Austria with kids: Pfänder Mountain Cable Car review

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If you’ve stumbled across my Pfänder Mountain Cable Car review then you might be visiting Austria with kids, or perhaps staying in nearby Bavaria like we did. Pfänder Mountain (in Bregenz, Austria) is right on the border of Germany – so you can easily visit it from either country and it offers one of the most breathtaking and budget-friendly experiences in the region. Nestled near Lindau / Lake Constance, the Pfänder Mountain gives you a stunning panorama of the lake, the Austrian Alps, and even views of Germany and Switzerland on a clear day! But what’s there, how much does it cost, and is it really worth the trip for a family on a budget? Here’s my full review and guide to visiting Pfänder Mountain Cable Car with lots of photos too.

Where is Pfänder Mountain Cable Car?

Pfänder Mountain Cable Car is in Bregenz – an area that is easily accessible by train, bus or car. Austria’s transport system is reliable, and you might even be given a discount or free public transport pass when you stay locally. It has its own car park, if you’re driving, and you can get 3 hours of free parking – just get your ticket validated when you come back down from the mountain. As a family who loves both frugal travel and spectacular views, this was an absolute treat for us!

How much is a trip on the Pfänder Mountain Cable Car?

The best thing about a trip on the Pfänderbahn is that it’s affordable – whilst adults are €17 and kids €8.50 each – they also offer a family pass for €34 which essentially means that the kids go free! (And, kids under 6 years old also ride free anyway.) You can also purchase one-way tickets, and a family one way pass is around €22, but I would imagine that most families will opt for the return trip unless you’re up for a hefty hike down! They also offer combined tickets for the Pfänder Mountain Cable Car and a boat trip on Lake Constance – so if you want to do both take a look on their website to see what’s on offer.

The cable car experience

Once we got our tickets, we only had to wait a few minutes before boarding. The cable car itself is modern, clean and smooth, so there’s no worrying about bumpy rides or feeling unsafe. The journey to the top only takes about 6 minutes, and it’s during this ride that the stunning views begin to unfold. Our kids were glued to the window, and so were we! There were only a few of us in the cable car on the way up, but it was busier on the way back down – though they run continuously so you can always wait for the next one if you’re after a seat! But there’s plenty of standing room and wherever you are you can catch a glimpse of the incredible scenery. You ascend gradually, with views over Lindau and Lake Constance below. Just keep hold of your tickets so you can scan them again for your trip back down.

What is there to do at the top of Pfänder Mountain?

Once you’re at the top, everything is FREE! If you’re a family like us, who loves to get out and explore nature without spending too much, then Pfänder won’t disappoint. Here’s what you’ll find at the top:

Stunning panoramic views:

The viewing platform offers jaw-dropping views of three countries – Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. In one direction, you get views over Lake Constance, and the other offers countryside and mountains. They have big chairs on the lower deck for chilling – we found it so relaxing sitting in the sunshine gazing at the mountain views.

Hiking trails:

There are several hiking paths for all levels of fitness – the circular trail through the Alpine Wildlife Park takes about 30 minutes to complete. The valley hike from the mountain station through Hintermoos takes just over an hour, so it’s family friendly – or through Fluh is closer to 2 hours. And, there are some longer trails too.

Wildlife Park:

As I mentioned above, the Alpine Wildlife Park at the top is a small, free animal area with things like dear and boar. The trail goes down hill on one side and then loops around to bring you back up the hill on the other side – so you might want to leave the buggy behind. There’s an awesome big slide on this route too – it was so fast the kids flew out of the end!

Mountain playground:

There’s a playground at the summit, which would definitely be a hit with younger children. It’s well-maintained and set against the beautiful Alpine backdrop, making it a relaxing spot for parents to sit back while the kids run around.

Café and gift shop:

If you want to splurge a little, there’s a café where you can grab a coffee and cake, or an ice-cream (€1.70), but make sure you bring some cash. There are plenty of picnic spots around the summit to enjoy your food with a view too, so you can bring your own lunch to save some money.

Is Pfänder Mountain worth a visit?

As I said earlier in my review, we thought Pfänder Mountain Cable Car was good value for money – it worked out at €8.50pp and it’s an easy place to while away an afternoon. You could spend as little as an hour or two there, or make a full day of it if you’re heading out on a hike too. It’s such a gorgeous spot and definitely worth a visit. With Lake Constance nearby, you can also combine it with a trip to Lindau and a walk around the lake too. We did a picnic at the lake first and then took a trip on the Pfänderbahn.

If you plan to hike or explore the trails, make sure everyone in the family has good shoes. And, I’ve read that it can be chilly at the summit, depending on the weather, so take layers. We visited on a really warm day so it was lovely to relax in the sunshine, but it can be cooler at the summit than it may be on the ground below. Pfänder Mountain Cable Car is a fantastic day out for families looking for adventure, nature and incredible views without a hefty price tag. The ride itself is a fun experience and, once you’re at the top, you can explore to your heart’s content without spending another penny.