STEIRISCHER SEMMERING

Linger and enjoy the magnificent view of Austria´s most densely wooded area - the region Steirischer Semmering with the peace and quiet of its mountains and fresh forest air is a paradise for hikers and alpinists.
Composer and pianist Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) already enthused over the sight of the many miles long footpaths in unspoiled nature. “… how much I like it here, how much I love to walk round here”.

For mountain tours you find most beautiful routes to reach the surrounding peaks with  a spectacular panoramic view. Particularly attractive is the railway hiking trail (“Bahnwanderweg”) along the world´s first mountain railway, the Semmeringbahn. The route starts or ends at the train-station of Semmering.
Depending on how long you wish to walk, you can either walk all the way from Semmering to Mürzzuschlag (or vice versa), or  you just get the train on your way to Mürzzuschlag or back to Semmering at the stations of Steinhaus am Semmering or Spital am Semmering.

This spectacular railway hiking trail through the middle of the forest offers many highlights, and it is hard to imagine that, due to a huge demand of wood while building that railway, the Semmering region once suffered from deforestation. In total Ghega had 16 viaducts and 15 tunnels built, for which 65 Mio. bricks and 80 000 ashlar (stone) blocks were needed.

Walking along the trail, step by step, you realize the magnitude of this remarkable achievement and understand why already in 1857, on just two days, around 55 000 people got on the train for a “sightseeing tour”.

The footpath along the Semmering railway, UNESCO cultural world heritage since 1998, is one of the most beautiful hiking trails throughout Austria.

Other destinations that meet expectations of a perfect holiday are Stuhleck – with a panorama display board on its summit to inform about the neighbouring peaks – Pretul, Kaarlalm and Kampalpe.

Links: Spital am Semmering Mürzzuschlag Ganz

Pictures: