 15 minutes stay engaged for a full hour — because something new keeps appearing.

Parent tip: Bring a small reward for the end — children "battle" their way symbolically through the forest, and a stamp or treat at the finish works better than any explanation.

2. Zirbenzapfi — the Mascot with its Own Discovery Trail

Age: 3–10 · Duration: 1 h · Distance from lodge: 5 min walk · Cost: free

Zirbenzapfi is Hochrindl's mascot — a small wooden figure carved from a stone pine cone that accompanies children along its own trail. At each station, kids learn playfully what a stone pine is, why the trees up here live for 500 years and which animals inhabit the forest. Works even for children who cannot yet read — most stations are image-based.

Parent tip: The Sirnitz tourist office gives out the Zirbenzapfi sticker album for free. One sticker per station — works like a mini treasure hunt.

3. Nockholz Playgrounds — Natural Wood, Not Plastic

Age: 2–12 · Duration: as long as you can stand it · Distance from lodge: 5 min walk · Cost: free

The playgrounds at Hochrindl are built entirely from Nockholz (local timber) — climbing frames, swings, balance beams, water play. No plastic, no garish colours. Children actually prefer it: the wood is warm, smells good, and the equipment demands more movement than the usual plastic castles.

Parent tip: Bring a change of clothes. The water play stations reliably result in wet trousers — that's part of the attraction.

4. Almmatura — the Mountain Experience Diploma

Age: 6–14 · Duration: spread over several days · Distance from lodge: start from the lodge · Cost: free

The Almmatura is a participation programme where children complete various tasks in the mountain world over the course of the week — a short hike, finding a specific plant, solving an alpine animal quiz. At the end they receive a "graduation certificate". Sounds like school, but for children it is a huge motivator because they achieve something real.

Parent tip: The tasks fit perfectly into a 5–7-day family week. Register at the Sirnitz tourist office — takes 5 minutes.

5. Disc Golf Right Next to the Berglodge

Age: from 5 · Duration: 1.5–2 h · Distance from lodge: 30 seconds walk · Cost: free (discs in the lodge)

Disc Golf works like golf, but with frisbee discs instead of clubs and balls. The course starts directly next to the Berglodge. We have a complete disc set ready for you — no extra rental needed. Even children who have never thrown a disc before hit their first baskets after a few attempts. For parents who enjoy a little competition: a round often takes over an hour and can get surprisingly competitive.

Parent tip: Works best as a "family tournament" with a scorecard. The loser does the washing-up in the evening — kids love stakes like that.

6. Football Golf in the Hochrindl Region

Age: from 6 · Duration: 1.5–2 h · Distance from lodge: approx. 10 min drive · Cost: approx. €8 per person

Football golf is the third discipline in Hochrindl's outdoor playground (after Disc Golf and archery): football-sized holes on a course where you kick a ball into the target. Sounds simple, but it is surprisingly technical — spin, curve and power all matter. Works well for mixed families because children often outperform parents.

Parent tip: Wear trainers rather than open sandals — the course has slopes where flip-flops are no fun.

7. Archery Course with Taster Session

Age: from 8 · Duration: 2 h taster · Distance from lodge: 10 min walk · Cost: approx. €25 per person incl. equipment hire

The 3D archery course winds through the forest, shooting at life-size animal targets at varying distances. Absolute beginners can join a taster session with instruction — children learn enough in 30 minutes to hit a deer at 15 metres. Guaranteed to be the biggest sense of achievement of the week.

Parent tip: Ask in advance whether children's bows with lower draw weight are available. Makes the difference between frustration and joy.

8. Naturbad Sirnitz — Cool Off on Hot Days

Age: all · Duration: half day · Distance from lodge: 25 min drive · Cost: approx. €5 per person

When temperatures even up here push past 25°C, Naturbad Sirnitz is the right plan. Crystal-clear, unchlorinated water, a sunbathing lawn, a kiosk with ice cream, and separate areas for small and large swimmers. A classic Austrian natural swimming lake without frills — and that is exactly why it is so good.

Parent tip: Thursdays are usually the quietest. On summer weekends, arrive early or the shady spots will be gone.

Practical Information for Families

Your Family Accommodation

The Berglodge Hochrindl sleeps up to 6 in two bedrooms — 2 king-size beds plus 2 single beds. Both rooms have a Smart TV with Netflix, invaluable on rainy days. The 590 m² garden is yours alone: professional pétanque set, badminton net, plenty of space to run around, a garden shed for hide-and-seek. Fully equipped kitchen with oven, dishwasher and filter coffee machine — self-catering with a family is genuinely easy here.

Stay 5 nights or longer and unlock additional savings.