Schladming is the beating heart of Austria's Ennstal Valley, a place where rugged Alpine history meets modern luxury. Whether you're looking for a hectic ski weekend or a quiet summer getaway, this Styrian gem offers the perfect blend of tradition and "Gemütlichkeit".
A glimpse into the past
Schladming's roots go much deeper than tourism. Historically, it was a prosperous mining town that reached its peak in the 14th and 15th centuries, when silver, copper and cobalt were mined from the surrounding Schladminger Tauern mountains. You can still see traces of this industrial heritage in the town's layout and the preserved Salzburger Tor, the only remaining part of the medieval city walls.
Description and accommodation
The town exudes a charming, exclusive Alpine atmosphere. It manages to feel like a bustling mountain hub while maintaining the intimacy of a village. For visitors, the accommodation options are world-class. You can find everything from ultra-modern holiday villas with panoramic glass facades to cozy, rustic apartments tucked away in traditional tree houses.
Many travelers opt for a luxurious alpine suite or a spacious holiday home close to the Planai cable car, ensuring they are only steps away from the action. Whether it’s a boutique chalet or a family-run guesthouse, the focus is always on warmth and high-quality service.
Gastronomy: Typical dishes
Styrian cuisine is hearty, honest and deeply connected to the land. When dining in Schladming, look for:
Steirerkas: A crumbly, spicy mountain cheese often served on rye bread or in a Kasspressknödel (cheese dumpling).
Styrian pumpkin seed oil: Known as “the green gold,” it’s drizzled over everything from salads to vanilla ice cream.
Verhackertes: A tasty spread made from finely chopped bacon, perfect for a mid-hike snack.
Kaiserschmarrn: Fluffy, cracked pancakes served with plum compote - the ultimate reward after a day on the slopes.
Activities: Year-round adventure
Schladming is most famous for the Planai, a legendary World Cup ski mountain.
Winter
Skiing and snowboarding in the 4-mountain ski area; Night tobogganing on Hochwurzen; Cross-country skiing in nearby Ramsau.
Summer
Mountain biking (one of Europe's leading bike parks); Hiking to alpine lakes such as Spiegelsee; Paragliding.
Nature: The Alpine landscape
The geography is dominated by the contrast between the Schladminger Tauern (part of the Central Alps) to the south and the limestone walls of the Dachstein massif to the north.
Dachstein Glacier: Offers year-round snow and the "Stairway to Nothingness", a glass platform with a vertical drop of 400 meters.
Wild Waters: Schladming is home to some of the richest water resources in the Alps, with gushing waterfalls (such as the Riesachfall) and over 300 mountain lakes.
Festivals and Events
Schladming knows how to throw a party. The city's calendar is packed with world-renowned events:
Night Race: Every January, over 45,000 fans flock to the city for the illuminated Slalom World Cup, creating one of the wildest atmospheres in professional sports.
CENTRAL EUROPE: One of the largest international wind music festivals, filling the streets with brass bands and concerts every July.
Ennstal-Classic: A prestigious vintage car rally where beautiful classic cars wind their way through the mountain passes.