Bad Weather in Tyrol? 7 Great Days Out for the Whole Family

As Tyrol experts, we know that rainy days can still be full of memorable experiences. Discover our seven favourite days out for the whole family.
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Dieser Blogbeitrag wurde von Bjorn Schwarte, dem Mitgründer von Ferienhaus-Tirol.eu, verfasst.

1. Enjoy a Relaxing Day at a Thermal Spa

While the rain falls outside, you can relax in wonderfully warm water. Many thermal spas in Tyrol combine peaceful wellness areas with slides, children’s pools and other water attractions.

Aqua Dome in Längenfeld is known for its remarkable architecture, outdoor pools and views of the Ötztal mountains. It is also an excellent destination for families. If the children are old enough and suitable supervision is available, you can enjoy some time in the sauna or spa.

Also the Erlebnistherme Zillertal in Fügen is another good choice for families. A wave pool, current channel and water slides provide plenty of variety. If you prefer some peace and quiet, you can unwind in the sauna area.

Feel free to set aside an entire day for your visit. Remember to bring your swimwear, bathrobes and, if necessary, swimming aids for younger children.

2. Marvel at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds

When the sky outside is grey, everything indoors can sparkle even more brightly. The Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens take visitors into an imaginative world filled with light, colour, art and glittering crystals.

Adults can discover impressive art installations in the Chambers of Wonder. Children often experience the rooms from their own unique perspective. They encounter mysterious figures, sparkling fantasy worlds and surprising lighting effects. This makes a visit much more than a conventional museum tour.

Part of the site is outdoors, so remember to bring rain jackets and sturdy footwear. The Chambers of Wonder themselves can be visited whatever the weather.

3. Travel Back in Time at Ambras Castle

How did princes and knights live in the past? What treasures did they collect? And why are there so many suits of armour in a castle? At Schloss Ambras bei Innsbruck, questions like these arise almost automatically.

The castle is home to works of art, suits of armour and a famous Chamber of Art and Wonders. The Spanish Hall, with its portraits and magnificent wooden ceiling, is particularly impressive. Adults can explore the art and history while children search for unusual objects and fascinating details.

Make the tour even more enjoyable with a small challenge: ask each family member to choose their favourite object. Afterwards, everyone can explain why they chose it. Not every part of the castle is designed specifically for young children. It is therefore best suited to school-age children, teenagers and adults with an interest in culture.

4. Taste Tyrolean Specialities

A rainy day is the perfect opportunity to discover the culinary side of Tyrol: 

Kaspressknödel, Tiroler Gröstl and Schlutzkrapfen taste even better in a cosy restaurant. Naturally, a warm Kaiserschmarrn makes the perfect dessert. Turn your meal into a small culinary adventure for the whole family. Order several dishes and let everyone have a taste. Which one will win your family’s taste test?

A cookery class, a tour of a cheese dairy or a regional workshop can make the experience even more personal. Depending on the activity, children may be able to join in too. Tirol.at also recommends culinary tours and workshops as possible activities for bad-weather days.

Check the minimum age before booking and reserve your places in advance if necessary.

5. Explore Kufstein Fortress

High above Kufstein stands an imposing fortress that captures the imagination even from a distance. Behind its mighty walls, you will find towers, historic rooms, exhibitions and mysterious passageways.

For children, a visit soon feels like an exciting journey of discovery. Meanwhile, adults can learn more about the history of the fortress and the surrounding region. One particular highlight is the Heroes’ Organ, whose music can be heard far beyond the town.

Some parts of the tour are outdoors, so waterproof clothing and sturdy, non-slip footwear are recommended. You may also want to bring a change of clothes for younger children.

The fortress is particularly suitable for school-age children. Its stairs, longer walking routes and historic rooms may be tiring for very young children.

6. Get Active at an Indoor Climbing or Bouldering Gym

Children still have plenty of energy when it rains. At some point, even the most exciting museum may no longer be enough. An indoor climbing or bouldering gym is a great way to add some physical activity to your holiday.

When bouldering, you climb without a rope at a limited height, with soft mats beneath the climbing wall. Many gyms offer easy routes and dedicated areas for children. Additional safety rules apply when climbing with a rope. Beginners should therefore book a course or a supervised session.

Adults can, of course, join in too. Searching for the next hold together, encouraging each other and celebrating small achievements is fun for the whole family. Tirol.at recommends Kletterzentrum Innsbruck as one option for an active day when the weather is poor.
Check the age limits, beginner sessions, supervision requirements and equipment hire options in advance.

7. Discover Innsbruck in a Fun Way

Innsbruck is also well worth visiting on a rainy day. Instead of taking a long city walk, you can combine several shorter activities.

One interesting destination is the Audioversum. This interactive museum is entirely devoted to the sense of hearing. Numerous exhibits invite visitors to experiment and try things for themselves – a concept that appeals to adults as well as curious children.

Afterwards, depending on the weather and the time available, you can stroll through the Markthalle, enjoy a hot chocolate in a café or look for souvenirs in the old town. You could ask the children to find the funniest souvenir or choose the most beautiful building.

Do not try to fit too much into one day. A museum visit, lunch together and a short walk through the city are often enough. If the weather improves, you can always extend your plans spontaneously.

A Cosy Day at Your Holiday Home

Not every rainy day has to be filled with excursions. Sometimes it is lovely to simply stay in your holiday home in Austria.

Cooking together, playing a game, watching a film or curling up on the sofa with a good book are all part of a relaxing family holiday.

A holiday home with a private sauna makes the day even more comfortable. While the rain falls outside, you can enjoy the soothing warmth and unwind. Afterwards, the whole family can gather for a delicious meal and some hot drinks.

You could prepare a Tyrolean speciality together or let the children plan the next holiday outing. This way, even a quiet day at your holiday home can become a treasured holiday memory.

Rainy Days Can Be Wonderful Too

Bad weather does not have to spoil the holiday atmosphere. Whether you choose a thermal spa, museum, castle or climbing gym, Tyrol offers plenty of ways to enjoy a varied day together.

Check the current opening hours before you leave and book popular activities as early as possible. With waterproof clothing and a little flexibility, even a rainy day can become a wonderful experience for the whole family.

Frequently Asked Questions