IMAGES: SERLESBAHNEN MIEDERS/MIRJA GEH; TVB STUBAI TIROL/ANDRE SCHÖNHERR
SMART TRAVELLER
FAMI LY Alpine escape
DISCOVER MOUNTAIN WALKS, WATERFALLS AND TRADITIONAL HOSPITALITY IN AUSTRIA’S TYROL
Epic mountain views are a trademark of Austria’s Tyrol region, making it an ideal summer alternative for families. Among its valleys, the 21-mile-long Stubaital is an excellent base. It begins just nine miles south of Innsbruck, a city well served by rail and air, yet it remains an authentic Alpine destination: expect clanging cowbells, wildfl owers and outdoor adventures to make the heart yodel.
Stay close to the spire-dotted town
of Neustift im Stubaital and spend days hiking, biking and lingering on the terraces of the valley’s bar-restaurants (known as ‘alms’), enjoying schnitzel and sachertorte or sausages and ice cream. From late June to September, the tourist board also runs supervised children’s activities around the valley, from geocaching to rock climbing. BEN LERWILL
Tyrol travel tips DISCOUNTS The Stubai Super Card grants free use of the valley’s cable- cars and buses, a go on the Miederer toboggan run and entry to the StuBay water park, alongside plenty of discounts. It’s sometimes included in travel or hotel packages.
stubai.at
CITY ESCAPE The regional capital of Innsbruck, 15 miles from Neustift im Stubaital, is both a gateway city and a good day trip. Take the 590 bus from the valley for a day out exploring the characterful Old Town, which has some good cafes.
From left: A family-friendly adventure park has been built around Stubai’s Serles reservoir lakes; Alpine views from Mount Elfer across the Stubai Valley
Valley views on foot Four cable-cars head up to scenic mountain footpaths from diff erent parts of the valley fl oor. Little legs can manage the 1.5-mile route from the top of the Elfer cable-car to the 350-year- old Autenalm mountain restaurant. Older children could try the fi ve-mile Sunnenseit’n Weg, a new circular loop from the Schlick 2000 cable- car’s middle station.
autenalm.at
Alpine e-biking Pedal the fl at valley trails towards the Kids Park Klaus Äuele, which has a rope course, climbing walls, a lake and more. For a more challenging ascent, cycle up for a meal at the remote mountain hut at Oberissalm, which sits in a high valley scattered with pretty farmsteads. E-bikes can be rented at Intersport in Neustift im Stubaital.
oberissalm.tirol intersportrent.at
Alternative thrills The StuBay water park is a guaranteed hit, but intrepid kids can also try tandem paragliding or the Miederer summer toboggan run — a 1.7-mile sled descent on a rail (no minimum age). One of the valley’s biggest draws is Stubai Glacier, best appreciated from the 10,530ft Top of Tyrol viewing platform.
paragliding-tirol.com
stubaier-gletscher.com
HOW TO DO IT: Inghams offers a week’s stay at the family-friendly, four-star Alpenhotel Fernau on the outskirts of Neustift im Stubaital from £1,029 per person, including flights, transfers from Innsbruck Airport and half-board accommodation.
inghams.co.uk tyrol.com
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