Press Information Summer 2017 - Overview
Press release 1 | The Sommercard: adventurous and family-friendly
With more than 100 free holiday experiences and over 100 bonus services with discounts at up to
50%, the Schladming-Dachstein Sommercard is one of the Alps’ greatest all-inclusive cards.
Families in particular can save a lot of money with the Sommercard and enjoy attractive holiday
activities. New bonus service in summer 2017: tandem skydiving in Niederöblarn.
Press release 2 | Biking for all – from the classic to e-bikes to downhill action
With a route network spanning 930 kilometres, a well-developed e-bike offering, and the Bikepark
Planai, the Schladmig-Dachstein region has become a top biking destination. This new combination of
bike & hike combines bicycling and hiking, cleverly making use of the benefits of both sports. New in
summer 2017: first Austrian E-Enduro Bikepark at the Riesneralm.
Press release 3 | Schladming-Dachstein water adventure region
With 1,000 wells, 300 mountain lakes, and 100 waterfalls, the Schladming-Dachstein region is one of
the most water-rich Alpine regions. This diversity allows hikers to see the water in every conceivable
way. In summer 2017, the “mountain summit pool of yore” at the Riesneralm is expanding its offering
with a unique attraction: mountain summit pools until sunset (every Friday).
Press release 4 | Culinary delights – from the Alpine meadow to the valley
The Schladming-Dachstein region is home to the Ennstaler Bergschecken, a very special breed of
cattle. Even products from both GenussRegions (enjoyment regions), Ennstal Lamm and Ennstaler
Steirerkas (Ennstal Styrian cheese), have their origins here. Guests can look forward to a multitude of
culinary delights from the Alpine meadow to the valley.
Further
Press Text: Trekking in the heart of Austria
Press Text: Dachstein Glacier – One of Austria´s Top 3 Attractions
Facts & Figures about the Schladming-Dachstein Region
Top Events in Summer 2017
Sommercard: adventurous and family-friendly
One of the Alps’ greatest all-inclusive cards
Good for family holiday budgets
New in 2017: tandem skydiving
One of the Alps’ greatest all-inclusive cards
With more than 100 free holiday experiences and over 100 bonus services with discounts at up to 50%,
the Schladming-Dachstein Sommercard is one of the Alps’ greatest all-inclusive cards. These cards are
already available for guests after one overnight stay from 24 May to 15 October 2017 – in over 1,000
accommodation providers. They include the use of cableways, bathing lakes and swimming pools,
museums and public transport in the region during your stay. A cableway ascent and descent can be
purchased every day at your discretion. All other recreational facilities can be used as often as you’d
like.
Good for family holiday budgets
“Our Sommercard’s history is a success story; the concept behind it creates a win-win situation. Guests
benefit from many attractive included services and discounts, while recreational facilities and service
providers in the region benefit from increased customer traffic”, explains Mathias Schattleitner,
General Manager for the Schladming-Dachstein region. Families in particular can save a lot of money
with the Sommercard. It includes roughly 40 holiday activities for families and children. A daily
children’s programme with activities such as horseback riding, climbing, painting in the children’s
workshop, or archery are exceptionally popular.
