The Ultimate Family-Friendly Alpine Destination

Last summer, we spent a week immersing ourselves in the breathtaking beauty of Austria’s Ötztal Valley, a place that instantly became one of our favourite family-friendly mountain destinations. Spanning 65 kilometres and surrounded by towering peaks, lush meadows, and crystal-clear mountain lakes, the valley felt like a dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Over the course of the week, we explored everything it had to offer—hiking scenic trails that led us to panoramic summits, relaxing at a serene alpine spa, climbing at the family-friendly crags and unwinding at our cosy campsite nestled in the heart of nature.

One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the traditional mountain huts, where we enjoyed hearty Tyrolean meals while taking in the stunning views. The fresh mountain air, peaceful atmosphere, and the sight of the towering Ötztal Alps made every moment unforgettable. Whether we were trekking through wildflower-covered meadows or enjoying a quiet evening at our campsite with friends, the valley had a way of making us feel completely connected to nature.

In this blog, we’ll share our favorite spots, hidden gems, and tips for making the most of your time in the Ötztal Valley, so you can plan your own unforgettable alpine adventure!

About the Ötztal Valley

The Ötztal Valley in Tyrol, Austria, is one of those places that feels like it’s straight out of a postcard. Stretching 65 kilometers, it’s framed by towering peaks, including the Wildspitze, Austria’s second-highest mountain. Whether you’re into hiking, biking, skiing, or just soaking up the alpine scenery, this valley has something for everyone, making it a top spot for outdoor lovers.

In the summer, the valley comes alive with endless trails that wind through flower-filled meadows, past shimmering mountain lakes, and up to breathtaking viewpoints. If you’re more into biking than hiking, there’s an impressive network of cycling routes too. For thrill-seekers, rafting and canyoning offer a splash of adventure, while families can enjoy gentler walks and scenic cable car rides.

Come winter, Ötztal turns into a snowy playground. Sölden and Obergurgl-Hochgurgl are the go-to ski resorts, but it’s not all about skiing—there’s snowshoeing, sledding, and even ice climbing to keep things exciting. And if you’re a history buff, don’t miss the Ötzi Village in Umhausen, where you can step back in time and learn about life in the Alps thousands of years ago.

With its jaw-dropping landscapes, outdoor activities, and a touch of history, the Ötztal Valley offers something for everyone, whether you're up for an adventure or just looking to unwind in nature.

A Guide to the Ötztal Valley

Stay at Camping ötztal, Längenfeld

We drove to the Ötztal Valley in our campervan over two days, stopping on the border between Austria and Germany along the way. It was a long journey but we were actually on a longer 3 week trip so the long drive was worth it for us. We booked a campsite in Längenfeld called Camping Ötztal which ended up being one of the most clean, well-located and family friendly campsites that we’ve ever stayed at and a fantastic base for exploring the valley. Surrounded by majestic mountains and lush meadows, spacious pitches are available for tents, caravans, and motorhomes, many with stunning alpine views.

The site has modern facilities, including clean bathrooms, a small shop which served fresh bread and croissants each morning, and a cosy restaurant serving pizza and other local dishes. There are two playgrounds — one located in the woods — and an indoor soft-play room and baby room for families, making it perfect come rain or shine. It’s also only a 10 minute walk from the Aqua Dome which is a fantastic place to spend the day.

Spend the night at the Breslauer Hütte

If you’re up for an epic alpine adventure, a visit to the Breslauer Hut is a must when in the Ötztal Valley! Perched at 2,844 meters above sea level, this charming mountain hut is the perfect pit stop for hikers heading toward the Wildspitze, Austria’s second-highest peak. The hike up to the hut offers stunning views of the Ötztal Valley, with rugged peaks and lush valleys stretching out below. Once you arrive, you can relax on the sun terrace, enjoy a hearty Tyrolean meal, and soak in the incredible mountain scenery. Whether you’re climbing higher or just looking for a scenic day hike, it’s well worth the trek!

