The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Riedingtal Nature Park

Riedingtal Nature Park offers a wonderful selection of family-friendly hiking trails. You'll find over 20 routes specifically curated for families, ranging from easy strolls to more moderate adventures. There are 4 easy routes perfect for younger children or those seeking a relaxed pace, and 14 moderate routes for families looking for a bit more challenge.

Yes, the park features several easy trails ideal for families with young children. The Lake Schlierer – Schlierersee and Schlierer Alm loop from Schlierersee is a great example, offering a gentle 4 km path with minimal elevation gain around the picturesque Schlierersee. The Riedingweg, mentioned in the region research, is also largely flat and follows the valley floor, making it suitable for relaxed hikers and potentially strollers on certain sections.

The family-friendly trails in Riedingtal Nature Park are rich with natural beauty. You'll encounter crystal-clear streams like the Riedingbach, lush mountain meadows, and traditional alpine farms. A central highlight is the Schlierersee (1,495 m), a stunning mountain lake. Other notable features include the Riedingtal Nature Park House and the serene Hubertus Chapel at Rieding Lake.

Absolutely! Many of the family-friendly routes are designed as loops, allowing you to experience diverse scenery without retracing your steps. For instance, the Schlierersee and Schlierer Alm – Lake Schlierer loop from Zederhaus Schliereralm is a moderate 10.9 km circular route that takes you around the beautiful lake and past alpine huts. Another option is the shorter Lake Schlierer – Schlierersee and Schlierer Alm loop from Schlierersee, which is an easy 4 km loop.

The best time for family hiking in Riedingtal Nature Park is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During these months, the alpine meadows are blooming, the weather is pleasant, and the trails are typically clear of snow. The valley bus service also operates during the warmer months, providing convenient access to various starting points.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the trails in Riedingtal Nature Park. However, as it is a nature park with abundant wildlife, including red deer, chamois, and marmots, it is crucial to keep your dog on a leash at all times to protect the local fauna and ensure a safe experience for everyone. Always remember to clean up after your pet.

Riedingtal Nature Park is well-equipped with managed alpine huts (Almen) that are perfect for families to stop, rest, and enjoy local refreshments. There are over ten such huts, including the Königalm and Schliereralm, which invite hikers to savor regional products and take in the views. Many of these are conveniently located along popular routes like the Riedingweg.

Access to the park is convenient. While there is a car toll for entry to the Schlierersee area, a valley bus service (Tälerbus) operates within the park, making it easy to reach various starting points for your hikes without needing to drive the entire way. There are designated parking areas, such as near Zederhaus Mautstelle Riedingtal, where you can often begin your journey or catch the bus.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 7,000 ratings. Reviewers often praise the park's quiet alpine environment, the crystal-clear streams, the well-maintained trails, and the welcoming alpine huts. The stunning beauty of the Schlierersee and the sense of untouched wilderness are frequently highlighted as favorite aspects.

For families with older children or those seeking a more extended adventure, there are moderate to difficult routes available. The Franz-Fischer Hut – Schlierersee and Schlierer Alm loop from Zederhaus Schliereralm is a moderate 12.4 km route with significant elevation gain, offering a rewarding experience. This trail provides a great opportunity to explore more of the park's diverse landscapes and reach higher elevations.

Riedingtal Nature Park is home to abundant wildlife, making it a fantastic place for families to try and spot animals. Keep an eye out for red deer, chamois, marmots, roe deer, and various bird species like black grouse and capercaillie. Early mornings or late afternoons are often the best times for wildlife viewing, especially in quieter areas away from the main trails.