New in 2017: tandem skydiving
The seven included cableways along with the toll roads and country buses were the most frequently
used services by Sommercard holders last summer. Even the 14 pools and lakes that were usable with
the card were very popular with guests. A new attraction and Sommercard bonus service in summer
2017 is tandem skydiving in Niederöblarn. An airplane takes the jumpers roughly 3,200 metres above
ground. Upon arrival, there’s only one thing to do: jump! The first 30 seconds are spent in free fall,
where the duo reaches speeds of up to 200 km/h. Afterwards the tandem jumpers pleasurably glide to
the ground on their parachute. www.sommercard.info
Data & Facts
Valid from 24 May to 15 October 2017
Valid on the day of arrival as early as 1:00 p.m. and all day during the stay (incl. day of
departure)
Over 1000 Sommercard hosts
Includes more than 100 top recreational attractions
More than 100 bonus services with a discount of up to 50%
Includes Dachsteinseilbahn (Dachstein cableway) if staying two nights or more
Summer mountain railways

Dachstein glacier cableway, Ramsau

Planaiseilbahn (Planai cableway), Schladming

Hochwurzen summit railway, Rohrmoos

Schladminger Tauernseilbahn (Tauern cableway), house under construction

Preunegg Jet cable car, Reiteralm

Riesneralm mountain railways, Donnersbachwald

Rittis mountain railway, Ramsau am Dachstein
Biking for all – from the classic to e-bikes to downhill
action
Bike & hike combines bicycling and hiking
Top infrastructure for classic mountain bikes and e-bikes
First Austrian E-Enduro Bikepark opens in Summer 2017
New in Schladming-Dachstein: Bike & Hike
The new bike & hike combination in the Schladming-Dachstein region promises more efficient and
greater enjoyment of nature. It combines bicycling and hiking, cleverly making use of the benefits of
both sports. Long forest paths and descents are covered in a time-saving manner using a mountain
bike or e-bike. You can obtain a bike at one of a total of 15 bike & hike stations before going on a hike
in the surrounding mountain landscape. After the hiking adventure, a bike is available again for biking
into the valley. Following the e-bike trend, several bike & hike stations have already been equipped
with chargers for Bosch e-bikes.
Top infrastructure for classic mountain bikes and e-bikes
The bicycle routes in the Schladming-Dachstein region were developed by active, domestic bikers for
biking holidaymakers. 20 signposted tours with a total length of 930 kilometres and 25,000 metres in
altitude are included in the offer. More and more guests are experiencing the unique landscape
between Dachstein and Tauern with newfound ease – on an e-bike. Biking paths at all difficulty levels
and a well-constructed network of rental and charging stations create the perfect preconditions for it.
Twelve kilometres of trails await downhill enthusiasts at the Bikepark Planai. Even beginners can get
their full money’s worth here – on the rookie trail or on the flowline. Twelve hotels in the region have
specialised in bikers’ needs and are operated as biker-friendly accommodation facilities.
First Austrian E-Enduro Bikepark in Riesneralm opens in summer 2017
Starting in summer 2017, adrenaline junkies at the E-bike Enduro Park in Grimming-Donnersbachtal
can go over hill and dale at up to 80 km/h. Speed enthusiasts make their rounds on diverse routes at
the foot of the Riesneralm. Anyone can find their unique flow experience at various levels of difficulty.
The kids’ trail offers the best preconditions for children and beginners. Special E-Enduro bikes can be
rented at Sport Scherz at the Riesneralm valley station. So, hop on, accelerate, and re-define the biking
experience.
Schladming-Dachstein – Land of Water & Adventure
1,000 springs, 300 mountain lakes, 100 waterfalls
Unique in the Alpine region: The new “Summit Pool” at the Riesneralm
Outstanding opportunities for hikes alongside water
Wide range of water sports and fun on the water
Many people know and treasure the Schladming-Dachstein Region for its excellent holiday
opportunities in winter. The most important natural basis for this is the snow on our pistes and crosscountry trails – frozen water, in other words. In summer, visitors have the opportunity to see and
experience water in a surprisingly wide number of ways here in the Niedere Tauern and Dachstein
mountains: Located in the center of Austria, with its some 1,000 springs, 300 mountain lakes and 100
waterfalls, this region boasts more bodies of water than perhaps anywhere else in Austria.
New 2016: “Summit Pool” at the Riesneralm
Even back in the 1950s, summer vacationers were drawn by the teeming waters of the Tauern range.
In Donnersbachwald at that time, there used to be a small, really pleasant outdoor pool. A thick
wooden fence provided absolute privacy for swimmers. This beloved open-air pool inspired the
always-innovative Riesneralm lift company to embark on a building project unique in the Alpine
region: By the start of summer season 2016, the “Summit Pool” will have opened next to the mountain
station at 1,820 meters above sea level, boasting a water area of eight by six meters. Wood is the
preferred building material – with larch used on the outside, and the concrete core of the pool clad in
fir. Even when air temperatures are low, swimming on the summit will still be possible, with the water
heated and glass walls providing protection against the wind. Through those glass walls, bathers will be
able to enjoy impressive 360° views of the Niedere Tauern peaks. This summit pool can be reached
using the Riesneralm lifts, which recently received an award as “Austria’s Best Summer Lift”. Once at
the top, passengers are greeted by breathtaking mountain vistas.
