Janina’s Top 5 Family Hikes and Excursions

Hi, I’m Janina! As a member of the Tirolerhof family and mum of three, I can safely say that my hiking and excursion tips for the Zugspitz Arena are well-tested and 100% family-approved. I know exactly what it takes to keep everyone happy on a family holiday – especially the youngest adventurers. That’s why I’ve put together some of my favourite experiences to help make your outings fun, relaxed, and truly memorable. Let’s be honest – when I suggest a hike, the reaction I often get from my kids is… sighs and eye rolls. My children are 8, 12, and 14 years old, and hiking doesn’t always make it into their personal top 5 list of fun things to do. So yes, sometimes we parents need to get a little creative to keep the mood upbeat. Just like Mary Poppins said – a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down… Never start a hike hungry, but don’t overeat either. Everyone grabs their own backpack and packs the essentials. A bottle of water or tea is always a good idea, and a few snack breaks can do wonders to lift tired spirits. Because let’s face it – what parent doesn’t know these hiking classics? Tired – Hungry – Thirsty – Gotta go! And by the way: A jacket or sweater is always a smart idea in Tyrol – even when it’s warm in the valley, it can get chilly higher up! Open your eyes to the world around you! This is perhaps the hardest part of motivation – but also the most rewarding. It’s simple really: it’s the little things that make it special. Things we often overlook in the rush of everyday life. Forget the pressure of time. Just because a trail sign says 1.5 hours doesn’t mean you have to stick to it. Take it slow. Enjoy the moment. If your kids spot something exciting – take a break and explore it. If you find a beautiful view – take it in. Breathe deeply, feel the sun on your skin, and just be. Whether it’s light streaming through the trees, the hum of bees on an alpine meadow, or a pile of stones waiting to be stacked – there’s always something to discover. You just have to look. One of my favourite family hikes… …is the Waterfall Trail Loop. Adults can complete it in about 45 minutes, but you can easily stretch it out much longer. Start at the Ehrwalder Alm car park. Right at the beginning, there’s a great water play area where kids can experiment with the power of flowing water using wheels, sticks, leaves and stones. And who doesn’t love walking barefoot through a cool mountain stream? Along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of the waterfall, find magical spots to rest or play, guess what sounds you hear in the forest, and maybe even discover a treehouse, a meadow full of flowers, or a forest straight out of a fairy tale. The hike to the Ehrwalder Almsee… …is another great one for kids. Around every corner, there’s something new to discover: a small playground, a lake with frogs to observe, flat stones to skip, a ski slope to run down, cows up close, and mountain huts where you can relax and enjoy a refreshing drink before heading back down. The Panorama Trail… …not only offers breathtaking views but also features fitness-style activity stations – like a “trim trail” – perfect for keeping the kids motivated to reach the next one. Keep your eyes peeled, and you might spot a tiny house where, rumour has it, a family of gnomes lives! For something different… …try a llama hike! These funny, fluffy animals are always a hit, and walking with them through the landscape is a highlight for the whole family. Want to try something other than hiking? Then I recommend the Sports & Leisure Park in Bichlbach. There you’ll find a natural outdoor swimming lake, a playground, mini golf, a climbing park, rafting for kids, and the Flying Fox zipline. It’s a fantastic place for a fun family day out! So, did we get you excited to go hiking? Until we see each other again at Hotel Tirolerhof, we’d love to hear from you! Send us your favourite hiking routes – we can’t wait to read your recommendations!