In this article, we’ve gathered the most important information about the Schladming-Dachstein region to help you prepare for your vacation in the simplest and best way possible. Locals usually refer to this area simply as Schladming, so throughout the article, we’ll sometimes use just the name Schladming to describe the region.
You can navigate between sections of the article by clicking on the links in the table of contents here:
- Schladming-Dachstein General Information
- Recommended Accommodations
- Popular Summer Attractions
- Gröbming (Stoderzinken) – The Big Rope Park and Amazing Zipline Track
- The Ramsau Mountain Coaster
- Go Kart / Slalom Kart – Mountain Carts (Non-Motorized)
- Rafting and Canyoning
- Hiking and Biking Trails
- Via Ferrata (Rope Trails)
- The Excellent Summer Discount Card (Sommercard)
- Popular Winter Attractions
- More Essential Information
- Additional Attractions in the Area
Schladming-Dachstein General Information
The Schladming-Dachstein holiday region is vast and includes several areas, villages, and towns.
The villages and towns considered part of Schladming-Dachstein are:
- The Town of Schladming – Considered the central and most popular town for travelers in both winter and summer. It’s an ideal place to stay.
- Ramsau am Dachstein – A mountain area for trekking, climbing, and scenery lovers.
- Haus-Aich-Gössenberg
- Gröbminger Land – The area where the exciting zipline park is located.
- Öblarn-Niederöblarn
- Sölktäler Nature Reserve
- Grimming-Donnersbachtal
Take a look at some of the landscapes awaiting you in Schladming:
It’s interesting to know that Schladming was originally called Slaebnich, as the entire area was part of the Slavic region of Carantania. Over the years, the area changed its character as Germanic settlers arrived. Despite this, it’s still possible to identify Slavic customs and words in the local dialect.
The Central Mountain Range – Dachstein
On the peaks of this range, you’ll find the Dachstein Glacier, the “Stairway to Nowhere,” the Ice Palace, and a variety of exciting trails and views. You can find more detailed information about the mountain peak and recommended attractions in the dedicated article we prepared about the Dachstein mountain range in Styria.
At the heart of the Schladming region is Mount Planai, around which the popular Schladming ski resort is located. In addition to this peak, there are three other impressive mountains:
- Hauser Kaibling
- Hochwurzen
- Reiteralm
Together, these four mountains form the ski area known as “Schladminger 4-Berge-Skischaukel,” offering 167 kilometers of slopes for all levels.
In summer, the peaks become a popular destination for hiking, biking, and climbing trails. As we mentioned, in the Dachstein Glacier area, there’s the impressive viewpoint called “Stairway to Nowhere” and several other attractions, but that’s not all. On almost every central peak in the area, you’ll find a wide range of activities. On the Planai peak, for example, there’s the Hopsiland complex with lots of activities for children. Near Stoderzinken, you’ll find Austria’s largest rope park and zipline. On Rittisberg peak, you can enjoy an exciting mountain coaster, a unique Flyline zipline, and also Mirror Lake and several other lakes where you can swim on hot days. Another extreme experience on the Hochwurzen peak is the non-motorized mountain carts, which allow you to descend quickly on the trails surrounding the mountain.
Of course, these attractions are just a small part of the more than 100 different activities you can do in the Schladming area. Below, we’ll detail the recommended attractions.
For anyone planning to stay in this area for at least one night, there’s a special benefit: a comprehensive discount card called the Sommercard, which provides free entry or discounts to all attractions, cable cars, and activities in the region.
Recommended Accommodations in Schladming
Besides the hotels and apartment houses listed here, we’ve compiled additional recommended accommodations in the Schladming area in our article about farms, rural guesthouses, and holiday apartments in Schladming. You can check there too to find your ideal accommodation in Schladming and the surrounding Dachstein mountain range.
- Stadthotel Brunner A renovated and modern hotel in the town of Schladming. The rooms are spacious and beautiful. The Sommercard discount card is included in the price. Click for more information, reviews, and photos.
- Hotel Die Barbara Located in a central spot in the heart of Schladming town, near the Planai cable car. The hotel is warm and cozy, beautifully designed with wood. It has a sauna area. The Sommercard discount card is included in the price. Click for more information, reviews, and photos.
- Hotel Zirngast A small and beautifully designed hotel. Most rooms also have a balcony. Additionally, there’s a luxurious spa area for hotel guests and discounted entry to the Schladming swimming pool. A rich breakfast is also included. The Sommercard discount card is included in the price. Click for more information, reviews, and photos.