Outstanding opportunities for hikes alongside the water
Bubbling up in a spring, babbling along in a stream, rushing through a gorge, thundering over a
waterfall, a silent mirror in a mountain tarn, or an icy glacier: During hikes in the Schladming-Dachstein
Region, this elixir of life shows us its countless faces. One perfect example of this is the “Wild Waters”
theme path from Schladming to Rohrmooser Untertal, recipient of an international distinction as a
“National Geographic Hiking Path”, and part of which is an alpine trail taking hikers past Riesach falls,
the highest waterfall in Styria, plunging over 140 meters down to the valley below. Especially during
the snowmelt in springtime, it can be counted on to offer an imposing natural spectacle.
Wide Selection of Water Sports and Fun on the Water
Families discover a wide variety of swimming lakes and lakeside recreation areas in the SchladmingDachstein Region. These are complemented by seven heated pools – in Schladming, Ramsau am
Dachstein, Haus, Gröbming, St. Martin, Mössna and Öblarn. The River Enns is certain to set the pulses
of rafting fans racing with excitement, with wildwater tours of all difficulty levels possible – including
for canoers. Memorable natural adventures are also promised by canyoning expeditions, with
participants navigating their way through craggy ravines. Experienced canyoning guides lead their
guests safely along some of the region’s most spectacularly rugged water courses.
Culinary delights – from the Alpine meadow to the
valley
Ennstaler Bergschecken
GenussRegionen: Ennstal Lamm and Ennstaler Steirerkas (Ennstal Styrian cheese)
Shop regionally, enjoy nature
Ennstaler Bergschecken
The Ennstaler Bergschecken interest group pushes for the preservation and reproduction of this
special cattle breed. For that, they were awarded the Federal Animal Protection Prize in 2016.
Ennstaler Bergschecken are among Austria’s oldest domestic cattle breeds. They are modest, robust,
and have perfectly adapted themselves to their Alpine habitat. Thanks to extensive, fully-organic
breeding on Alpine pastures, beef is produced with a typical character and unique aroma. Because the
animals solely subsist on Alpine herbs, grass, and hay, they have a direct relationship with the plants in
the region. The Ennstaler Bergschecken’s special meat is culinarily garnished at select taverns and
restaurants.
GenussRegionen: Ennstal Lamm and Ennstaler Steirerkas (Ennstal Styrian cheese)
The most important foundation for excellent cuisine is the close interplay between gastronomy and
agriculture. This approach is supported by the concept of GenussRegionen (enjoyment regions),
combining premium quality with regional sources. There are precisely two GenussRegionen in the
Schladming-Dachstein region. Ennstal Lamm cattle are indigenous to mountain pastures and meadows
and feed on the high-quality grasses and herbs there. Hauser Kaibling plays a special role here;
hundreds of sheep graze on alpine pastures and slopes here during the summer. As a result, they make
a lasting contribution to landscape conservation. The Almlammfest is celebrated at Haus im Ennstal
every year; it will celebrate its ten-year anniversary this year on 30 July. Ennstaler Steirerkas is also
produced on mountain pastures and in regional cheese dairies. It is a true culinary landmark of the
region. After a ripening period of at least three weeks, it obtains its grey-brown, marble-like
appearance, its typical lumpy, crumbly consistency and unique, savoury-tangy aroma. Ennstaler
Steirerkas can be enjoyed in many different forms. A typical, regional speciality are the Steirerkrapfen
(Styrian crullers): rye flour crullers, filled with crushed potatoes, sauerkraut, and Ennstaler Steirerkas.