Families can book a private room with bunk beds (sleeping four people) or just head up for lunch. It’s possible to take two chairlifts from the village of Vent until you’re just a one hour walk from the hut (albeit a steep one!), making it very easy to access. You can either park in or catch the bus to Vent. The hut is located at 2844m so do be aware that you may experience some symptoms of the altitude.

Swim at the Aqua Dome

If you're craving a bit of relaxation after some busy days in the mountains, the Aqua Dome in Längenfeld is the ultimate spot to unwind in the Ötztal Valley. Surrounded by stunning alpine scenery, this futuristic-looking thermal spa is famous for its outdoor pools that seem to float in mid-air. Soaking in the warm mineral-rich waters while gazing at the surrounding peaks is pure bliss. The spa offers something for everyone—whether it's the soothing thermal pools, sauna world, or the family-friendly water park with slides and play areas.

For those looking to indulge further, Aqua Dome also has a wellness centre offering massages and beauty treatments. And if you're traveling with kids, they’ll love the fun “Alpine Noah’s Ark” area while you relax in the adults-only zone. Whether you’re winding down after a day of hiking or just want to treat yourself to a peaceful afternoon, Aqua Dome is a must-visit for total rejuvenation in the mountains.

Hike to Wetterkreuzkogel, 2591m

For an unforgettable hike with breathtaking alpine views, we highly recommend heading up to Rossköpfe and Wetterkreuzkogel (2,591m). Start by taking the bus to Oetz, then hop on the cable car to Hochoetz, where you’ll find a cosy restaurant, a picturesque man-made alpine lake, and a fantastic adventure playground for kids. From here, the hike kicks off, leading you first to Rossköpfe and then on to Wetterkreuzkogel. You can either turn it into a scenic circular route or retrace your steps back from Wetterkreuzkogel.

If a long hike isn’t your thing, no worries—there are plenty of shorter, family-friendly trails starting from Hochoetz, giving you more time to relax and let the kids enjoy the awesome playground! Whether you’re up for a big adventure or a laid-back walk, Hochoetz has something for everyone.

Climb at Klettergarten Oberried

Klettergarten Oberried is a fantastic outdoor climbing area in the Ötztal Valley, only a 15-20 minute walk from Camping Ötztal and perfect for climbers of all skill levels. Set against a scenic alpine backdrop, it features over 100 well-maintained routes with varying levels of difficulty, making it a great spot for beginners, families, and experienced climbers alike. The routes are bolted and clearly marked, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. There’s even a designated picnic area and playground, so it’s easy to make a day of it with little ones!

Do the Stuibenfall Via Ferrata

The Stuibenfall Via Ferrata in the Ötztal Valley is an incredible way to experience Austria’s tallest waterfall up close. This family-friendly via ferrata offers stunning views as you climb alongside the roaring 159-meter-high Stuibenfall. With a mix of ladders, cables, and a thrilling suspension bridge, it’s perfect for beginners and kids (aged 10+). The route is well-secured and provides a safe yet exciting adventure. Reaching the top rewards you with incredible panoramic views of the valley and surrounding peaks. Whether you're new to via ferrata or an experienced climber, this route promises an unforgettable outdoor experience!

If you have younger kids, there’s also a staircase that leads up to the top of the waterfall and offers spectacular views. At the base of the waterfall there is a swimming lake, restaurants and the Ötzi-Dorf archaelogical park which features exhibits of huts, weapons and life in the Neolithic period, including some animals and raptor flying displays. It’s possible to catch the bus to Umhausen and then walk to Stuibenfall from here.

The Ötztal Valley offers far more to explore than what we’ve covered in this guide. From scenic bike rides and breathtaking hikes to exciting climbing crags and cosy alpine huts, the possibilities for adventure are endless. Whether you're seeking thrilling outdoor activities or simply looking to soak up the stunning mountain scenery, there’s plenty to keep your family entertained for at least a week. We hope this blog post inspires your own unforgettable family adventure and helps you plan an epic trip filled with fun, discovery, and lasting memories!