- Hotel Sonnschupfer A modern country-style hotel in a quiet location outside the center of Schladming town. It has a petting zoo, llamas, ponies, and more. There’s also a sauna area and bike rental available on-site. The Sommercard discount card is included in the price. Click for more information, reviews, and photos.
- ARX Boutiquehotel The hotel is located not far from the Schladming-Rohrmoos ski area and is designed in a modern style. Some rooms face the mountains, offering stunning scenic views. All rooms have a balcony. Additionally, there’s a small spa area for hotel guests. Click for more information, reviews, and photos.
- Burgfellnerhof – Adults Only This hotel is also located in Rohrmoos, near the wonderful mountains. It’s a pleasant, family-run hotel designed for adults only. The hotel rooms are decorated in a modern rustic style. The Sommercard discount card is included in the price. Click for more information, reviews, and photos.
- Aparthotel Ursprung An apartment hotel in the heart of Schladming town. Some units include a kitchen, but breakfast can also be ordered. The Sommercard discount card is included in the price. Click for more information, reviews, and photos.
- Apartmenthaus Sonnenhang This apartment hotel is located on the western edge of the Schladming area, in the heart of the Dachstein mountains. The apartments are spacious and well-equipped. Guests can try making fresh bread every morning. The Sommercard discount card is included in the price. Click for more information, reviews, and photos.
- Hotel Garni Landhaus Trenkenbach A central hotel located right next to the Planai cable car. The rooms are comfortable and well-equipped, and there’s a rich breakfast. Hotel guests can enjoy a small spa area with a sauna, relaxation room, and infrared room. The Sommercard discount card is included in the price. Click for more information, reviews, and photos.
Click for the tailored search engine for central and good accommodations in Schladming-Dachstei.
Recommended Attractions in Schladming During the Summer Months
Throughout the Schladming area, there are many attractions and countless hiking trails in the mountains. The regional discount card alone includes over 100 different activities and attractions, meaning you can easily spend several fun-filled days in this area. Among the variety of attractions, some are particularly outstanding and enjoyable. In this section, we’ll detail some of Schladming’s main attractions.
Gröbming (Stoderzinken) – The Big Rope Park and Amazing Zipline Track!
In the summer months, the Stoderzinken peak serves as an exciting place for nature and adrenaline lovers. The thrilling zipline is the largest of its kind in Europe! Four parallel lines will take you from an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level down to 900 meters at breathtaking speed.
This rope park is located right next to the village of Gröbming on the road leading to Stoderzinken peak. The park has about 18 different rope courses, 200 stations, and a 2000-meter-long rope course, the largest in all of Austria! The courses vary in difficulty, suitable for all ages.
You can read more comprehensive information about the park in the Gröbming area in the extended article we prepared about this region.
The Ramsau Mountain Coaster
The exciting mountain coaster in Ramsau. The coaster is located near Mount Rittisberg. The track is 1,330 meters long (330 meters uphill and the rest downhill). The track is winding, safe, and especially fun!
The ride begins at the base of the mountain. After you sit in the secured seat and buckle up, a slow ascent to the top of the track will begin. From there, you’ll go down at high speed with many twists and turns, and of course, a stunning view of the high mountains towards the valley!
You can read more information about the exciting mountain coaster in our detailed article about the Dachstein mountains in Styria.
Mountain Carts (Non-Motorized)
[Image Placeholder: Kids and adults riding non-motorized mountain carts down a grassy slope with mountains in the background.]
In the Schladming area, there are two recommended places where you can experience riding non-motorized mountain carts down the mountain.
1. Slalom Kart
“The Formula 1 of the mountains,” as the owners of this attraction call it. You take the mountain carts from the cable car station up the mountain. From there, you can choose between two downhill tracks. One track is easy and suitable for children and beginners, and the second track is steeper and suitable for more experienced riders and those who want a more extreme experience.
Opening Hours: Open in July and August every day from 14:00 to 17:00.
Phone: 0043368781027 (It’s recommended to call before arriving. If you come as a group of 10 or more, it’s possible to request a special opening.)
Address: Vorberg 12, 8972 Ramsau am Dachstein
2. Hochwurzen Kart Track
Without a doubt, the most exciting track in the area. You take the mountain carts from the upper cable car station at the Hochwurzen peak. From there, at an altitude of 1850 meters above sea level, a highly adventurous 7-kilometer downhill ride begins. The ride takes between 20 to 30 minutes, and along the way, you’ll enjoy the winding track and, of course, the magnificent views of the area.
This attraction is suitable for adults and children. Children aged 10 and above (and over 1.45 meters tall) can ride without parental supervision.
This is what the exciting ride looks like:
More Essential Information
Operating Times: End of May until early October.