Shop regionally, enjoy nature
A multitude of regional products can be purchased directly at farms in the Schladming-Dachstein
region. The “Gutes vom Bauernhof” (farm goods) brand ensures verified quality with regard to farm
sales. They indicate products that have been grown and processed directly on the farm. Farmers’
shops, farmers’ markets, or speciality shops offer regional enjoyment products. Making their debut in
summer 2017 are the Ramsauer Jausenkörberl (Ramsau picnic basket) and the Rohrmooser Picknick
Rucksackerl (picnic rucksack). They provide the link between experiencing nature and enjoying regional
food. You can obtain a Raumsau Jausenkörberl filled with regional products at the Ramsau am
Dachstein tourism association. In addition to tasty delicacies, the picnic rucksack also contains utensils
you need for a picnic – from cutlery to glasses to a picnic blanket. It can be purchased at the Kaufhaus
Sieder in Rohrmoos.
Trekking in the Heart of Austria
Schladminger Tauern Höhenweg – attractive stage of Central Alpine Path 02
From Glacier to Wine – hike and discover the beauty of Styria
Dachstein Rundwanderweg – fascinating mountain with countless faces
Panoramaweg 100 – enjoy nature in the Schladming-Dachstein Region
Hemma Pilgrimage Path – make a pilgrimage from Admont to Gurk
The unbroken popularity of long-distance hikes has much to do with people’s longing for intact nature.
The Schladming-Dachstein Region is centrally located in Austria, making it ideally suited as a starting
point or destination for treks in all directions. Five long-distance hiking routes promise unforgettable
nature experiences tailored to the many different needs and expectations of hikers:
Schladminger Tauern Höhenweg
The Schladminger Tauern Höhenweg is one stage of the Central Alpine Path 02 (an alpine tour
traversing the entire Alpine region). Hikers enjoy the array of geological features, the wide range of
alpine plant and animal species, the special awe of the surrounding mountains and the enormous
wealth of water in the Schladminger Tauern. In the Schladming-Dachstein Region, the first stage begins
in Preuneggtal. In 7 daily stages, you can follow the Tauern Höhenweg all the way to Sölktäler Nature
Park.
From Glacier to Wine
Imposing mountains, nature sanctuaries, culture with a rich historical tradition, hot springs and
regional cuisine – this hiking tour from the Dachstein to the Styrian wine-growing region promises all
of this and more. You have two routes to choose from, both of which begin in the SchladmingDachstein Region: the northern route (536 km – to Bad Radkersburg) and the southern route (363 km
– to Leibnitz).
Dachstein Glacier – One of Austria’s Top 3 Attractions
The Dachstein Massif is a gigantic, primordial coral reef, almost 3,000 meters above sea level. When
the Alps were created, the sea floor was raised, tearing and fissuring gigantic limestone reefs. The
Hoher Dachstein, at 2996 meters, is the second-highest point in the Northern Limestone Alps, just a
little shorter than the Parseierspitze in the Lechtal Alps (3036 m). Lying in the northern shadow of its
mighty limestone towers, we find three large glacial areas – the Hallstatt Glacier (300 ha), the Gosau
Glacier (120 ha) and the Schladming Glacier (95 ha).
The Dachstein, a solitary massif towering above the surrounding peaks, is one of the most beautiful
lookout mountains in the Alps.
The glaciers on the Dachstein are the easternmost in the Alps.
The Dachstein Glacier Lift provides ready access to this magnificent high-alpine world with its many
and varied opportunities.
The Dachstein is a Natura 2000 area. This indicates that painstaking attention is given to treating
nature with care. All of the tourism attractions here have been, and will continue to be created in total
harmony with nature on the glacier.
Attractions on Dachstein Glacier
“Panorama Gondola” with balcony on the roof
Spectacular “Stairway to Nothing” with views of landscapes 400 meters below
Austria’s highest suspension footbridge right by the glaciated rock faces
“Sky Walk” – glass platform at 2700 m above sea level
Ice Palace with icy figures sculpted from the fairy tale “The Treasure of the Dachstein Ice
Palace”
Glacier Restaurant – the highest restaurant in Styria
Dachstein SuperPark
Did you know?
The Dachstein is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site
The Dachstein Glacier is the easternmost glacier in the Alps at 2,996 meters above sea level
The border between the provinces of Upper Austria and Styria runs precisely through the
middle of the Hunerkogel mountain station
In good visibility you can see the Triglav mountains of Slovenia to the south and the Bohemian
Forest in the Czech Republic to the north
The Dachstein Glacier consists of 8 glaciers: Hallstatt Glacier, Grosser Gosauer Glacier,
Schladming Glacier, Schneeloch Glacier, Kleiner Gosau Glacier, Northern Torstein Glacier,
Schmiedstock Glacier, Edelgriess Glacier.
