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Stories of the Gruber Hotel

Olperl’s Mountain World on Mount Elmo: Hiking with Kids in Sexten

 

 

Sometimes you don’t need a multi-hour hike or a steep summit climb to share a truly special moment together.

Sometimes all it takes is 1.5 kilometers, ten interactive trail stations, and a lively mountain creature named Olperl. 😊

Welcome to Olperl’s Mountain World on Mount Elmo in Sexten!

Starting right at the top station of the Mount Elmo cable car, this family circular trail offers a wonderful way to discover how exciting nature in the Sexten Dolomites can be.

There are no summits to conquer or long distances to cover – instead, the path is packed with things to see, touch, discover, and play with.

That’s precisely why Olperl’s Mountain World is one of our absolute favorite recommendations for a family day out in Sexten.

A Mountain Full of Adventures: Hiking with Kids on Mount Elmo

The 1.5-kilometer family trail leads through Olperl’s magical realm and, with an elevation gain of around 80 meters, is gentle and easy to walk.

You can expect the loop to take about an hour of walking time – although experience tells us here at Hotel Gruber: when hiking with children, it’s best to allow a little extra time! 😉

After all, the goal isn’t to finish as quickly as possible:

Ten interactive stations: Turning nature into a playground and the mountain into a world of discovery.

For young explorers: Kids can observe, listen, feel, and try things out.

For Mom & Dad: Plenty of moments to pause and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the Sexten Dolomites.

The kids get their adventure – and parents get their well-deserved mountain moments.

Our Highlight: Experience the Mountain Barefoot

Our favorite tip on the loop? The entire path can be enjoyed barefoot! Alongside the main walking trail runs a dedicated barefoot path featuring a variety of natural materials:

Cool pebbles

Warm wood

Soft moss

Smooth bark

Every texture feels different – turning a simple walk into a sensory adventure for the whole family. At the start of the trail, right next to the Mount Elmo restaurant, you’ll find a convenient shoe depot where you can safely store your hiking boots while taking on the barefoot path.

And let's be honest: how often do you get the chance to kick off your shoes right in the heart of the Dolomites and feel the mountain beneath your feet? 😊

The Alpine Lake, Relaxing Breaks & Stroller Friendliness

There’s another wonderful reason to take a break along the way: the small mountain lake lined with comfortable sun loungers.

Dip your feet into the clear water, soak up the sunshine, or simply relax while listening to the sounds of nature.

While the kids are happily occupied, parents get a peaceful moment to pause and recharge.

Perfect for the Little Ones

Olperl’s Mountain World is stroller-friendly and very easy to navigate.

The trail is short, clear, and engaging – just right for young children who aren't quite ready for long mountain tours yet, but are eager for their own adventures.

And who knows: Olperl might be just the companion needed to turn an "I don't want to walk anymore" into an excited "What's next?".

Our Tip for Your Family Day in Sexten

The best way to enjoy Olperl’s Mountain World is to combine it with a comfortable cable car ride up Mount Elmo and simply take your time at the top:

No pressure & no athletic achievements required

No need to track kilometers

Just enjoying the present moment together

Feature

Details

Start & Finish

Mount Elmo mountain station (Sexten)

Length & Time

approx. 1.5 km | approx. 60 mins (pure walking time)

Elevation Gain

approx. 80 m (easy)

Adventure Stations

10 interactive stations

Features

Barefoot trail with shoe depot, loungers at the lake

Suitability

Stroller-friendly & ideal for toddlers

Refreshments

Mount Elmo restaurant, Helmstuben & more

Walk a little, feel the mountain under your feet, rest by the small lake, and take in the magnificent peaks of the Sexten Dolomites.

These relaxed, stress-free days are often the ones children remember the longest.

Olperl’s Mountain World at a Glance

A Small Day in the Mountains That Becomes a Great Memory

We believe Olperl’s Mountain World captures what a true family holiday in Sexten is all about: being outdoors together, experiencing nature firsthand,

and giving everyone space to find their own special moment.

Because in the mountains, it doesn't always have to be the highest peak. Sometimes it’s a small lake, a patch of soft moss beneath your bare feet,

or a child discovering something wonderful along the path.

Enjoy your trip up the mountain and have a wonderful time together!

Warm regards from Sexten

The Gruber Family & Team

  

Hiking weeks in the Sesto Dolomites

Wanderwochen in den Sextner Dolomiten
30.08.2026 to 04.10.2026

including half board

Winter getaway between Christmas and New Year’s Eve

25.12.2026 to 27.12.2026

🎄 Winter getaway between Christmas and New Year’s Eve

The perfect gift after Christmas?

Two days in the Sexten Dolomites

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Winter Opening

04.12.2026 to 08.12.2026

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