The concept of Kinderhotels, born forty years ago in Austria, was revolutionary for its time. Today, this hotel group appeals to a second generation of children and parents.
By Eric Vancleynenbreugel
This is because the sons of a hotelier from Faaker See, Carinthia, felt that the traditional concept of farm holidays was outdated, which led to the idea for Kinderhotels. Following the advice of his two sons, Gerhard Stroitz transforms the 1986 son bed & breakfast in a genuine hotel geared towards families with children, offering a wide range of fun activities, often outdoors. In parallel, Siggi Neuschitzer refined the concept by launching, in the early 90s, still in Carinthia, Europe's first hotel entirely designed and conceived to welcome babies and children. The key idea: to allow families to spend their holidays in a human-scale structure designed for the needs of the youngest. The success of this concept actually saved the family hotel from bankruptcy. Neuschitzer and Stroitz together founded the group ’Kinderland Kärnten« which officially becomes Kinderhotels in 1988. Today, there are nearly 50 four- or five-star hotels—primarily located in Austria, but also in Germany, Italy (South Tyrol), and Croatia—that offer a family-oriented 100% concept. All are managed independently by a family but respond to the same strict specifications.
Live-action test
On paper, a rich idea. Because finding a destination and accommodation that pleases children as much as parents is the puzzle that many families face. In practice, we tested two addresses to measure the quality of their services and better understand the philosophy of this unique hotel group. Starting with Tyrol, where a good portion of the Kinderhotels are found. Located in the east of the region, the Alpbach valley is not the most well-known, but the region is truly magnificent. Here, you enter postcard-perfect Tyrol, the one with green alpine meadows fragrant with hay, the one with dollhouse villages clustered around a church with a tall, onion-shaped steeple. A valley so protected that it's forbidden to build anything other than wooden chalets there. The Kinderhotel Galtenberg is located in the last hamlet, just a few steps from the ski lifts. Its main building is a grand chalet from which armfuls of flowers cascade from each balcony. From the Sekt (local sparkling wine) for parents, fruit juice for children, from the very first welcome, children are pampered just as much as adults. One of the receptionists speaks French, the others speak German and English. This reassures the children. And as is often the case in Austria, the staff wear traditional clothing, which is increasingly worn, even in everyday life.
Thought by parents for parents
Nothing seems to have been left to chance, especially when it comes to the safety of children: the switches that open the sliding doors are adult-height. Without a magnetic room key, it's impossible to activate the elevator, and animal symbols are displayed to help children find their way regardless of their language... Here, parents can really relax, that's the goal, and for the little ones, to safely explore the different play areas. Even the layout and plan of the accommodations have been studied and adapted for families down to the smallest details: motion-activated nightlights, windows locked in the children's room, which of course connects directly to the parents' room. You can really feel that the hotel is run and designed by a family.
Games for all ages
There's no need to describe the joy children feel when staying in the middle of a huge playground! Because that's exactly what it is: for fun, the youngest have spoiled for choice. An indoor and outdoor pool with games and slides, a go-kart track, a children's cinema, a game room with foosball and pinball machines for teens, a ping-pong table... Outside, a playground with surfaces suitable for falls, an educational farm (pony rides for children), a panoramic garden, and an adventure course. And every day, a new program of outdoor activities is offered to the children: entertainment, games, horseback riding, visits...
Total relaxation for parents
Parents, while the children play, are invited to relax and enjoy the tranquility at the «7 spae »sky" which is exclusively reserved for them. Pure serenity in this superb space offering two swimming pools—indoor and outdoor—relaxation rooms, a sauna, a steam room, and a high-perched outdoor jacuzzi with a view of the entire valley!
Feel like getting some fresh air? Just like for the children, a daily program is offered for adults: Segway, rafting, adventure course...
