Best of Schladming Travel Guide with Insider Tips for the Perfect Vacation in Schladming, Styria
Schladming is a popular holiday destination in Styria and part of the Schladming-Dachstein region. Due to the combination of mountain world, recreational offers, and infrastructure, Schladming is one of the most well-known holiday destinations in Austria.
In the local guide, we guide you through all the districts of the city of Schladming. We give you numerous insider tips on what to do and which events you should definitely experience live. Have fun browsing through the travel guide!
Note: Detailed opening hours can be found on the websites of the individual excursion destinations.
In the local guide, we guide you through all the districts of the city of Schladming. We give you numerous insider tips on what to do and which events you should definitely experience live. Have fun browsing through the travel guide!
Note: Detailed opening hours can be found on the websites of the individual excursion destinations.
Schladming Center
In the center of Schladming, there is much to discover. When strolling through the streets, you will find numerous nice cafes, very good restaurants, and many small boutiques. And of course, many sporting goods stores as well - Schladming is a widely known sports center in every season. Ideal for an extensive shopping tour. Schladming also has a lot to offer culturally! Throughout the year, numerous events take place in the city center. Highlights include the brass band festival "Mid Europe" and the vintage car race "Ennstal Classic" in summer. During the Advent season, the idyllic Schladming mountain Christmas takes place.
City Museum Schladming
The museum building itself is worth a second look – the "Bruderladenhaus" from the year 1661 has a special, old-fashioned charm and is the only preserved architectural monument in Styria. Since 1989, it has housed the City Museum. Experience the turbulent history of the city at the City Museum Schladming. A special thematic focus is the centuries-long mining in the region. The current special exhibition "brandheisses schladming - Our Volunteer Fire Brigades" offers further exciting insights.
Brauerei Schladming
The Brauerei Schladming is a regional specialty brewery located in the heart of the Schladming-Dachstein region. Here, you experience traditional brewing art and can take a behind-the-scenes look at the organic brewery. What makes the beer so special is, on the one hand, that natural mountain spring water from the Schladminger Tauern is used, along with other raw materials sourced from the region. The brewery also offers different types of beer, such as the BioZwickel, whose raw materials are 100% organically grown in Austria. During the beer tasting and tour at the Brauerei Schladming, you receive a Brezn and a Schlüsselband. Duration of the tour is approximately 90 minutes.
City Parish Church St. Achatz & Annakapelle
The Catholic City Parish Church St. Achatz is located in the center of Schladming and immediately stands out with its orange color and green onion dome. When you enter the church, the high, uniquely designed ceilings and the magnificent altar immediately catch your eye in the late Gothic, three-nave hall. Numerous images and statues of saints can also be admired. The Annakapelle can be found in the church's cemetery. It was partially destroyed by a fire in 1618, rebuilt in 1630, and is now protected as a historical monument. Below the chapel is the ossuary. During Advent, a nativity exhibition takes place in the Annakapelle.
Schladminger Bergweihnacht
The Advent season is something very special in Schladming – the traditional mountain Christmas takes place. This includes numerous events around the Christmas holiday, such as the Pichler Adventroas, the Advent market in Stocker's Erlebniswelt in Rohrmoos, the Advent singing and tower blowing, and a great children's program in the Knusperhäuschen. However, we would particularly like to highlight the Adventzauber in der Talbachklamm. Here, torches, light displays, and the glittering snow transform the Talbachklamm into a breathtaking, mystical world - like in a fairy tale. A unique trip for the whole family.
Mid Europe
"Mid Europe" is one of the largest brass music festivals in Europe, which takes place every summer. Thousands of musicians from various nations with music styles ranging from classical, traditional Bohemian sounds, swing to rockin' SKA tunes and pop come together to make Schladming sing and dance. Star guests from the brass music scene are also regularly present. Five stages, both open air and indoor locations, spread throughout Schladming, make the place a symphony of sound.
District Rohrmoos
Rohrmoos with its valleys Obertal and Untertal is rich in fascinating natural spectacles and idyllic places that you should not miss - all set in a picturesque natural backdrop! Numerous wonderful hikes such as the Märchenweg or the Klafferkessel Tour with many mountain lakes, as well as action-packed fun sports, await you in summer, while in winter night skiing and night tobogganing on the Hochwurzen offer special experiences.
Rohrmoos extends from the Enns riverbank west of Schladming at approximately 750 m above sea level to 2,862 m above sea level. The summit of Hochgolling is the highest point. Rohrmoos covers a larger area than the Styrian capital Graz.
Rohrmoos extends from the Enns riverbank west of Schladming at approximately 750 m above sea level to 2,862 m above sea level. The summit of Hochgolling is the highest point. Rohrmoos covers a larger area than the Styrian capital Graz.
