Visiting Brandnertal with kids was our favourite part of the Austria so far. We only spent 48hrs here, but we didn’t want to leave. We felt that we have just seen a glimpse of this stunning part of the world. So if you are looking for the perfect place to enjoy Austrian Alps in the summer, this is the place for you.
Brandnertal is seen as full of stunning views, great food, it’s packed with action and adventures just a perfect spot for a family holiday. We decided to stay in Brand as it is a typical pretty alpine village located at the end of the Brandnertal valley.
The village is in a perfect location which is close to plenty of cable cars and offers a variety of outdoor attractions for an adventurous family. Having two toddlers (2.5yo and 4yo) this spot allowed us to explore even more of the Alpine beauty which would be off the limit without accessibility to the cable cars.
We drove for just over an hour from Bregenzerwald to arrive that afternoon to Alpenregion. We decided to explore the area immediately.
DAY 1 – DORFBAHN CABLE CAR
As soon as we arrived, we decided to check into first to our hotel. We stayed at Sporthotel Beck which offers incredible views over mountains and is located within walkable distance to the main cable car stations.
In just a few minutes, cable car transported us to the most fascinating views. We decided to take a cable car across to the view point at 1680m of the Panoramabahn.
From the top you have several options to explore more. You can go for a 2h downhill walk to explore the Animal Adventure path (Tierwelten-Weg Brandnertal). There are several stations for kids explaining geology and nature, so they definitely won’t get bored. There is a buggy friendly path so when your kids’ little legs get tired, it means you don’t need to hurt your back caring them. At the end, there is a Barefoot Path which is a fun experience for an entire family (it is accessible as well from the mid station).
However if you feel more lazy, you can simply relax in an Alpine pasture. It is perfect spot for the picnic and just short walks to see different view points from the top.
We wished we could have stayed longer rather than just spending an afternoon to explore it. We loved as well an idea that if one of the members of the family feels more adventurous, then there is a Bikepark Brandnertal or an option to cycle down while the rest of the family can just go down via cable car and meet half way to enjoy post activity time together.
During the summer the cable cars are open only till 4-4:30pm, so check the closing timings if you plan an activity in the afternoon.
DAY 2 MORNING – LUNERSEE LAKE AND EXPLORING AROUND BRAND
At the Western end of the Brandnertal valley you can find a natural wonder Lunersee Lake. It was definitely one of the most stunning lakes which we have ever came across. The colour of the water is so blue that it can be comparable to the Maldives.
Lunersee Lake is situated at the height of 1970m at the foot of the Schesaplana. You can easily reach the Lunerseebahn cable car by driving around 20 minutes through the arrow alpine road. However if you are not a big fan of mountain roads, you can get there by taking the bus 81 from the stop opposite to the tourist office. I would highly advice to see this place first thing in the morning. The parking lot gets incredibly busy around 9:30am and you might not be able to find a parking spot close by (the road is uphill so best to start a day early and spare your energy for the proper walk).
The Lunersee Lake trail was the busiest attraction during our entire trip around the Vorarlberg region, however it is the starting point for many hikes and family friendly activities. Lasting between one and a half and two hours, the easy loop trail is suitable for children of almost all ages.
The path is buggy friendly, but only till half way and you will have to turn back at the Lunersee Alpine pasture. We actually didn’t bring the buggy and walked only until the ‘sticking point’ that you will see on the right. It is perfect spot to enjoy the snack and throw some stones to the water.
NOTE: The Lünerseebahn is closed and currently under construction. Opening time: July 2020.
DAY 2 AFTERNOON – ANIMAL ADVENTURE TRAIL AND ALVIERBAD
After returning for a buffet lunch at our hotel, we decided to explore more of the Brand village. We first headed to visit Animal Adventure Trail. The starting point is just next to the swimming pool Alvierbad. You can find great selection of farm animals and not only. Our girls loved feeding the goats who were enough brave to come and eat from our hands.
Immediately after we decided to put our swimming costumes and check the outdoor natural swimming pool Alvierbad. There are several swimming pools and splashing areas. You can easily spend there entire afternoon between swimming, going on the waterslide, digging in the sand or just relax on the large lawn. The entrance is free with the Guest Card*
BRANDNERTAL GUEST CARD allows you to discover many activities in the area and in the surrounded valleys for free or with a big discount. You will receive it at your accommodation and you need to stay only 1 night to be entitled to get one. The transportation on trains and busses is free, while you receive 20% discount on cable car trips. You can find more information here.
DAY 3 – EXPLORING BLUDENZ
At the heart of five Alpine valleys you will find Bludenz. It is picturesque Alpine town with delightful historic town centre. Today, the very well-preserved Werdenberg Town is considered one of the most beautiful alpine cities in Europe. The St. Laurentius Church (1491 to 1514) and the Gayenhofen Castle (1746) dominate the townscape. It is famous as well for the Muttersberg cable car which is one of the world’s most modern circulating monocle ropeways. You can get to the top in only 5 minutes to get the breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view.
WHERE TO STAY IN BRANDNERTAL?
We stayed at Sporthotel Beck. If you are coming to Brandnertal with kids, it is definitely accomodation for you. It is located in the heart of the town and within walkable distance to the two main cable cars. Rooms are spacious, we had 2 bedrooms with living area and beautiful terrace looking over the mountains. It is very family orientated and through out the day they have many free kids sessions. The girls loved horse riding and the play room in particular. There is a gorgeous spa and sauna too. We loved as well buffet meals as it gave us great variety of Austrian food.
While visiting Brandnertal with kids, consider Brand and Bürserberg as your base.
ADDITIONAL ATTRACTIONS CLOSE TO BRAND:
- KESSELFALL – is a small waterfall in the gorge near Brand. The path is buggy friendly (all terrain), however last few meters might require to leave the buggy behind. The best view is from the wooden bridge. You can reach it from the parking lot in Innertal (40minutes walk). Short walk from road L82.
- KLETTERPARK – offers 4 different routes with a total length of about 500m. The easiest course is accessible for children from 8 yo and 110cm height.
- BIKEPARK BRANDNERTAL – eight kilometres of fun rides, 4 free ride and many downhill tracks with massive amount of bends, jumps and wooden elements for all bikers.
To read PART ONE of this trip where we visited Bregenzerwald region, please follow this link.
Check as well our other posts, like ‘5 Kids friendly hikes around Pyrenees Orientales’ and ‘Iceland with toddlers in campervan’
If you enjoyed this blog and you would like to find out more about our travels, please follows us on our Instagram account
