6-Day Family Adventure in St Anton am Arlberg
Welcome to St Anton am Arlberg, a gem in the Tyrolean Alps that is just as magical in the summer as it is during the ski season. This itinerary follows a 'Family Travel Guide' style, prioritizing accessible paths, engaging activities for children, and a relaxed pace that ensures parents can actually enjoy the scenery while the little ones explore.
Known for its legendary skiing, St Anton transforms into a lush green playground for families during the warmer months. With the Arlberg Summer Card in hand, you'll have access to cable cars and activities that make navigating the high-altitude terrain a breeze, even with a stroller in tow.
Day 1: St Anton am Arlberg - Village Charm and Alpine Air
Dorfstraße Exploration
Start your journey in the heart of the village. The pedestrian-only Dorfstraße is perfect for families, offering a safe environment for kids to walk around while you browse charming local boutiques and bakeries.
Lunch at a Tyrolean Bakery
Stop for a casual lunch at a local bakery like Ruetz. Enjoy fresh pretzels and traditional Austrian pastries in a setting that is very welcoming to families with small children.
St. Anton Museum Grounds
Visit the grounds of the Museum St. Anton am Arlberg. While the museum itself is fascinating, the surrounding park is a highlight for families, featuring a beautiful pond and plenty of space for kids to run.
Relaxed Dinner in the Center
Enjoy a welcoming dinner at one of the village's family-run pizzerias, which offer a great alternative to the heavier traditional mountain fare and are always a hit with younger travelers.
Day 2: St Anton am Arlberg - Mountain Heights for Little Explorers
Galzigbahn Cable Car Ride
Take the famous Galzigbahn cable car up the mountain. The ride itself is a thrill for kids, and the cabins are large enough to accommodate strollers comfortably.
Lunch with a View at Galzig Bistro
Dine at the top of the mountain. The Galzig Bistro offers kid-friendly menus and incredible panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, with plenty of outdoor seating.
Easy Mountain Stroll
Enjoy a flat, stroller-friendly walk around the Galzig plateau. The wide gravel paths are manageable and lead to several scenic viewpoints that don't require strenuous hiking.
Evening Village Walk
Wind down the day with a gentle walk back in the village, perhaps stopping for a local ice cream as the sun sets behind the mountains.
Day 3: St Anton am Arlberg - The Magic of Verwall Valley
Verwallsee Lake Walk
Take the local bus to the entrance of Verwall Valley. The path to Lake Verwall (Verwallsee) is paved and almost entirely flat, making it the premier spot for a stroller-accessible nature walk.
Picnic at the Adventure Playground
Stop at the huge playground near the lake. There are dedicated picnic spots, a climbing area for older kids, and a shallow stream where toddlers can safely splash around.
Steel Suspension Bridge
For a little thrill, cross the 35-meter-long steel suspension bridge over the Rosanna River. It's safe, secure, and offers a great photo opportunity for the family album.
Hearty Alpine Dinner
Head back to the village for a traditional Schnitzel dinner. Many restaurants offer smaller "Kinder" portions perfect for children.
Day 4: St Anton am Arlberg - History and Nature Trails
Museum St. Anton am Arlberg
Explore the history of skiing in this beautiful chalet-style museum. The exhibits are visual and engaging enough to keep children interested for an hour or so.
Senn's Wonder Walking Trail
Located near the village, this trail is designed for children. While some parts are steeper, the beginning of the trail features sensory stations that focus on local herbs and nature.
Playtime at the Arlberg WellCom Park
The park surrounding the leisure center has fantastic green spaces and a modern playground where kids can interact with local children.
Casual Evening at a Local Cafe
Enjoy a relaxed evening at a cafe in the town center, watching the world go by while the kids enjoy the local hot chocolate.
Day 5: St Anton am Arlberg - Water Fun and Wellness
Arlberg WellCom Leisure Centre
Spend the morning at this world-class facility. It features an indoor pool, a heated outdoor pool with a current channel, and a dedicated children's pool with a slide.
Poolside Lunch
The onsite cafe at WellCom is perfect for a quick and easy family lunch without having to get fully dressed and leave the facility.
Mini-Golf Challenge
Located right by the WellCom center, the mini-golf course is a classic family activity that provides fun for all ages in a beautiful mountain setting.
Farewell Village Feast
Choose a cozy Tyrolean tavern for a final feast of local specialties like Spätzle, which is a cheesy pasta dish that kids absolutely love.
Day 6: St. Christoph am Arlberg - A High Altitude Farewell
Bus to St. Christoph
Take a short, scenic bus ride to the neighboring hamlet of St. Christoph. This tiny village is one of the highest in the Alps and offers a different perspective of the Arlberg region.
Visit the Arlberg Hospiz
See the historic Hospiz building, which has been providing shelter to travelers for centuries. It’s a great spot to learn a quick bit of history before lunch.
Chapel of St. Christopher
Visit the small, peaceful chapel in the village center. It’s a quiet spot for a moment of reflection before you head back down to St Anton.
Departure Preparation
Head back to St Anton for some final souvenir shopping—local honey and wooden toys are great choices—before preparing for your journey home.
Best Time & Weather
For a family trip, the best time to visit is from late June to early September. During this period, the weather is pleasantly warm (averaging 18°C to 24°C), and all mountain lifts and summer attractions are fully operational. Alpine weather can be unpredictable, so always pack a light waterproof jacket and sun protection, even on clear days.
Currency & Money
Austria uses the Euro (€). While St Anton is a major tourist hub and most shops, restaurants, and hotels accept credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), it is always wise to carry some cash for smaller cafes or mountain huts. Tipping is standard but modest; rounding up the bill or adding 5-10% for good service is appreciated.
Getting Around
St Anton is highly walkable, especially within the pedestrianized village center. For longer distances, the local bus system is excellent and free with your Arlberg Summer Card. The cable cars are the best way to reach high altitudes with strollers. If you are arriving from the airport, the train station is located right in the center of town, making it very accessible for families traveling with luggage.