The glaciated area covers a total of 560 ha
The oldest ice on the Dachstein is ca. 500 years old
Schladming-Dachstein – a paradise for hikers and climbers
The Dachstein and Ramsau offer a veritable Eldorado for climbers. Over 20 beautiful via ferrata climbs
and mountaineering tours treat you to breathtaking views of the region. One special highlight is the
very first via ferrata ever created in the Schladminger Tauern. Via ferrata certification is an absolute
must for summiteers, with a state-certified mountain guide teaching you the basic techniques you
need to safely tackle a via ferrata climb.
Schladming-Dachstein Facts & Figures
Accommodation providers
1.842
Guest Beds
29.660
Overnights
Winter Half-Year 2015/16
1.898.304
Summer Half-Year 2016
1.460.805
Arrivals
Winter Half-Year 2015/16
421.566
Summer Half-Year 2016
366.124
Hiking Paths:
Over 1,000 km of marked hiking paths
Trekking Tours:
Dachstein Rundwanderweg, Schladminger Tauern Höhenweg,
Panoramaweg 100, “From Glacier to Wine”, Hemma Pilgrimage
Huts:
More than 50 summer huts serving food & drinks
Highlights:
Dachstein Glacier with Sky Walk viewing platform, Ice Palace,
suspension footbridge and “Stairway to Nothing”. Panorama
gondola with balcony.
For Daredevils:
Zipline Stoderzinken
Nature Parks:
Sölktäler Nature Park
Via Ferrata Climbs:
21 via ferratas in the Schladming-Dachstein Region, 19 of these
in “climbing Eldorado” Ramsau am Dachstein
Bike Paradise:
20 marked MTB routes, 930 km of biking spanning 25,000
vertical
Multi-day
meters
tours:
Enns
Bike
Path
and
Dachstein
Tour
E-bike: E-bike tours with complete infrastructure incl. E-bike
rental and recharging stations run by Energie Steiermark
Golf Courses:
Schladming-Dachstein
Golf
Safari
with
4
golf
courses:
Dachstein-Tauern, Schloss Pichlarn-Irdning, Radstadt, Ennstal –
Weissenbach/Liezen
Other courses: 1st organic golf course in Austria at the Kobaldhof
Top Events Summer 2017
Date
Event & Location
May 2017
25.05 & 04.06.2017
grazERZÄHLTdemGRIMMING
June 2017
08.-11.06.2017
Alpen Tour Trophy, Schladming
10.-11.06.2017
30th Ramsau Spring Festival of Horses
17.-18.06.2017
18th Planneralm archery tournament “Alpine Challenge”
21.-25.06.2017
Rock the Roof, Schladming
22.-24.06.2017
3rd Sports Forum, Congress Schladming
30.06.-01.07.2017
24h-Run in Irdning
July 2017
01.07.2017
7th Ramsau Alm Day amid the alpine pastures at the foot
of the Dachstein
02.07.2017
Rhododendron Festival, Reiteralm
07.07.2017
Long Culinary Night, Rohrmoos
11.-16-07.2017
Mid Europe, Schladming
19.-22.07.2017
Ennstal Classic - Gröbmingerland
22.07.2017
Steirerbluat Open Air, Aich
30.07.2017
10th “Styrian Mountain Lamb” Festival, Haus im Ennstal
August 2017
05.08.2017
Rainhard Fendrich Open Air, Öblarn
11.-12.08.2017
VERTIKALE mountaineering festival
13.08.2017
Riesneralm Mountain Festival with mountain mass
19.-20.08.2017
30th Schlossplatz Fest, Haus im Ennstal
25. & 26.08.2017
Andreas Gabalier – Mountain Open Air, Schladming
September 2017
22.-23.09.2017
Dachstein Almabtrieb parade & fair
23.09.2017
Cheese Festival at Schloss Grosssölk
October 2017
08.10.2017
Wild Waters Run, Schladming – Untertal