Fishing with Kids in Galtür: A Special Family Experience at the Kinderhotel Ballunspitze

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Never gone fishing before? No problem.
And suddenly, one takes the bait
Fishing also involves responsibility
Parents can participate—but they don't have to
Conclusion by Anna (Jonas's mom)

And even though only Jonas is fishing right now, everyone seems to be rooting for him.
It’s exactly this moment that has stayed with me most from fishing at the Menta Alm.

Even the journey is part of the experience

On Tuesday at 2 p.m., we meet up with the childcare staff from the Alpenresidenz Ballunspitze at the meeting point next to the hotel.
From there, we’ll walk toward the Menta Alm. The walk takes about 30 minutes and is easily manageable even with a stroller.
There’s plenty for the kids to discover along the way. The trail winds through the beautiful mountain landscape around Galtür, past the river and meadows with cows. Of course, even on the way there, everyone’s already talking about who will catch the first fish later on.
Maxi and Leo, the junior manager of the Ballunspitze, are already waiting at the Menta Alm.
The two of them have already prepared the fishing rods, bait, and everything else you’ll need.

Never gone fishing before? No problem.

Jonas had never held a fishing rod before. But that wasn't a problem at all.
First, Maxi and Leo calmly explain how fishing works. Then, two children at a time get to go to the fishing pond with them.
The pond is mainly home to trout and char, and it usually doesn’t take long before there’s a bite.
But what I found almost even more wonderful was what was happening on the shore while they were fishing.
The other kids watch the water very closely. As soon as a fish appears anywhere, they shout:
“Over there!” “It’s coming toward you!” “Now!”
They search together, cheer each other on, and share in the excitement.
I certainly hadn’t expected this sense of community beforehand.
Some of the kids had only known each other for a few days, and yet suddenly they were all celebrating every catch together.

And suddenly, one takes the bait

As Jonas feels the line move, the tension rises immediately.
Leo helps him just enough, and a few moments later, the fish is actually out of the water.
For the first time, Jonas is holding a fish he caught all by himself.
I’ll probably remember the look on his face at that moment for a long time to come.
Of course, the typical angler’s photo is a must afterward: fish in hand, a big grin, and a whole group of proud onlookers standing nearby.

Fishing also involves responsibility

What I also liked: The children aren’t just shown the exciting part.
Maxi and Leo also explain to them what happens after the catch and why treating the animal with respect is part of the process. They demonstrate, in an age-appropriate way, why the fish needs to be handled quickly and properly.
The caught fish are then taken to the kitchen at the Alpenresidenz Ballunspitze.
Anyone who wants to can even enjoy their own catch that evening, freshly prepared by the chefs.
All Jonas had to do was let the childcare staff know.
The fact that the fish he had caught himself that afternoon ended up on his plate later that evening was, of course, something truly special for him.

Parents can participate—but they don't have to

Jonas could have gone on the whole outing even without me. The childcare providers accompany the group throughout the entire afternoon.
But if you don’t feel comfortable going on your own the first time, you can, of course, bring Mom or Dad along.

After fishing, you can also stop for a bite to eat together at the Menta Alm and then walk back to the hotel on your own.
If you’re not comfortable walking the entire way, just let the front desk know beforehand. Then you can take a ride on the minibus.