Semmering

Semmering is an alpine pass connecting Lower Austria and Styria. The Semmering railway is an UNESCO world heritage site as it is the first high alpine mountain railway.

Understand
Semmering is the best known alpine resort in eastern Austria. In 1854 the Semmering railway was built, one of the first railways to pass through high alpine mountains. The spectacular landscape and the monumental buildings were declared UNESCO world heritage. The railway made it easily accessible from Vienna, and at the fin-de-siècle, several monumental hotels were built here. The Semmering railway was considered such an impressive feat of engineering that many other railways through mountainous terrain were nicknamed "Semmering of x", much like the Watergate scandal engendered the "-gate" suffix for scandals. As of 2020, a new base tunnel is being built for faster long distance trains, and to relieve freight trains of the costly and difficult need to have extra locomotives coupled to get across the steep sections. The old line will of course stay open, but international and freight traffic will move to the new line once it opens.

The Semmering region encompasses the municipalities Gloggnitz, Payerbach, Maria Schutz, Semmering in Lower Austria and Spital, Mürzzuschlag, Neuberg, Mürzsteg in Styria.

Get in
By train with the Semmering railway (Semmeringbahn) either from Vienna or Graz. The Semmering is a mere 100 km away from both cities.

Get around
The railway connects the major municipalities. The beautiful landscape offers plenty of hike possibilities. Of course, all municipalities are connected and accessible by car (S6 highway).

See
The railway station has an exhibition regarding the Semmering railway which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The local church and several impressive hotels and villas, along the main road crossing the town, originate from the end of the 19th century and have a beautiful view of the Alps. They're worth a visit.



Sports
The Semmering has two nearby ski resorts, of the two the Zauberberg is more popular as it is closer to Vienna. The Stuhleck area however offers more possibilities.



Connect
The ski resort operates several free Wi-Fi access points.

Go next
Semmering lies on the Austrian south railway line which connects Vienna and Graz. Of course cities on the track like Baden (Austria), Wiener Neustadt, Bruck an der Mur, Kindberg or Kapfenberg are also easily reached.
 * Graz is the second-largest city in Austria. The City of Graz including its historic centre and Schloss Eggenberg is a world heritage site.
 * Vienna is the capital of the Republic of Austria and by far its most populous city. It is Austria's artistic, cultural, economic and political centre.
 * Leoben is the industrial and educational centre of Northern Styria and home of the Austrian mining industry and university.