Weiler-Simmerberg, Germany
If you’re looking for a family-friendly walk that will keep little legs moving and little minds engaged, this is one I’d highly recommend.
When we visited, our daughters were 3 and 5 years old, and we’re always on the lookout for ways to help them enjoy walking and hiking. We’ve found that the Erlebniswege (adventure trails) throughout Vorarlberg and the Allgäu are a fantastic way to turn a simple walk into an exciting family adventure.
The trail is just over 2 km long with only around 80 metres of elevation gain, making it suitable for most families with young children. Parking is generally free nearby, and the only cost is €1 for a wooden ball, which you can buy at the start of the trail. The ball is used throughout the walk to complete activities, answer questions about nature and wildlife, and navigate the fun Kugelbahn (ball runs). Best of all, you can keep the ball and use it again on future visits—provided, of course, you remember where you put it afterwards (unlike us!).
The walk begins alongside the river before crossing a bridge and leading into the woodland. There isn’t a separate path next to the river, so younger children will need to be supervised carefully, as there are a few sections where the bank drops down to the water.
Once you enter the forest, the adventure really begins. After collecting your wooden ball, you’ll discover a series of interactive stations dotted along the trail. Some challenge children to answer questions about the local wildlife and nature, while others use the wooden ball as part of games and puzzles. Our girls couldn’t wait to race ahead to find the next station, making the entire walk feel like a treasure hunt rather than a hike.
There are also several play areas along the route, including a brilliant hillside slide complete with mats to sit on, allowing children (and adults!) to pick up a little extra speed on the way down.
What I particularly loved about this trail was the variety of activities. It combines physical play, balance and coordination challenges, and educational games, ensuring there’s something to capture every child’s interest. The activities are thoughtfully designed to encourage children to explore, learn and stay engaged from start to finish.
As a reward for completing the trail, children can choose a gold coin from the treasure chest and collect a certificate—a lovely finishing touch that our girls were incredibly proud of.
If you still have some energy left afterwards, I’d highly recommend stopping in nearby Scheidegg for an ice cream. It’s the perfect way to round off a fantastic family day out.
At a glance:
- Distance: Just over 2 km
- Elevation gain: Approximately 80 m
- Suitable for: Families with young children (not suitable for prams/push chairs), but they do have a designated area for them by the first station.
- Parking: Free parking available nearby
- Cost: €1 for a reusable wooden activity ball
- Highlights: Interactive nature stations, ball runs, playground, slide, treasure chest and certificate
This is one of those walks that proves hiking with children doesn’t have to be a battle. With plenty to discover along the way, they’ll be so busy playing and exploring that they may not even realise they’ve just completed a 2 km hike.
