Aurach and Jochberg open new “Spielend Wandern” trails – making Kitzbühel the first destination to offer several trails, including audio guides, as part of this successful family concept. Further projects are already in the pipeline.
Hiking is a key part of the mountain summer experience in Kitzbühel. Around 1,000 kilometres of hiking trails offer the full spectrum – from easy high-altitude hikes and family-friendly trails to challenging alpine tours. With two new “Spielend Wandern” trails in Aurach and Jochberg, the region is now specifically expanding its offering with a nature experience designed for families.
The concept turns the trail itself into an adventure: nature-based games and interactive stations invite children and adults to explore, get active and enjoy shared experiences. The activities use simple materials that can be found directly along the trail. A web app provides additional audio guidance at the stations. Depending on snow conditions, the trails can be used all year round.
Kitzbühel is thus continuing its consistent development as a hiking destination. In 2019, Kitzbühel Tourism became the first destination to be awarded the European Hiking Quality Seal. Aurach and Jochberg have been members of Austria’s Hiking Villages since 2022. When recertified in 2024, both villages as well as the flagship trails “Gamsroas – The 9-Peak Experience” and “Sintersbacher Waterfall” once again received the quality seal, valid until 2027.
“Hiking has long been a year-round product in Kitzbühel. ‘Spielend Wandern’ is the next logical step: we combine outdoor activity with quality time for families,” says Dr. Viktoria Veider-Walser, Managing Director of Kitzbühel Tourism.
The “Spielend Wandern” initiative was developed by Austria’s Hiking Villages in 2019 and now comprises more than 150 nature-based games. The themed trails created as part of the initiative are designed to encourage families to spend time together in nature and make hiking with children a playful experience. “The nature-based games are intended as inspiration and are designed to make hiking with children easier for parents,” says Jasmin Bacher, Project Manager of the “Spielend Wandern” initiative.
In Aurach, the concept was particularly well received. Tom Dumont, Chairman of the Aurach local tourism committee, was looking for an offering that combines hiking with interactive experiences suitable for children: “The combination of physical activity, nature and shared experiences immediately won us over.”
Jochberg is also embracing a deliberately simple concept. Stefan Zwertetschka, Chairman of the Jochberg local tourism committee, says: “Small but perfectly formed, using natural materials already available along the way – “Spielend Wandern” is a perfect fit for our hiking village.” Together with the Sintersbach Waterfall, this creates a varied hiking offering for families and different age groups.
With the two new trails, Kitzbühel is the first destination to implement several “Spielend Wandern” trails complete with audio guides. Further trails are already being planned and developed.
For further information about the destination Kitzbühel can be found at kitzbuehel.com