If you’re wondering where to stay in Salzburg, Austria with kids, in this post I’m sharing why the Kinderhotel Waldhof is the perfect hotel for families and why we loved our stay.
On our recent trip to Austria, we spent three nights at Kinderhotel Waldhof in the little alpine town of Grossarl outside of Salzburgf, and it was such a highlight of our trip. It’s one of those places that makes traveling with kids not just possible, but actually relaxing, which any parent knows is saying a lot.
From the moment we checked in, I could tell this hotel was designed with families in mind. Every detail was thought through — from the play areas to the family-sized rooms to the way the staff greeted our kids like they were excited to see them and have them there.
So if you’re visiting Austria with your kids, and wondering where to stay in Salzburg, keep on reading.
First Impressions: Family-Friendly Atmosphere
The hotel sits beautifully on the edge of Großarl surrounded by beautiful mountain views which I loved. It’s about 45 minutes out of Salzburg center which I really loved because it was quieter and surrounded by nature. There were still plenty of stores and restaurants around!
There were lots of families staying while we were there, but it never felt chaotic or crowded. Everyone seemed to be in that happy, unhurried rhythm that happens when kids are entertained and parents aren’t stressed.
Some of our favorite kid-friendly features included:
- A large outdoor playground with climbing structures and slides
- Indoor playrooms for rainy or quiet afternoons
- Plenty of food options for the whole family
- A staff that always went out of their way to make our kids feel included
Even small details stood out — like kid-sized robes in the spa area and mini cutlery at meals. The whole property has a rhythm that just works for families.
Dining Made Easy
Meals were easily one of my favorite parts of the stay. The food was so good and the whole experience was set up to make life easier for parents.
Every meal was included, and there was always something for everyone:
- Buffets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus an afternoon snack time with cake or fruit
- A five-course dinner menu for adults, beautifully plated and full of local flavor
- A children’s buffet that rotated kid favorites like pasta, schnitzel, and veggies
- Juice, coffee, and tea bars available throughout the day
Our table was already set for us each meal with high chairs and placemats ready to go — no scrambling to find seats or juggle food trays. The dining staff somehow kept things moving smoothly even with dozens of kids in the room, and the atmosphere stayed relaxed and welcoming.
The food itself was genuinely delicious. Breakfasts were full of local cheese, yogurt, pastries, and eggs made to order, while dinners felt closer to fine dining without being stuffy. Every meal felt like something to look forward to.
The Outdoor Playground
Right next to the hotel, there’s a massive outdoor playground that feels more like a mini adventure park. It’s set against the backdrop of alpine meadows, so even sitting on the bench watching the kids play feels like a moment to take in the scenery.
The playground includes:
- Climbing towers and rope bridges
- A giant slide and sand play area
- Pedal go carts
- Swings, seesaws, and trampolines
- A small water play zone in warmer months
- Animal encounters and pony rides (depending on the season)
Our kids could have spent the entire day there. It was the perfect spot to burn off energy before dinner or have a slow morning before breakfast. I loved that it felt safe, fenced in, and visible from several outdoor seating areas so we could relax while still keeping an eye on them.
Biking and Outdoor Adventures
The Waldhof offers free bike rentals, which was a really fun way to spend a morning. They had everything ready — kids’ bikes, helmets, baby seats, and even a little work bench with tools if you needed to adjust anything.
A scenic bike path runs right from the hotel, winding along the river and through open fields surrounded by mountains. We went for an easy morning ride as a family, stopping to throw rocks in the stream and watch paragliders overhead. It was calm, beautiful, and one of those simple moments that made the trip special.
The Pools
The pools at Kinderhotel Waldhof were a major highlight for our family. We spent time there every single day, and they had pools for everyone of every age. The entire wellness area is designed so families can enjoy the water together, no matter the age or swimming ability.
Our kids couldn’t get enough of the pirate ship adventure pool, which had small slides, sprinklers, and a gentle current that kept them giggling for hours. The baby and toddler pool was kept perfectly warm and shallow, with fountains and soft lighting that made it feel cozy even on cloudy days. We also all loved the trio water slide that you could race down. They had very comfortable lounge chairs (honestly more like beds they were so big) that I laid on for a while while everyone swam.
One of my favorite things was they had robes and flip flops in our room for all of us, even our baby!
Here’s a quick look at the pools and saunas you’ll find at Kinderhotel Waldhof:
- Pirate Ship Adventure Pool – themed indoor pool with slides, fountains, and water games for kids
- Baby & Toddler Pool – extra-warm shallow pool designed for little swimmers
- Trio Water Slide – a section with 3 different slides for kids to race down into a small pool below
- Heated Outdoor Infinity Pool – panoramic mountain views and year-round warmth
- Natural Swimming Pond – outdoor pond with loungers for sunny afternoons (not heated)
- Family Indoor Pool – spacious pool for all ages, ideal for relaxed swimming
- Family Sauna Area (Pirate Ship Sauna) – low-temperature sauna where kids can join parents
- Adult Sauna Area – peaceful retreat for parents, including Finnish sauna, steam bath, and relaxation room
Childcare and Family Activities
Although we didn’t use the childcare during our stay, it was clear that the Waldhof takes their family programming seriously. They offer supervised childcare for kids as well as a dedicated baby club with naps, bottles, and playtime covered.
Each day includes a full schedule of family and kids’ activities, such as crafts, hikes, pony rides, and evening entertainment. For older kids, there’s a teen lounge, sports hall, and even a ninja course — which looked like a blast.
Rooms and Family Perks
Our room at Kinderhotel Waldhof felt like a cozy alpine hideaway — bright, clean, and full of thoughtful touches. The warm wood details and mountain views made it instantly relaxing, and there was plenty of space for our family of five.
Some family-friendly perks we loved:
- Cribs, baby monitors, and bottle warmers available on request
- Bathrobes and flip flops in both adult and child sizes. The baby robe about did me in, it was the cutest thing.
- A Nespresso machine for parent’s to enjoy their coffee
- Underground parking with elevator access directly to the rooms
- Wide hallways and ramps for stroller access everywhere
- Extra sheets and towels in the hallway in case you needed a quick change in the middle of the night.
Everything about the room made it easy to unpack and settle in. We even had a small balcony for us to get some fresh air when we wanted.
Our stay at Kinderhotel Waldhof was honestly everything I hope for in a family trip: easy, relaxing, but still plenty to do. Between the pools, the playgrounds, and the amazing food, it just felt like everyone got what they needed. We left feeling recharged and already talking about when we could come back. If you’re visiting Austria with kids and wondering where to stay in Salzburg, this is definitely one of those places that makes traveling as a family actually feel like a vacation.
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