Fairy Tale Path
The Märchenweg in Rohrmoos is a lovingly designed circular path with fairy tale figures, playground equipment and many surprises for parents and children. Through a bright forest, it leads into a wonderful, small fairy tale world with dragons, Snow White, Mother Holle, and a witch's cottage. Finally, the Viking ship can be boarded. On the adventure swing, one enjoys the magnificent panorama with a view of the Dachstein. The easy hike takes about two hours and is ideally suited for families with children - and is also stroller-friendly.
Mushroom Educational Trail
A beautiful and interesting destination for families on Hochwurzen is the Schwammerl-Lehrpfad. A Nature Educational Trail, where you can learn all sorts of things about the local Schwammerl and mushroom species. Children especially learn in a playful way which mushrooms are toxic and which are edible. The trail starts at the parking lot of the Gipfelbahn Hochwurzen and leads in a loop through the forest to the Schwammerldorf. Walking time is about 1.5 hours - the path is suitable for strollers.
Mountain GoKart
If you want to experience a special highlight during your vacation, then off to the Mountain GoKart at the Hochwurzen! With the Hochwurzen cable car, you go up to the summit. And with the Mountain GoKart, you can race down the 7 km long descent in a wonderful natural setting all the way down to the valley. A huge fun for the whole family!
Night sledding Hochwurzen
At night during winter, you can experience the slopes on the Hochwurzen not only by skiing and snowboarding, but night sledding is also possible here. The sled rental is located in the valley. The Gipfelbahn Hochwurzen takes you up. Strengthen yourself in the Hochwurzen Hütte before heading down with the sled 7 km down the illuminated night sledding track towards the valley. Tip: After the sledding fun, head to the Tauernalm for après-ski.
Skiberg Hochwurzen
Wide, long descents, best-prepared slopes, children's offers, and easy slopes for beginners and families, and of course numerous cozy huts for a break in between - this is the ski area Hochwurzen. The ski mountain is part of the 4-Berge-Skischaukel in Schladming. Highlights include the Funslope for beginners and experts with many different obstacles such as steep curves, boxes, a 7-meter-long tunnel, speed boosts, and small jumps. If you can't get enough of skiing, then the Nachtskilauf on Hochwurzen is a must for you. Carve down the slope between 19:30 and 22:30 under floodlight - a special experience. By the way - there are also wonderful winter hiking trails and ski tours on Hochwurzen in winter.
Untertal
Untertal is a district of the municipality of Schladming and forms the valley that runs from west to east, known as the side valley south of Schladming, which is traversed by the Untertalbach. Historically, Untertal was shaped by mining and agriculture; today, tourism is the focus, with numerous hiking trails, alpine huts, and excursion destinations towards Riesachfall and Hochwildstelle.
Themenweg "Wilde Wasser"
The 12 km long adventure hiking trail "Wilde Wasser" stretches from Schladming deep into the Rohrmoos valleys, up to an elevation of 2,600 m - along the forest path or over the alpine stone "Wilde Wasser". Through the wild Talbach gorge, past small waterfalls and the old Gföller mill, the mystically beautiful nature reserves of Toteisboden and Tettermoor, and numerous other stations, you will experience magnificent panoramas and unique landscapes with "wild waters". At each station, you will also learn about the history of the valley and the hard lives of the valley inhabitants, and discover mysterious places along the way. At the end of the themed hike, you will be greeted by the imposing 140 m high Riesach waterfall, which thunders down in two stages into the lower valley. From the Riesach parking lot, you can take the hiking bus back to the valley. The themed hike "Wilde Wasser" is well suited for families with children due to its easy difficulty for families with children, even with sporty strollers. Along the path, there are several opportunities for refreshments. For example, enjoy Styrian delicacies on the sun terrace at Waldhäuslalm while the children have fun at the large adventure playground with petting zoo.
Alpine Trail "Wild Water"
At the Riesach parking lot, the fascinating alpine trail "Wild Water" begins. This trail leads to the Riesach Waterfall, which has a height of 140 m, making it the highest waterfall in Styria. The trail extends through a gorge along the Riesach stream. The highlight of the alpine trail is the 50-meter-long rope suspension bridge, which must be crossed. At the end of the alpine trail, another picturesque view awaits you - the idyllic Riesach Lake. Just a few meters away is the rustic Gfölleralm, where you can try Styrian cheese from local production and other organic specialties from the region. The alpine trail requires sure-footedness and a head for heights, but is nevertheless suitable for and popular among children. The descent is easy via a forest road. Many other partially demanding and well-marked hikes start from the Riesachfall parking lot.
