“FAMILY QUALITY TIME.” That’s how Ann, a content creator and outdoor mom from our namuk community, describes her weekend at Hotel Kröller in Tyrol. We connected her with the family-run hotel, and the result was a weekend full of nature, ease, and real time off. It’s a place where everything just works: Kids laughing in the garden, parents with coffee on the terrace right next to the adventure playground. While the kids run wild, the adults enjoy a moment of peace – completely guilt-free.
Family time between mountains and playground
"In the end, it's those little things that make the difference," says Ann. "That the different needs fit together perfectly – completely naturally." Whether baby, grandparents, or teenager – every generation feels comfortable at Kröller.
And outside? Tyrol shows its most beautiful side. Ann says she experienced the nature around the hotel as incredibly diverse: "Our time out in nature – whether right outside the front door or up in the mountains – was our highlight. The options are so varied."
No wonder – the region around Gerlos is made for families. Well-maintained hiking trails, clear mountain streams, themed paths, and huts with playgrounds make discovery easy. "What’s important to us," says Isabell from Hotel Kröller, "is that families can truly experience nature here – safely, easily, and without stress. Thanks to the proximity to nature, children playfully get to know the world of the Alps – far from traffic and surrounded by greenery."
The circular path around the Kröndlwurm Lake particularly stuck in her memory: "The many exciting stations mean a family can spend several relaxed hours there, but you're still quickly back in the valley if the mood changes. Especially with smaller children, that’s really great," she says with a laugh.
Clothing that offers freedom
For Ann, the right clothing is part of family time outdoors. "Nothing saps energy like heavy or uncomfortable clothing that restricts movement," she says. Her secret tip and absolute favorite material: Merino. "Directly on the skin, I swear by natural fibers – for example, the thermal underwear from namuk made of 100% Merino. It’s feather-light, soft, breathable, and climatically perfect."
For layering, Ann focuses on lightness and versatility: "Depending on the weather, a sweater or fleece is added. And with the namuk Zip-in pieces, you can combine them easily – as a thin or thicker jacket, always light and flexible."
The namuk Test Center at Hotel Kröller
The special thing about her stay: Families can test namuk clothing directly at Hotel Kröller. "I thought the opportunity to really touch and try out namuk was great," she says. "Especially for parents who want to get to know high-quality outdoor clothing before they buy it."
In the hotel's own Test Center, you'll find jackets, pants, and rain suits for children – ready for big and small adventures. If you want to borrow something, simply scan the QR code in the shop area, register briefly – and you're ready to go. After the hiking adventure, just drop it off at the reception desk. We’ll tell you soon what exactly is behind the namuk Test Centers and how these exciting partnerships came about – stay tuned.
Besides the Test Center, Hotel Kröller offers many small extras that make being outside easier for families. Parents can put together their own packed lunches at the breakfast buffet – exactly to their taste. Every child receives a refillable Captain K water bottle upon arrival, which can be topped up at water stations in the hotel at any time.
Equipment is also taken care of: child carriers, hiking poles, and backpacks are available to borrow free of charge, and those traveling with very small children can even borrow off-road strollers. "We want hiking with children to simply be fun – easy, flexible, and with everything families need on the go," says Isabell from the Kröller team. "And sometimes our Kids' Club supervisors even accompany us on short tours – then every hike becomes an adventure."
Hiking tips in Tirol from Hotel Kröller
They set the pace and the stops. Especially when they are still small. As written above, the journey is the destination. But of course, nothing works without tasty snacks or the prospect of a Kaiserschmarrn (sweet chopped pancake). Five idyllic side valleys surround the hotel – each with its own character. Isabell from Hotel Kröller shared her favorite tours with namuk:
Wimmertal
Right across from Hotel Kröller starts one of the most beautiful family trails in Gerlos: the walk through the Wimmertal valley. The wide forest path leads comfortably along the clear Wimmerbach stream up to the Wimmertalalm hut – with views of green slopes and cowbells in the background. Along the way, kids can enjoy small streams for playing, stones to balance on, and meadows for running. Ideal for beginners, easily manageable with a stroller, and perfect for a half-day in nature.
Schönachtal
Gentle alpine meadows, glittering streams, and an easy path through one of Gerlos's most popular side valleys: the Schönachtal. Perfect for families with small children – whether on foot, with a stroller, or a balance bike. The path leads to the Lackenalm or Stinkmoosalm, where you can find homemade Tyrolean delicacies and a fantastic view. A relaxed tour where you simply let nature and time flow.
Krummbachtal
The Krummbachtal valley is made for small explorers: easy to walk, full of waterways, and with many rest stops. The path gently winds through alpine meadows and ends at the Krummbachrast – a cozy hut with a playground and sun terrace. Especially in summer, it’s a wonderful place to spend an entire afternoon. Simple, varied, and packed with nature experiences.
Schwarzachtal
A quiet valley with lots of shade and forest – perfect for warm summer days or leisurely walks. The path runs along the Schwarzach stream up to the rustic Schwarzachalm, where you're rewarded with homemade cake or a traditional 'Brettljause' (snack platter). Along the way, water babbles, birds chirp, and children find small adventures everywhere. A simple, relaxed route for families seeking peace.
Wildgerlostal
A bit wilder, a bit higher – and simply stunning: the Wildgerlostal valley. The starting point is the Durlassboden Reservoir, from where the path leads towards Finkau and the Wildgerlos Lake. The setting with glacier views and waterfalls is spectacular, but still family-friendly as long as you choose shorter sections. Ideal for older children who enjoy a bit of "proper hiking."
And for those who prefer to start right from the hotel, there are also easy circular routes: the small Gmünder Reservoir – perfect for short walks with toddlers, or the Durlassboden Reservoir, with panoramic views, playgrounds, and swimming spots all around. For anyone who prefers their adventure a bit more playful, the hotel recommends the 'Erlebnisreichweg' (Adventure Trail) – a themed path with tree houses, a treasure hunt, and a large forest playground.
Just head out
"The journey is the destination," says Ann. "Kids live in the moment – and that's how they hike." A fallen tree, a stream, a marble run on the mountain – sometimes it's these little things that make a hike special. In the end, it doesn't matter whether you've covered five meters or five kilometers.
But in the end, it's exactly these moments that stay with you: nature, time, and ease. Or, as Ann says: "Nature is everywhere. We just have to take the time – and look closely."
