Fantastic vacation with children in Carinthia

In the village of SCHÖNLEITN, high above Lake Faaker See, there are no cars anywhere in the village. Perfect for a vacation with children in Carinthia. Below, a mother tells you about her vacation experiences.

My favorite hiking vacation in Austria

"Mom, I'm going to play with the other kids!" "OK, but be back by six. We're going to the village inn tonight. And please bring some farm milk from the village store." And off he goes, my Manuel. The kids want to play "robbers and police" all over the village today. I used to love playing that too. The best place to play was between the apartment buildings, where there were no cars and endless hiding places and opportunities to sneak up on others. Here in the Naturel Dorf SCHÖNLEITN in Carinthia, there are no cars in the whole village. Perfect for a vacation with children in Carinthia—I don't have to worry when Manuel thoughtlessly sprints across the street to disappear behind the next farmhouse.

A mother shares her story... — © Heldentheater

Small decisions on a big family vacation

Oh, how annoying, now I've forgotten to give Manuel money. Surely we can pay later. Everything is so uncomplicated at this hiking hotel for families, and the receptionist Manuela already knows us. I have a good three hours before Hans comes back from his mountain bike tour. Do I want to relax on my flower-filled balcony and immerse myself in the crime novel Lisa lent me? Or should I go to the village square for coffee at half past two? My decision-making is suddenly interrupted by Manuel, who storms breathlessly through the wooden door of the farmhouse. "Mom, I met Lisa at the village square and she told me to tell you that she's at the village inn. You should come too, if you feel like it." And with that, he's gone again. He left the door open. I think that's a sign, and the crime novel can wait.

All roads lead to the village square

These original farmhouses, made of wood that is over 400 years old, are truly beautiful. The red geraniums on the balconies add a nice splash of color to the dark old wood and between the old trees and green meadows. "Hey, not so fast, young man. You're not allowed to ride your scooter here," I call out to Fred, who races past me on his scooter. Up to four families can live in some of the houses. It would actually be a cool idea to spend two weeks here next year with the family of Manuel's friend Peter. With so much freedom and so many activities, there's no chance of cabin fever. Hans and I love cycling, Peter's family loves hiking in the Alps, and the kids will definitely be thrilled when we all go swimming at Lake Faaker See together. That's how I imagine a vacation with children in Carinthia.

A young couple strolls through the charming Naturel Dorf SCHÖNLEITN during their h

Two boys play with a large wooden toy car during a hiking holiday in Carinthia.

A llama in the petting zoo of the Wanderhotel Schönleitn in Carinthia eats vegetables.

Children pet a goat in the petting zoo of Naturel Dorf SCHÖNLEITN during a family holiday in Austria.

Two children are drawing in the cozy indoor playground of Naturel Dorf SCHÖNLEITN during a family holiday in Carinthia.

A child happily plays on the playground of Naturel Dorf SCHÖNLEITN during childcare.

A child in a mascot costume during a family holiday at Naturel Dorf Schönleitn in Carinthia.

The village square for certain hours

Ah, there's Lisa already. She waves to me. Mmm, the cake next to her cappuccino looks delicious. "The cake is divine," she laughs. "Daniela baked it in the kitchen this morning." "I'll have a cake and a 'Verlängerter' too, please," I call to the waitress. Around three o'clock, the village square gets busier and busier. The smell of coffee & cake magically attracts the villagers. I love it here! The sun on my face, Lisa telling me about her hike. Inner peace. Every now and then, a child dashes past, engrossed in a game of "cops and robbers," and Fred obediently pushes his scooter across the square. Amazing.

A vacation in Carinthia becomes a special experience here

We still have seven days ahead of us at Naturel Dorf SCHÖNLEITN, the ideal hiking hotel for families. We want to climb the Dobratsch. Manuel's first summit experience. I'm already looking forward to it. And visit the small animal farm outside the village at least seven more times. The sheep, llamas, alpacas, and chickens are there to be observed, not for the children to play with, but that doesn't bother Manuel. He loves watching them being fed, and I can hardly get him away from the little farm. "Come on, Manuel. Franzi the hen's soft-boiled egg is waiting for you at the breakfast buffet." That always works. My gaze wanders over the cozy village square and lingers on the wood-burning stove opposite. Now I remember. Next Tuesday morning, I definitely want to bake real farmhouse bread with Krista, the farmer's wife. Last week, it smelled very tempting.

The village square under the starry sky

Suddenly, Manuel is standing next to me, out of breath. "Mom, it's six o'clock, come on, we have to get ready for the village innkeeper. I'm hungry." Back in the house, we realize that we've both forgotten the milk. Never mind, the village shop is open around the clock and Manuel, as an early riser, can get it tomorrow morning and dash off to the farm. That way, Hans and I can sleep in. That's what a vacation with children in Carinthia is like!