King's Tour Klafferkessel
One of the most beautiful hikes in the Schladminger Tauern. You will encounter a relic from the Ice Age with the Klafferkessel, as well as more than 30 mountain lakes spread out on a plateau in a high alpine landscape at an altitude of about 2,300 meters. A unique sight! The hike to the Klafferkessel is classified as difficult and requires surefootedness and freedom from vertigo, especially at Greifenberg. Since the walking time is around 9 hours, we recommend enjoying this alpine tour in two stages. You can spend the night at one of the mountain huts along the way - at the Gollinghütte or the Preintalerhütte. Be sure to enjoy the delicious Kaiserschmarrn on the viewing terrace. The tour starts in Untertal at the Seeleiten parking lot.
Obertal
Once the core area of the Schladming mining, the long, very diverse Obertal is now a popular destination for hikers. With alpine flowers covering lush meadows, sparkling mountain lakes, and boldly shaped peaks, Obertal presents the image of an untouched mountain landscape that invites you to dreamlike hikes. One often encounters traces of mining activities that date back far into the Middle Ages Bergbautätigkeit. The challenges that once had to be solved regarding access to these remote work sites and the transport of the mined ore can be sensed when one traverses this area today.
Nickel Museum Hopfriesen
The Nickel Museum in Obertal features its historical smelter, reflecting the long mining tradition in the region. Here, visitors embark on a journey back in time when the valuable raw material nickel was still manually extracted from the mountains. Learn about the process of nickel smelting and the wide range of applications for nickel. The Nickel Museum is a unique sight that combines modernity and tradition amidst the natural landscape, as the glass museum is integrated into the old weathered ruin with the smelter built in 1840. The approximately 1.5-hour hike to the historical smelter is a wonderful destination for families. The goblin "Nickel" brings the exhibition to life for children.
Annastollen Bromriesen
The Annastollen in Obertal is a decommissioned mine, where ores were extracted until the 19th century. It represents the main access to the Bromriesen tunnel system and is located at an altitude of 1,226 m. The history of mining in the Bromriesen area dates back to the 16th century. In summer, tours through the tunnel take place. Since Annastollen is located near the Nickelmuseum Hopfriesen, it is particularly attractive to walk the exciting 'Bergbau Rundweg'.
Duisitzkarsee
The Duisitzkarsee, set in a picturesque mountainous landscape, is undoubtedly the most beautiful mountain lake in the Schladminger Tauern and a wonderful destination for excursions and photography. Especially in autumn, unique photo opportunities arise. In July and August, even the hardy ones can go swimming in the refreshing mountain lake. While enjoying regional delicacies at the Duisitzkarhütte, you can relax and take in the scenic view. During the summer months, the Schladming tourism association offers guided adventure hikes to the Duisitzkarsee, where wood is collected, a fire is made, and then grilled together. The starting point for the approximately 1.5-hour hike to Duisitzkarsee is the Eschbachhütte, which is also a popular excursion destination.
Planai-Fastenberg
The Planai is the 1,906 m high local mountain of Schladming. The Planai is mainly known from winter sports, as the spectacular World Cup race "Nightrace" takes place on the ski mountain every year in January. There is also a lot going on in summer on the Planai. Especially for hikers but also for mountain bikers and downhill riders with the bike park, the Planai is a true paradise. And there is plenty offered for children in Hopsiland as well.
Hopsiland
The Hopsiland at the summit of Planai is a huge play paradise for children. At the highest playground in Styria and in the children's land, there is a lot to discover – always accompanied by Hopsi the hare, the mascot of the ski world championship that took place in Schladming in 2013. On the 1.5 km long stroller-friendly circular path, you can expect numerous play stations such as the climbing park with slides, water world and mountain world, Goldbrünndl, the Hopsiflug, and much more.
Bikepark Schladming
Downhill and mountain bike fans get their money's worth at the Bikepark Planai! Take the Planai cable car up to 1,830 m altitude and then it's all downhill from there! Bike and safety equipment can be rented at the Bikecenter. Rookies and pros can prove their skills on the 42 km long trails with different difficulty levels. An unforgettable biking experience!
Sheep Alm
The Sheep Alm at Planai is a popular destination for excursions both in summer and winter. The lovingly designed, rustic hut is located directly at the Planai mountain station and is therefore easy to find. In winter, you can not only eat well in the ski hut but also party during après-ski. In summer, the Sheep Alm is perfect for a stop while hiking. Enjoy the magnificent view of the surrounding mountains from the terrace while having a delicious snack during your break. Regular events take place here, and live bands perform.
