Summer in the Alps – Our Family Hotel Pick in Austria

We arrive and exhale. In front of us: mountains, wide-open skies, fresh alpine air. Behind us: everyday life. The warm welcome at Schlosshotel Fiss sets the tone – homemade welcome drinks, bright yellow caps for the kids, and a charming guided tour through the hotel’s stylish interior. Within minutes, we feel completely at ease.

The journey here? Surprisingly smooth – and now, at over 1,400 metres in the heart of the Tyrolean Alps, already fading into the background. We left Frankfurt early in the morning, boarding the ÖBB Railjet just before 6am. With no changes, we arrived in Landeck-Zams by 12:30pm, where a friendly shuttle was waiting to take us the rest of the way. Less than 30 minutes later, we stepped into a different world. We’d left the car at home – and haven’t missed it once.

At reception, everything is thought through: trail maps, hiking suggestions, gondola tickets – all handed over with a smile and plenty of insider tips.

A quick note for context: this was our first family trip to this part of Austria – so here’s what you should know up front. The Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis region sits on a sunny high plateau in Tyrol at around 1,400 metres above sea level and ranks among the most family-friendly hiking and ski areas in the Alps. In summer, it offers a vast network of panoramic trails, themed hikes and adventure playgrounds. In winter, the award-winning ski resort draws visitors with over 200 kilometres of pistes, modern lift systems and options for every age – from ski schools for little ones to freeride routes for teens and grown-ups.

The next morning, we’re up early. The sun is out, the valley is already warm, and at the top: fresh, crisp mountain air – perfect hiking weather. We hop on the Schönjochbahn and glide up to the summit. Right next to the mountain station, the kids spot a playground that ticks every box: climbing, swinging, running wild.

We lace up our boots, borrow a child carrier from the hotel for our youngest – easy and unbureaucratic – and set off on the Quellenweg, a scenic downhill trail of about 1.5 hours. It’s varied, manageable, and ideal for curious little explorers. Along the way: alpine meadows, grazing cows, cool streams, and sweeping views.

Back at the hotel, lunch is waiting – hearty, homemade, and deeply satisfying. Fluffy, caramelised Kaiserschmarrn just as it should be, and a standout vegetarian goulash with soft slices of Serviettenknödel. Tyrolean comfort food at its best.

In the afternoon, it’s pool time. The spacious indoor area features a 48-metre-long water slide – inflatable tubes welcome – and, to everyone’s delight, a surprise visit from hotel staff handing out ice cream right by the pool. Afterwards, the kids head off to the Kids Club to bake focaccia together, while we unwind with a herbal sauna infusion.

Come evening, the little ones dine early and head back to the club for movie night, giving us grown-ups time for an Aperitivo with mountain views. The children’s area isn’t just well-designed, it’s genuinely well cared for. Our youngest settles in instantly; our older one finds the climbing wall in the teen room and is soon part of the gang.

At 8 p.m., it’s movie time – all cushions, blankets and popcorn. Films are shown in both German and English, making it just as welcoming for international guests. What really stands out: the warm, attentive team who greet every child by name and instinctively know how to make them feel at home.

On day two, the Hexenweg trail awaits – a magical, interactive family hike that sparks imagination and movement. At the hotel, we’re handed a beautifully designed activity booklet that turns the walk into a real adventure: playful tasks, tricky riddles, and a treasure waiting at the end. A smart concept that blends learning with outdoor fun. Back at the hotel, the kids bounce off their remaining energy on the giant garden trampoline – here, movement happens naturally.

The alpine summer shows its best side at night, too: daytime highs around 28°C, with a refreshing drop to 15°C after sunset. The rooms are intentionally non-air-conditioned – just open the windows and let the mountain air in. With crisp air and fluffy duvets, we sleep better than we have in ages. It's a rare kind of natural comfort that feels both luxurious and sustainable.

One of the first things you notice: the elegant interior, thoughtfully curated with an eye for detail and harmony. It’s the personal touch of host Simone Domenig, who now runs the hotel in its second generation. Domenig places strong emphasis on quality and sustainability – and not just as a buzzword. Local partnerships with farmers, recyclable materials, heat recovery systems and energy-saving LED lighting are all integral to the hotel’s DNA.

What makes Schlosshotel Fiss truly special is that it’s not your typical family hotel – yet every generation feels seen and valued here. Toddlers embark on forest adventures in the kids club, school-age children learn archery, bake pizza, or mix alcohol-free mocktails. Teenagers gather in their own lounge, grandparents retreat to the quiet of the library. And we, as parents? We find moments for conversation, sauna sessions, or a peaceful cappuccino on the terrace.

It’s the small, unscripted moments that touch the heart: an older brother proudly leading his little sibling to the playground, grandparents flipping through picture books with their grandchildren. A place where togetherness happens naturally, without effort or pretense.

Most mornings start early – breakfast opens at 7:30 a.m. No waiting, no rush. Instead, freshly brewed coffee, made-to-order omelets, and traditional Weißwurst with sweet mustard set the tone for the day. Evenings delight with a creative yet down-to-earth four-course menu featuring regional ingredients. The kids choose their own meals at the buffet or dine in the kids club – relaxed and easy for everyone.

I arrived with low expectations for the fitness facilities – and was pleasantly surprised. The core-focused “Bauch-Beine-Po” class turned out to be a motivating circuit workout, adaptable to all levels and truly effective. Meanwhile, my husband trained in the bright, spacious gym outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment – quiet, generous, and perfectly equipped.

Our conclusion: Schlosshotel Fiss is no accidental discovery – it’s a retreat with purpose. A place where design and nature, family time and couple time, activity and relaxation exist in perfect balance. Everything is close by, everything feels right. After an easy, hassle-free train journey back to Frankfurt, we start the new week refreshed – and already know this: we’ll be back. Next time, perhaps for skiing, because that’s something this place does exceptionally well too.

Craving fresh mountain air and quality family time?
→ Click here for more about Schlosshotel Fiss – and feel free to reach out to us directly for personal advice or booking support. Just drop us a line: membership@niche-traveller.com

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