Costs (including cable car ascent and descent):
- Adult: 37.5 Euros
- Youth (10-15): 30 Euros
- Child (6-9): 10 Euros
- Child (0-5): Free
Address: Rohrmoosstraße 218, 8971 Schladming / Rohrmoos
More information on the official website.
Rafting and Canyoning
The Enns River, flowing through Schladming, is used for a variety of fun water activities. You can join a rafting experience on the river or do a guided canyoning tour in this area. Myadventure is the company that operates these activities. More information and prices.
Flyline Zipline
This unique zipline is a kind of combination of a roller coaster and a zipline. It’s located in Ramsau near the Rittisberg peak (like the mountain coaster mentioned earlier). The track is essentially a curved iron tube to which you are attached like a zipline and travel at speed. The track, about half a kilometer long, passes through the forest right between the treetops. Of course, you can control your speed along the track. This attraction is suitable for the whole family. More information.
Hiking and Biking Trails
In fact, all the central peaks in the Schladming area offer a wide variety of hiking trails of different difficulty levels. Easy trails, such as the fairy tale trail or the adventure trail, are suitable for families with children. More challenging trails, like the sheep trail, will require better fitness. Of course, there are dozens of other trails on the peaks. You can search for recommended trails on the official Schladming regional website. The regional tourism office has prepared a filter to help you find the trail that best suits you by difficulty level, hiking duration, etc. Click here for the list of trails. Besides hiking trails, there are also many cycling routes. Some are on mountain paths, and some are on comfortable asphalt paths. If you’re into mountain biking, you can enjoy 26 different trails. Of course, you can also rent electric bikes, so you won’t have to exert yourself too much climbing the mountains. More information about cycling options in Schladming.
Via Ferrata (Rope Trails)
About 26 via ferrata routes are located in the Schladming area. 22 of them are in the mountainous Ramsau region. These routes require climbing and the use of ropes, and of course, professional equipment. Three of the routes are also suitable for children. You can see here the variety of rope trails suitable for all levels and ages.
The Schladming-Dachstein Sommercard for the Summer Months
The Sommercard allows you to enjoy all the best of Schladming without breaking the bank. The Sommercard is given for free to guests staying at recognized accommodations in the area for at least one night, and it’s valid for the duration of your stay only. It’s not possible to purchase this card. The only way to get it is from your accommodation.
This is actually one of the most comprehensive and valuable discount cards in the Alps region!
Benefits for Cardholders:
- Free entry to about 100 attractions and activities.
- About 100 discounts for attractions and enjoyable places.
- Children’s card with about 40 tailored activities.
- One use per day of a cable car of your choice for ascent and descent. All other free attractions – unlimited entry.
- If you stay two nights in the same place in Schladming, you can get one ascent and descent to the Dachstein peak within the first 7 days of your stay in Schladming. From the 8th day of your stay, you can ascend to the Dachstein peak again free of charge.
You can receive the card if you stay in the Schladming area from mid-May until mid-October. It’s valid from 13:00 on the day of arrival and throughout your entire stay until departure (including the day of departure).
Details of Attractions Included in the Sommercard.
Winter Attractions in Schladming
During the cold winter months, the mountain peaks in the Schladming area become particularly popular ski resorts. Approximately 167 kilometers of slopes await you, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced skier.
Besides skiing, there are additional snow activities such as: snowshoe hiking trails, Fatbike riding, horse-drawn sleigh rides, ski yoga, tobogganing, and more!
You can find more updated information here on a variety of winter attractions in Schladming.
More Essential Information for Visiting Schladming:
- Traveler’s App: The Schladming-Dachstein region has a comprehensive app that can greatly assist you during your stay. In the app, you’ll find essential general information, events, hiking trails, attractions, and more, all conveniently on your phone. Through the app, you can download hiking trails and use the map even when there’s no internet connection available. Download link.
- Live Webcams from the Peaks
- Official Website
- Address: Schladming
- Map
Additional Attractions in the Area:
- Flachau: An ideal accommodation area, but also a place with a variety of attractions for the whole family.
- The Styrian Dachstein Mountains: The mountain range is part of the Schladming-Dachstein region, so it’s located right next to the accommodation towns. In this article, you can read about the worthwhile attractions on the mountain peak: [Link to Dachstein Mountains article]
- Hallstatt: The most picturesque village in Austria. Definitely worth a trip if you’re in the area. The village is considered part of Austria’s Lake District, so from there, you can continue to many other wonderful places.
- Gosau Lakes: Among the most photogenic lakes in Austria’s Lake District.
- Golling Waterfalls: Rushing and particularly impressive waterfalls in the Salzburg region.