Skiing Mountain Planai
In the middle of the Ski region Schladming-Dachstein lies the Skiberg Planai. As part of the Schladminger 4-Mountains Ski Carousel, you can expect 123 kilometers of slopes, 44 modern lift systems, well-prepared, wide ski runs, and numerous ski huts. Young skiers can let off steam in the Hopsi Kinderwinterland in the area of the Märchenwiese. Funslope, Hopsi's Möhrihenweg, and a thrilling forest path - skiing fun for the little ones is guaranteed.
The Nightrace Schladming
The World Cup race "The Nightrace" is a fixed point every year in January for locals and guests. The night race of the ski world elite is also a highlight for all ski racers. Since 1973, World Cup races have been held on the Planai, and the first Nightrace took place in 1997. Since then, around 50,000 visitors celebrate the successes of ski stars such as Marcel Hirscher, Henrik Kristoffersen, and Felix Neureuther each year. Don't miss out on the unique atmosphere and the electrifying mood.
Pichl-Preunegg
The district Pichl-Preunegg with the villages Pichl, Preunegg, Mandling, Vorberg, and Gleiming is the westerly part of Schladming, directly located at the border to Salzburg. The bathing lake in Pichl guarantees summer fun for the whole family. Characteristic of the district is the Reiteralm, a famous ski and hiking mountain.
Pichl Lake Recreation Area
As one of the cleanest bathing lakes in Styria, you can expect not only crystal-clear refreshment and a large sunbathing area. Adventure playground with bouncy castle and playhouse, as well as table tennis, beach volleyball, soccer, and tennis courts. In the leisure pavilion, you can enjoy Italian dishes. Our special tip: During the summer months, a water laser show takes place every week on Wednesdays and Sundays in the evening hours. Don’t miss this colorful event.
Skiberg Reiteralm
The Reiteralm is the local mountain of Pichl-Preunegg and is mainly known as a ski mountain. Numerous World Cup races have already taken place on its long, wide slopes, and the Reiteralm is also very popular as a training area among the ski elite. So you will be skiing on the Reiteralm in the tracks of the world's best ski racers. But it's not just the long, well-prepared ski slopes that make the Reiteralm stand out; the unique panorama and cozy huts are also noteworthy. Be sure to visit the rustic Sautrogalm. In summer, the Reiteralm is especially worth a visit for nature lovers and hikers.
Höhenrundweg Reiteralm & 3-Gipfel-Tour
The Höhenrundweg on the Reiteralm is a challenging circular hike of about 3 hours. You will be rewarded with overwhelming panoramas, including views from the Gosaukamm over the Dachstein, the High and Low Tauern to the Hochkönig, as well as glances at glittering mountain lakes and two peak victories (Rippeteck, 2,126 m & Gasselhöhe, 2,001 m). A photo from the Spiegelsee, which gets its name from the wonderful reflection of the Dachstein massif in the crystal-clear lake, must not be missing from the photo album! And also at the Reiteralmsee, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama.
Ursprungalm with Giglachseen
At the end of an 8.5 km long toll road, past ponds and romantic alpine pastures, lies the idyllic Ursprungalm at an altitude of 1,600 m. From the alp, the once steep hike to the dreamily situated Giglachseen is recommended. Here you can enjoy untouched nature and breathtaking panoramas. The shorter and easily walkable circuit path "Quelle der Sinne" also leads away from the Ursprungalm. This path is also stroller-friendly. By the way: A famous Heidi film was also shot in this beautiful setting, right at the Ursprungalm, in 1988.
Hut experience Halserberg / Rittisberg
For all those who want a cozy hike with a magnificent view of the Schladminger Tauern mountains and enjoy a cabin break with delicious regional delicacies, we recommend the Halserberg / Rittisberg. The comfortable walking path takes you through untouched nature into the picturesque alpine landscape with rustic huts and unique panoramas. The path is also manageable with a stroller, although parts of it are somewhat more challenging, but possible. At the Halseralm, Sonnenalm and Ochsenalm, delicious regional delicacies await you. Especially the flambéed Kaiserschmarrn at the over 400-year-old Halseralm. And the innkeeper at the Sonnenalm is always ready for a little joke.
Steiner 1888 Wool World
In Mandling you can find the famous Lodenmanufaktur Steiner 1888. Here you can not only buy fashion and cozy wool blankets in the shop, but also learn everything about the raw material wool and its processing in the Steiner 1888 Wollwelt. For example, hold alpaca or angora wool in your hands. Feel how the finest cashmere feels. Watch how wool is spun and felted at the 120-year-old hammer mill. You will also learn for which famous fashion labels Steiner 1888 produces the finest fabrics.