If you’ve ever dreamed of taking the kids to Lapland, the snowflakes, the reindeer, the magical hush of a winter wonderland, but the price tag left you cold, then it’s time to turn your compass south.
Nestled in Austria’s Salzburg region, the alpine village of Kaprun offers all the winter charm of the Arctic, powdered peaks, cozy chalets, and family-friendly fun, without the eye-watering expense.
Kaprun may not have Santa’s workshop, but it has something arguably better: authenticity. Surrounded by the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier and the dramatic Hohe Tauern National Park, this small Austrian town transforms into a snow globe scene from late November through early spring. Children build snowmen outside charming wooden lodges while parents sip steaming mugs of Glühwein beside roaring fires. The vibe is relaxed, unpretentious, and, crucially, affordable.
A Winter Escape That’s Actually Family – Friendly, The standout accommodation is the Hotel Sonnblick, a family-run, four-star property that feels more like a home than a hotel. Its “Kids Free” winter package is a game-changer for parent’s, children under 12 stay free when sharing their parents’ room, making it one of Europe’s best-value alpine escapes. Starting at €1,119 per person for seven nights, the deal includes half board, wellness access, and family-focused activities. For a family of four, it’s a fraction of what you’d pay for a Lapland package.
Off-peak vis And while Kaprun is known for its skiing, you don’t need to hit the slopes to feel the magic. It’s in late November or early December often mean lower rates and quieter trails, with just enough snow to keep kids wide-eyed. Non-skiers can enjoy sledging down gentle hills, snowshoeing through pine forests, or simply wandering the twinkling Christmas markets in nearby Zell am See, only a ten-minute bus ride away.
All the Magic, None of the Rush, What sets Kaprun apart is its balance of adventure and calm. The nearby Kitzsteinhorn Glacier guarantees snow even when the valley below is green. Take the family up by gondola and watch as the world turns to white, a true winter playground where you can make snow angels at 3,000 meters. For a slower pace, explore the Tauern Spa, a thermal water paradise with outdoor pools that steam against the snowy backdrop.
Come evening, families gather in the hotel’s alpine-style dining room for hearty Austrian dishes, think schnitzel, dumplings, and apple strudel, before retreating to rooms that blend mountain charm with modern comfort. The staff go out of their way to make children feel welcome, offering little touches like hot chocolate by the fire and free sleds to borrow.
Lapland Who? Kaprun delivers all the nostalgia and wonder of a traditional Christmas holiday, minus the tourist chaos and minus the bill shock. You won’t find elves or staged “North Pole” theatrics here, just genuine alpine warmth, snowy adventures, and memories that feel real.
So, if you want to give your children the gift of winter magic this year, skip the Arctic circle and head for Austria. Kaprun is proof that you don’t need to travel to Lapland to find the magic, you just need a cozy chalet, a bit of snow, and that unmistakable sparkle in the air.
