Family walk along the Klang-Kugelbahnweg in Laterns

This family-friendly themed walk combines a chairlift ride, Alpine scenery and eight interactive marble-run stations. From the Klangspielplatz below Falba Stuba, the 3.5-kilometre trail descends to the summer toboggan run. Along the way, children and adults alike explore the connections between wood, nature and acoustics through physical activity, dexterity and sound. The trail is generally easy to walk but is not wheelchair-accessible.

The walk begins at the base station of Seilbahnen Laterns in Kühboden. Before taking the chairlift up, visitors can collect the puzzle sheet for the marble run trail from the ticket office. The Gapfohl four-seater chairlift then provides a convenient ride up into the walking area.

A short path leads from the mountain station to Falba Stuba and the Klangspielplatz below. This is where the vending machine for the wooden marble is located. Even before starting the trail itself, the Klangspielplatz offers various opportunities to experiment, listen and play.

From the Klangspielplatz, follow the signposted marble run trail downhill. The wooden marble comes into play at eight interactive stations. The individual features combine physical activity and dexterity with themes relating to sound, wood and nature. The puzzle sheet accompanies the walk and encourages visitors to pay close attention to their surroundings.

The route passes through the mountain landscape of Laterns and partly through wooded terrain. It is generally easy to walk throughout, but descends continuously and is not wheelchair-accessible. Sturdy footwear is therefore important, even on this family-friendly walk.

After approximately 3.5 kilometres, the marble run trail ends at the summer toboggan run, bringing visitors back to the area around the base station. Allow around one and a half hours for the walk. Those who spend more time at the stations or take longer breaks will need correspondingly longer.

We recommend travelling to the starting point by public transport. The walk begins and ends at the base station of Seilbahnen Laterns in Kühboden. The recommended route first takes the chairlift up to Klangberg before returning to the valley on foot.

By public transport:

Bus stop at the start/finish: Innerlaterns Seilbahn

Bus service 495 runs from Rankweil Bahnhof through the Laternsertal to the Innerlaterns Seilbahn stop. The base station, ticket office and chairlift entrance are just a few minutes’ walk from the bus stop.

Railway station: Rankweil Bahnhof. Change here from the train to bus service 495.

Journey planner: www.vmobil.at

By car:

Take the A14 Rheintal/Walgau motorway to the Rankweil exit. From there, continue via Rankweil and Laternser Straße L51 through the Laternsertal to Innerlaterns. At Kühboden, follow the signs for Seilbahnen Laterns.

A valid motorway vignette is required when travelling via the motorway.

Parking:

The Seilbahnen Laterns car park is located directly at the base station at Kühboden 7, 6830 Laterns. This private car park is subject to a charge. Current charges, conditions of use and any parking fee refund available to guests of Seilbahnen Laterns should be checked on site.

For this walk, we recommend suitable equipment: a walking rucksack, sturdy, comfortable footwear, clothing appropriate for the weather, sun and rain protection, food and sufficient drinking water, a first-aid kit and a mobile phone.

Closed-toe shoes with good grip and clothing appropriate for the weather are particularly important for children.

The marble run trail descends continuously from Falba Stuba. Although the trail is generally easy to walk, the gradient, uneven sections and slippery ground in wet conditions require care and sure-footedness.

Children should be supervised by an adult along the trail and while using the marble-run stations. The marble-run features must only be used as intended.

Check the weather conditions and chairlift operating times before setting off. The walk should be postponed or abandoned in the event of thunderstorms, heavy rain, storms or poor visibility. Use of the trail is at your own risk.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

112 European emergency number

140 Mountain rescue

144 Ambulance service

Marble and puzzle sheet:

The puzzle sheet is available from the ticket office at the base station and should be collected before taking the chairlift up. The wooden marble is available from the vending machine by the marble run at the Klangspielplatz below Falba Stuba. Current prices and availability should be checked on site. Anyone who finds the correct solution number can collect a small surprise from the ticket office at the end.

Refreshments and rest stops:

Falba Stuba, near the Klangspielplatz, offers a place to stop for refreshments. Further food and drink options are available around the base station. Opening hours and days of closure should be checked in advance.

Suitability:

The marble run trail is particularly suitable for families, school groups and visitors wishing to combine a short walk with playful experiences in nature. The trail is not wheelchair-accessible. Because of the gradient, it is also unsuitable for pushchairs or can only be used with them to a very limited extent.

Time planning:

Allow around one and a half hours for the 3.5-kilometre marble run trail. Additional time should be allowed for the chairlift ride, time spent at the Klangspielplatz and any refreshment or play breaks.

Further experiences:

The walk can be combined with a visit to the Klangspielplatz, the play facilities at the base station or a ride on the summer toboggan run. The musical puzzle trail “Die Suche nach der magischen Melodie” (“The Search for the Magical Melody”) also leads through Klangberg using the free Locandy app. The operating times and availability of the individual activities should be checked before visiting.