Mudpie Fridays >> Austria >> Guide to Rosenalmbahn at Zell am Ziller in the Summer

Guide to Rosenalmbahn at Zell am Ziller in the Summer

When we visited Austria for two weeks with kids over the Summer and spent seven days in Zillertal we went up several mountains. But my favourite by far was Rosenalm which is reached by the Rosenalmbahn in Zell am Ziller. We only spent the afternoon but could have easily stayed all day. There is so much for the kids to do inlcuding Fichtenschloss and Fichtensee. As well as lots of opportunities to relax and take in the surrounding panoramic views of the mountains. A trip up this beautiful mountain needs to be on your must-see list.

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Where is the Rosenalmbahn?

The Rosenalmbahn cable car is located on the outskirts of Zell am Ziller the top ski resort, in the Zillertal Arena, in Western Austria. It’s difficult to miss it as it is also home to the Arena Coaster which you can see snaking up and down the side of the mountain from the road. And is the longest tobboggan track of the valley. The leisure park also offers various other leisure activities, including a fitness centre, indoor tennis court, sports pool, outdoor courts, and several lanes of bowling. As well as a children’s play corner and kids’ park there is something for the whole family.

During the winter months, there is an artificial ice rink and ice hockey.

There is lots of free private parking, although on a sunny day, it gets busy so best to arrive early if you want to park close to the cable car station. When we visited we parked in car park four which was a 5-10 minute walk. When you arrive you will see a large sign telling you which car parks have free spaces.

You can use the address – Rosenalmbahn Rohr 23 6280, to find Rosenalmbahn in Zell am Ziller.

How much does it cost to go up Rosenalm?

If you have a Zillertal Activcard Rosenalmbahn is included in one of the ten cable cars you can access free of charge. Up and down costs €29 for adults and €14.50 for children. With those under the age of seven travelling for free.

The cable car ride – Rosenalmbahn Zell am Ziller

Much like the Spieljochbahn, the Rosenalmbahn is my favourite cable car. I much prefer smaller ones to large gondolas. Especially when you are sightseeing and not concerned about skis! The ones that run on the Rosenalmbahn are 10 seats. We had one to ourselves both up and down from the top station. Meaning that we could move around and take photos.

The ride up takes around twenty minutes. The views are spectacular, you can see right along the valley. With lush green ski slopes on either side, wooden chalets with brightly coloured window boxes and the mountain range on the other side.

What can you do at the top of Rosenalm?

As you exit the cable car station at the top head to the little courtyard on the left. Here you can pick up a map of the mountain. Designed for children, on one side there is an illustrated map of the different play areas and lake. On the other some clues to help you find letter punches hidden by the mystical spruce sprites. These spell out a word. Once you have collected them all you can exchange your word for a special surprise at the bottom cable car station.

There are several family hiking trails but the real attraction for families are Fichtenschloss and Fichtensee:

Fichtenschloss

Our first stop was Fichtenschloss as you can see it from the cable car as you reach the station. The boys spotted it right away and could not wait to explore the very special kind of adventure playground. A giant wooden fortress, the spruce tree castle is the centrepiece of this magical place of fantasy. With a 18m lookout the climbing tower gives stunning views across the mountain range. Reached by wooden steps you can then walk across bridges to other towers that have climbing nets and slides located in them. Not to mention a tree trail. There so much to do at Fichtenschloss.

There is a smaller tower which is designed for younger children with smaller slides and climbing. On one side you have a huge water play area. Full of fountains and jets that fire between tree stumps. As well as the more traditional water play with buckets, pools and gulleys. Harry is a massive fan of these sorts of play areas and happily played for ages. At the bottom sand play areas are fed by the water. There is plenty of grass to sit on along with some benches.

On the other side under the pine trees, there is a climbing area with hammocks, balancing beams and ropes. All in dappled shade. Perfect for when it gets a little too warm. Further on a marble run involves wooden balls and obstacles. You can purchase the wooden balls for 3€ from a vending machine (cash only).

Facilities at Fichtenschloss

When we visited Fichtenschloss there was a little stall selling ice creams and drinks, cash only. There was also a vending machine which sold snacks and drinks. This one did take a card. They also sold sausages which you could cook on a communal BBQ between 11 am and 2 pm. Charcoal was provided as were BBQ tools. Toilets and baby change are also close to the play area.

When we visited there was also an event going on with free face painting and balloon toy making by a clown. Plus a small stage with performers and circus toys for the children to play with.

Fichtensee

A short walk away is Fichtensee, the swimming lake, the most beautiful outdoor swimming pool. You can take one of several routes depending on if you want to do some hiking. The lake is beautiful and an ideal place to cool off. There is a shallow area at one end for kiddies to play. With stepping stones and wooden beams to balance on. Plenty of grassy areas to sit so you can be close to the kids if you do not want to join in.

This is divided from the deeper area by a wooden walkway. The water is so clear in the Fichtensee that you can make out the bottom and is a beautiful shade of turquoise. On the deeper side, there are towers to jump off as well as a platform in the middle that you can swim to. Away from the edge, it is 13m deep.

You can add to your holiday experience by also hiring a little boat, pedalo or paddle board. With life jackets supplied to the children. Prices vary depending on what you hire but start from €10 for half an hour for a paddle board up to €22 for an hour for a row boat.

There is a circular walk that runs around the outside of the lake with various places to sit and take in the views. Charlie in particular loved the water and once he was in, it was difficult to convince him to come out.

Facilities at Fichtensee

There is everything you could need at the lake full of outdoor activities. A new modern changing and toilet facility at one end. Plus a snack bar selling snacks and cold drinks, with seating covered by canvas for shade.

At various points around the lake, there are seating area parasols with wooden couch sun loungers so you can sit and take in the mountain view. Although not that many so if you want to secure one of these then you will need to arrive early. It is however nice to see that they are free for people to use.

We even spotted a few goats with bells around their necks. Not entirely sure they were meant to be there since a couple of goat herders turned up a bit flustered after them. But with the clear skies, a deep blue lake and the sound of bells in the background I am not sure you could get a more perfect mountain experience.

We had the best experience and enjoyed our afternoon on the Rosenalm mountain. Make sure you leave a long time to explore this extra portion of fun and enjoy the marvellous view of the mountains.

Top tips for a visit on the Rosenalmbahn at Zell am Ziller

Keep an eye on the cloud via the live webcam which can be found on their website.
Take swimwear or at the very least a change of clothes as the children will not be able to resist the Fichtensee.
Double-check the time of the last cable car when we visited the last trip down was at 5.45 pm later than some of the other cable cars we visited.
Do not forget your suncream on a clear day it is easy to burn. I did notice that the vending machine in the play area did have small tubes for sale.
You are going up a mountain so good footwear is a must regardless of the family nature of the hikes on offer.
Remember to take cash for the hiring of boats and the wooden balls for the marble run.
If you can leave some time to visit the little village, head to the centre of Zell am Ziller which is only a short drive from the bottom station. Although not large the beautiful village has several restaurants a traditional church and some tourist shops.