Short access, excellent safety measures, routes of varying difficulty and space to play at the foot of the crag: these ten crags tick all the boxes for a relaxing family day out on the rocks.
This selection is based on our readers’ favourite areas. We have sorted them by location – from crags in the mountains, to spots by the water, to areas right in the valley – and have cross-checked the details against the latest area descriptions.
Text: Katrin Oblasser
Grubastiege, Achensee
: A slabby wall around 15 metres high in the Rofan range by Lake Achensee, criss-crossed with water-carved grooves and offering plenty of good handholds. 15 well-secured routes, most of them graded 3 and 4. The crag lies at 1,900 metres and faces south – ideal for hot summer days. Access from the Rofanbahn top station takes around 20 to 30 minutes.
Platzl, Achensee
Between Grubastiege and Grubaplatte, the Platzl offers rugged, water-eroded slabs with excellent protection: 10 routes between 10 and 20 metres, graded from grade 3 to 6. Well suited for gaining your first experience of lead climbing. There are several family-friendly crags around Lake Achensee – read more about this in ‘Climbing with Children in Late Autumn’.
Kaiserklettergarten, Wilder Kaiser
On the Gams and Murmeltier rocks, there are 19 routes 8 to 15 metres long, most of which are graded between 3 and 5. The crags are about 15 minutes’ walk from the Gaudeamushütte; a stop for refreshments there or at the Wochenbrunner Alm rounds off the day. Find out more about the area in ‘Wilder Kaiser: Plaisir, Sport Climbing and Crags’.
Wiesensee crag, PillerseeTal
Idyllically situated on the shores of the small Wiesensee lake between St. Ulrich and Hochfilzen in the Steinberge mountains. The Hochfilzen Alpine Club has set up the crag with children in mind: 21 routes ranging from 8 to 15 metres, most of which are grade 4. Access takes just 3 minutes.
Flämenwandl, Leutasch
Situated right on the banks of the Leutascher Ache in the Seefeld region, just a few minutes from the Puitbach car park. 23 routes ranging from grade 3 to 6. The wall faces north – a shady destination in high summer. Pack a snack or something for the barbecue, but only light a fire where it is permitted.
Putzen crag, Imst
Idyllically situated in the Putzenwald forest next to a waterfall in the Imst outdoor region. The crag has been completely refurbished and is ideal for children and beginners: 26 vertical routes ranging from 6 to 32 metres.
Sauerbrunn Climbing Wall, Prutz
This small crag in Prutz-Faggen in the Tiroler Oberland has 10 routes ranging from 12 to 18 metres, most of which are grade 5. Right next to it are a mineral water spring and a playground; there is plenty of shade in the afternoon. Access takes about 10 minutes.
Oetz crag, Ötztal
The crag at the entrance to Oetz in the Ötztal valley is just one or two minutes’ walk from the car park. There are 39 routes on gneiss, many of which are easy – the ‘Lauser’ and ‘Mogli’ sectors are ideal for children. Those who prefer a greater challenge will find some tricky routes in the overhanging central section.
Locherboden crag, Mieming
Two sectors near the Maria Locherboden pilgrimage church, around 130 metres above the Inn Valley in the Innsbruck region. The crags face south, so climbing is possible almost all year round. 33 short routes, mainly graded 5 and 6, plus a few easier ones. Access takes 15 to 20 minutes.
Nassereith / Botanischer Garten, Imst
Almost all of the 17 routes are grade 3 – ideal for first-time climbers. The rocks face south, west and east, so you can find a shady spot even in the height of summer. Please note: A helmet is compulsory – there is wildlife above the routes, so there is a risk of falling rocks.
Find out more in ‘No Compromises: Climbing Equipment for Children’.
Tips & Safety
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