Family Autumn Holidays in Austria: October Half-Term in Hochkönig

What can families do during the autumn holidays in Maria Alm?

This year, we have planned a few special autumn experiences for the end of October.

On 28 October 2026, it is time to get moving with our kids’ dance session.

One day later, on 29 October, the pumpkins take centre stage. During our pumpkin carving, cheerful, spooky and probably a few rather difficult-to-describe faces will emerge. Perfection is definitely not required.

Then comes 31 October.

As evening falls, we set off together on a lantern walk. Afterwards, we gather around the fire on the terrace, bake Stockbrot – traditional Austrian campfire bread – over the flames and warm our hands around an autumn hot drink.

And because it is Halloween, there is also a little bag of sweets for the children.

No big Halloween spectacle. We prefer an evening outdoors, lantern light, a crackling fire and Stockbrot that, with a little luck, turns golden brown – and with slightly less luck becomes very crispy indeed.

Autumn holidays with children in Hochkönig: Time for the mountains

October is a beautiful time to explore the outdoors around Maria Alm with children. The air becomes crisper, the trails quieter and the landscape seems to change colour almost every day.

One of our favourite family outings starts directly at the HOCHKÖNIGIN. From here, you can head up towards the Natrun and continue to the Prinzensee. Families travelling with little legs – or anyone who would simply rather save their energy for exploring – can take the Natrunbahn cable car and start further up the mountain.

Once you reach the Prinzensee, the actual hiking plan may have to wait for a while. Water, stones and mountain views tend to be at least as interesting. From here, the outing can be extended depending on the weather, energy levels and how much everyone still feels like walking.

We particularly like this excursion in autumn because it starts right in Maria Alm, can easily be adapted to the family and does not require a long drive first. At the end of October, we recommend checking the current operating times of the Natrunbahn as well as the weather and trail conditions before setting off.

With the Hochkönig Card, which is included for our guests during summer and autumn, families can also enjoy numerous complimentary or discounted experiences throughout the region. Availability at the end of October depends on the seasonal operating periods of the individual partners.

And that is precisely what we like about autumn: not every holiday day has to be planned down to the last hour.

What can families do when it rains?

October can do sunshine.

It can also do rain.

Both are perfectly acceptable here.

For the second option, the HOCHKÖNIGIN has a 600 m² FUN ARENA with a giant slide, ball pit, trampoline, climbing wall, football corner and children’s cinema.

The KIDDY ZONE is open 24/7, providing another place to play and build. And if there is still some energy left after sliding, climbing and running around, it can come along to the pool.

And no, parents do not have to drop their children off at a childcare club in the morning. The HOCHKÖNIGIN deliberately does not offer traditional childcare. Our family areas are places where holidays can be enjoyed together – while still giving children plenty of room to play and explore.

That is our idea of a family holiday: travelling together without having to spend every single minute on top of one another.

Family wellness: Mountains first, swimsuits afterwards

After an autumn day outdoors, the question about going to the pool usually comes up all by itself.

In the FAMILY SPA, parents and children can enjoy the water together. It includes an indoor pool, bio and traditional-style sauna, steam baths, infrared area and a family relaxation room.

Families can also use the QUEEN SPA, with its 17-metre infinity pool, whirlpool, indoor pool and additional sauna and relaxation areas.

And if one parent would like an hour of quiet in between, there is another retreat right at the top of the hotel: the TIARA SPA Adults Only, with its relax pool and integrated whirlpool, saunas, relaxation rooms and sun terraces.

So a family holiday and a little peace and quiet are not mutually exclusive.

They simply need the right spaces.

Five nights of family time – and the youngest child stays for free

For an autumn stay in 2026, there is another reason for families to take a closer look.

With our FAMILY TIME AT HOCHKÖNIG offer, you spend at least five nights at the HOCHKÖNIGIN and the youngest child up to the age of 10 stays free of charge in the parents’ room.

The offer also includes our culinary package with breakfast, the QUEEN Snack in the afternoon and dinner, our spa worlds, FUN ARENA and outdoor playground, activity programme and the Hochkönig Card with its regional benefits.

It is an easy way to combine a few days in the mountains with spa time, playing and exploring at the hotel – and our special autumn programme at the end of October.

And it leaves a little more holiday budget for the really important questions.

Such as whether there is still room for something sweet after the Stockbrot.

→ Discover FAMILY TIME AT HOCHKÖNIG

Autumn holidays do not need to be bigger. Just good.

Perhaps that is exactly why we like October with children so much.

There does not have to be another major attraction waiting every day.

A morning outside. A pumpkin with a crooked grin. Wet hair after the pool. A lantern glowing in the dark. Stockbrot over the fire. One more trip down the slide. And children who fall asleep considerably faster than they do at home.

In between, there is time for the mountains, good food and each other.

That is what autumn family holidays at the HOCHKÖNIGIN are all about.

And if you are looking for us on 29 October, we will probably be busy deciding which pumpkin has the best grin.

Your Family Hörl & the entire TEAM OF THE QUEEN

Frequently asked questions about autumn family holidays at the HOCHKÖNIGIN

What activities are planned for children during the 2026 autumn holidays?

On 28 October, there will be a kids’ dance session at the HOCHKÖNIGIN, followed by pumpkin carving on 29 October. On 31 October, we set off together on a lantern walk. Afterwards, families can enjoy Stockbrot around the fire on the terrace and autumn hot drinks. As a little Halloween treat, children will also receive a small bag of sweets.

What can families do at the HOCHKÖNIGIN when it rains?

The hotel offers a 600 m² FUN ARENA with a giant slide, ball pit, trampoline, climbing wall, football corner and children’s cinema, as well as the KIDDY ZONE 24/7, FAMILY SPA and QUEEN SPA.

Can families still go hiking in Maria Alm at the end of October?

Yes, hiking around Maria Alm can still be possible at the end of October. However, the opening times of mountain lifts, mountain huts and attractions are seasonal, and weather and trail conditions can change. We recommend checking the current conditions before setting off.

Is the Hochkönig Card included during the autumn holidays?

Yes. Guests at the HOCHKÖNIGIN receive the Hochkönig Card during the summer and autumn season. It includes numerous complimentary or discounted experiences in the region. At the end of October, the seasonal operating times of the participating partners apply.

Does the HOCHKÖNIGIN offer childcare?

No. The HOCHKÖNIGIN does not offer traditional childcare. Instead, families will find plenty of spaces and experiences designed for time together, including the FUN ARENA, KIDDY ZONE, FAMILY SPA, outdoor playground and activities around Maria Alm and Hochkönig.

Is there a special family offer for the 2026 autumn holidays?

Yes. With FAMILY TIME AT HOCHKÖNIG, families stay for at least five nights and the youngest child up to the age of 10 stays free of charge in the parents’ room.

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