Things To Do
Explore Downtown Schladming
Schladming’s town center is the heart of the valley. With its colorful historic buildings and car-free streets, it’s the perfect place to grab a coffee and people-watch. Start at the Hauptplatz (Main Square) to find charming boutiques and local artisan shops, then wander through the narrow alleyways to discover hidden sun terraces. Where to Eat: For a classic Austrian lunch, head to Gasthaus Brunner or Stadtbräu. If you're looking for something modern, Luther Alpenbrasserie on the main square is a local favorite. Treat Yourself: Stop by one of the local bakeries for a slice of Apfelstrudel or a "Schladminger" beer at an outdoor table.
Scenic Gondola Ride
In Schladming, the gondola is your ticket to a traditional Austrian lunch with a view. Most lifts operate daily and drop you right next to beautiful sun terraces and mountain restaurants. With the Summer Card you get 1 free round trip gondola ride a day Top Tip: Take the Preunegg Jet on the Reiteralm for a scenic lunch at the Gasselhöh-Hütte, or head up the Hochwurzen for a coffee at the Hochwurzenhütte while watching the paragliders take off.
Alpine Beaches
In the Schladming-Dachstein region, "alpine beaches" are idyllic natural swimming lakes nestled right against the mountain backdrops. They are crystal clear, refreshing, and often feel like a hidden oasis after a morning of hiking. Pichl Leisure Lake: Just 5 minutes from Schladming, this is a local favorite with crystal-clear water, a beach volleyball court, and a great café. Ramsau Beach: Located at the foot of the Rittisberg, this lake offers a "beach club" vibe with turquoise water, a sliding soccer field, and plenty of space to tan with a view of the Dachstein Glacier. Aich Leisure Lake: An idyllic natural lake featuring a unique "floating island" and a diving tower. It’s the perfect spot for a lazy afternoon. Entry to all 3 are free with the Summer Card!
E-Mountain Biking
You can rent mountain bikes directly through the hotel and start riding straight from your doorstep. There is a bike park going right by the hotel or take a more leisurely approach staying on the streets. There are 1000s of miles of bike paths in the surrounding area and an e-bike will make the mountain climbs a breeze.
Mountain Carting
One of our favorite things to do in Schladming! This 7km track takes you from the summit of the Hochwurzen back down to the valley. You control your own speed, so it can be a fast-paced race or a leisurely scenic drive. How it works: Buy your tickets at Sport Ski Lenz (at the valley station), take the gondola up, grab a helmet, and enjoy the ride. Tip: With the Summer Card, your gondola ride is included! *Note: you will either need to drive or take the bus from the Almwelt to this mountain*
Paragliding
A local favorite! You can book a tandem flight from several peaks in the area, including the Planai, Hauser Kaibling, or the Dachstein itself. How to book: We recommend Flugschule Aufwind or Sky Club Austria. Savings: With the Summer Card, many flight schools offer a discount on tandem flights!
Climb a Via Ferrata
For Beginners: Head to the Sattelberg (the "Climbing Mountain") for easy, introductory routes like Kali or Kala. These are perfect if you want to try it for the first time. For the Sporty: The Silberkarklamm offers three stunning routes (Hias, Rosina, Siega) that take you right up the walls of a dramatic waterfall gorge. For Experts: The "Super-Ferrata" on the Dachstein South Face is one of the longest and most demanding routes in the Alps
Dachstein Glacier
The Dachstein Glacier is the crown jewel of the region. At nearly 3,000 meters, it offers a literal "top of the world" experience with year-round snow and views that stretch as far as the Czech Republic and Slovenia on a clear day. Booking: You need to book your ascent and descent times at derdachstein.at. Slots fill up days in advance! Cost: Your Summer Card includes one free gondola ride per week (though there is a small reservation fee of ~€2.90). Getting There: We recommend taking the RVB Glacier Bus (Line 960) from Schladming to avoid the limited parking at the valley station. Plus, the bus is free with your Summer Card! What to Wear: Even if it’s hot in the valley, it can be near freezing at the summit. Bring a warm layer and sturdy shoes.
Canyoning or White Water Rafting
Schladming offers world-class rafting and canyoning. Whether you want a social float down the river or a heart-pumping scramble through a gorge, there’s an option for everyone. Option 1: The "Team Spirit" (White Water Rafting) Rafting on the Enns River The Enns River offers a fantastic mix of scenic gliding and exciting white-water rapids. The most popular route runs 10km from Mandling to Schladming, featuring fun "rollers" and thresholds. It’s a great group activity because you’re all in one boat, working together to navigate the waves! Duration: Approx. 3 hours including safety briefing and gear-up. Option 2: The "Hidden World" (Canyoning) You’ll follow the path of a mountain stream through narrow gorges, using natural rock slides, jumping into crystal-clear pools, and rappelling down waterfalls. Pro Tip: Every jump or slide is usually optional - your guide can lower you down on a rope if you’re not feeling the "big leap."