Another strong point that you find in every Kinderhotel: the restoration. From breakfast onwards, the little ones are in for a treat with their favorite dishes, often presented in a fun way. At every meal, there's a buffet entirely reserved for them, and of course, the maître d' is attentive to any specific requests. Here at least, you won't be looked at askance if your little one has a crying fit or if your older child wants to go play while the table hasn't finished eating. One thing is for sure: even if they were fussy eaters at mealtime, toddlers will never go hungry because they can help themselves to drinks all day long, and in the afternoon, to ice cream, fruit, cakes, and candies. And parents won't have to worry about any extra charges since Kinderhotels operate on the all-inclusive formula.
Alpine hotel
For another experience, head to the Carinthia, the warmest and sunniest Austrian state. Sun, but also coolness, as this second address requires climbing a bit higher. Heidi Hotel Falkertsee It is perched high, it is true, but what a reward. Its isolated situation, in the middle of a mountain pasture, facing a lake, at nearly 2000 meters of altitude, it's idyllic. But also very healthy and recommended for allergy sufferers. At this altitude, the air is free of pollen, ticks, and mites. Added to this is the beneficial effect of the Nock Mountains biosphere reserve, which borders the area. And above all, while many are looking to escape the increasingly scorching summers, the nights here are cool and therefore very restful!
At Kinderhotel Heidi, everything is naturally designed for ease, the fun and safety of children. Forgot something for your baby? The hotel lends you what you need for free. Unexpected stains on their clothes? A washing machine and dryer are available to guests. We especially love the family suites, featuring a key material: coniferous wood. But with this excellent idea, the children's room has been set up in the middle, surrounded by walls and windows also made of larch. This way, they remain under their parents' supervision while enjoying their own space for rest and play.
Upon arrival, the little ones are immersed in a Enchanted world that of Heidi, a likable and characterful figure that can be found in the small adventure park, populated by animals, which is dedicated to her on the estate. In this charming natural setting, life-size figurines depict the stages of life of the most famous little girl of the alpine pastures.
Kingdom of Little Adventurers
In addition to playgrounds and a go-kart track, children have access to vast alpine pastures surrounding the hotel to romp around. In winter, they welcome you to the ski slopes of the Falkert domain! In summer, the offerings are just as enticing: mountain hikes, pony rides, treasure hunts, crafts, guided themed walks, and even a via ferrata. Recognizing that children can be just as tired as their elders after a long day of play and excursions, Heidi has created a menu of massages and treatments for little ones. Using ingredients they love, such as chocolate or coconut. And while they are being pampered, they can even enjoy chocolate bars! Away from the children's cries, parents happily retreat to relaxation center Its panoramic indoor pool, alpine herbal bath, sauna, or outdoor Scandinavian hot tub guarantee them well-deserved bliss.
Two regions, two very family-friendly atmospheres. In the Alpbachtal, the atmosphere is that of timeless Austria: villages with sculpted facades, meadows that ripple in the wind, paths that climb towards ridges where the tinkling of bells can still be heard. Further south, Carinthia unfolds a radically different, almost Mediterranean landscape: bright blue lakes, softened reliefs, generous light that invites both swimming and hiking. Here is six experiments absolutely not to be missed if you are staying in these two magnificent corners of Austria:
3 Discoveries in Alpbachtal
- To survey Medieval village of Rattenberg, posted on one of the banks of the Inn.
- Walk in the small flowery village of Alpbach, considered by many to be the most beautiful in Austria.
- Penetrate the Kaiserklamm gorges and take a break at the Kaiserhaus (www.kaiserhaus.eu) – play area, small zoo, excellent pastries), where Empress Sissi spent the night.
3 discoveries in Carinthia
- Enjoy the sweetness of Carinthian Lakes, often bordered by beaches, starting with Millstättersee, whose waters warm up very quickly as summer approaches.
- A hike to the Grenade, at over 2000 meters altitude, for a breathtaking view of the region.
- Follow the Nockalm Road through the Nock Mountains.
More info:Austrian National Tourist Office, www.austria.info, www.kinderhotels.com.
Photos: Eric Vancleynenbreugel & Kinderhotels
