Camping, glamping, vanlife – around Innsbruck

05 July 2024

Post originally written in: Deutsch

There are people who spend their vacations exclusively camping. My parents were not one of them. And to be honest, I wasn't particularly keen on spending a night in a tent or camper van as a child either. That's why I was skeptical when my husband wanted to take us camping for the first time. Probably because he knew me and my reservations, he had chosen a beautiful "glamping" site. To make a long story short: It was a wonderful vacation, and my love for glamping was ignited.

And that's exactly why I'm delighted to be able to introduce you to two fantastic campsites in the Innsbruck region. Both are guaranteed to have the perfect accommodation for every taste. Whether it's a pitch for a tent or caravan/motorhome, a luxurious glamping tent, lodge or floating house - there's something for everyone here.

A paradise for generations

In the sunny low mountain range, away from all through roads and yet only seven kilometers from Innsbruck, lies the Ferienparadies Natterer See. 90 years ago, the grandparents of the current owner Georg Giner began to realize their vision of a small vacation paradise. It took two years to build the Natterer Seethe campsite was gradually expanded and extended, and even today everything is done to ensure that guests, who incidentally come from over 70 countries, have a great time.

The right accommodation for every taste

In my opinion, the word "paradise" is used excessively. But in the case of the Ferienparadies Natterer See it applies. Because what do you need for a paradisiacal vacation? First of all, the right accommodation. This can mean something different for everyone. Whether tent, motorhome, apartment, tiny house, mobile home or floating home: everyone will find what they are looking for at Lake Natterer See. An idyllic location, surrounded by nature, with a beautiful view and also close to a great town with interesting sights and attractionsmakes the accommodation perfect.

Indulgence with a view of the lake

Of course, culinary delights are not neglected either. At Ferienparadies Natterer See, the pizzeria "da Giorgio" and the take-away self-service restaurant cater for your physical well-being. Is there anything better than dining with a view of the water and a cool drink in your hand as the sun sets? Hardly, right? If you prefer to eat in the city, no problem. Innsbruck, with all its great restaurants and nightlife options, is just a stone's throw away.

Water fun at your own swimming lake

No matter who you are traveling with, whether with friends, family or alone, there is one thing you must not do: Boredom. If, like me, you're satisfied with a different hike every day Hike every day is definitely in the right place in Tirol. But of course, Ferienparadies Natterer See offers much, much more. Parents in particular know that good children's entertainment, great playgrounds and a bathing lake with water slides are worth their weight in gold. The swimming lake with children's bay and surrounded by green sunbathing lawns is the center of the resort, where fun, sports and adventure seekers meet. Terms such as Mega-Aquapark with Action Tower XXL, Bouncer XXL water trampoline or WiggleBridge water wobble bridge make you want to get into the water, don't they? Okay, I'll be honest, I personally wouldn't be tempted, but my men - like probably all other youngsters and the young at heart - would! If, like me, you prefer to take it easy, you can relax with a good book and let the sun shine on your stomach.

Glamping: glamorous camping

Because that's also part of a paradisiacal vacation: relaxation. Which brings us back to the first point: Glamping (glamorous camping). Pure relaxation for me! The Ferienparadies Natterer See is proud to have brought Austria's first glamping park to the Alpine republic. The Nature Resort offers high-quality safari lodge tents, wood lodges and pinewood sleeping barrels. An architectural highlight is the Tiny Home Green Space. It offers space for two people and is undoubtedly the perfect nest for lovers. At least that's my idea of a romantic vacation. The absolute highlight is the panoramic window, through which you have a fantastic view of Lake Natterer See from your bed. Falling asleep or waking up like this is luxury!

The Gerhardhof: Camping 365 days a year

Probably the most beautiful place in Tyrol for me - the Mieminger Plateau - lies the Gerhardhof. Like the Natterer See vacation paradise, the Gerhardhof is much more than "just" a campsite. Whether with a camper van, caravan or tent, whether you're just passing through or want to spend your entire vacation here: every camper will find the right place at the Gerhardhof. And all year round. In the summer months, you can also spend the night in one of the luxurious glamping tents. But those who prefer their own four walls and a "real" bed are also very welcome at the Gerhardhof: Nine spacious rooms have been renovated with great sensitivity for the old substance of the Gerhardhof.

In the truest sense of the word: an excellent campsite

My colleague Lea was allowed to spend a night at the campsite and put it through its paces for you, so to speak. It's been almost four years now, and the Gerhardhof no longer seems to be an insider tip. This is certainly also due to the excellent guest reviews on various booking portals. "We are proud to have been voted one of the most beautiful campsites in Europe by the German Camping Club (Deutscher Camping-Club e.V.). The ADAC has also once again awarded us five stars in the highest classification level. This above-average rating makes us one of ten ADAC super campsites in Austria and one of 158 in the whole of Europe," says Peter Bußjäger, one of the three partners and Managing Director of Gerhardhof.

For the sake of the environment

In addition to the excellent guest ratings, according to Bußjäger, the topic of Sustainability plays a major role and contributes to the popularity of the campsite: "We pursue a holistic concept: for example, we obtain fresh mountain water from our own spring. Our grey water treatment plant purifies 6,000 liters of shower water every day, which we reuse to flush the toilets, thus saving water efficiently. We also rely on photovoltaics, energy recovery and sustainability when it comes to energy generation."

Fun, games and sport

There is no room for boredom at the Gerhardhof. Sports enthusiasts can let off steam with beach volleyball, archery or horse riding. Unfortunately, I haven't stayed at the campsite myself, but as we live very close by, the Gerhardhof is one of our favorite excursion destinations. It is located in the middle of a beautiful pine forest and offers a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains. This makes it an ideal starting or finishing point for cycling and hiking tours. After some exercise, it's best to fortify yourself in the Innwhich has been part of the Gerhardhof for generations. The food is simply delicious. My highlight is the adjacent playground: while the adults enjoy their meal, the children can let off steam. That's worth its weight in gold - or the slightly higher prices you have to expect when you eat here.

Water, yoga, sport: pure relaxation

The picturesque, 800 square meter Natural bathing pond is reserved for guests of the Gerhardhof. Understandable - but I'm still envious, because it's really beautiful and offers a welcome way to cool off on hot days. The situation is different with the Yoga coursesarchery or horse riding lessons. "Anyone can sign up for these," Mr. Bußjäger tells me. A little further away, just a short walk through the pine forest, is the yoga platform "atemPAUSE". A great way to start or end the day with yoga. If you are interested in the courses, take a look here. I, for one, will definitely be doing so.

Finally, it should be mentioned - and for me this would be crucial - that dogs are also very welcome at the campsite. If you would like to know more about this: I have written about "Holidays with dogs" here.