Semmering, Austria

For the mountain pass of the same name, see Semmering Pass.

Semmering is a town in the district of Neunkirchen in the Austrian state of Lower Austria. It is famous for its skiing, and has hosted the Alpine skiing World Cup several times. When the famous Semmering Railway was completed in 1854, it brought many tourists from Vienna to here. Today, tourists are fewer, but more than 100,000 overnight stays are still recorded each year. In 2011, the town had a permanent population of 571.

Population

Historical population

Year	Pop.	±%
1869	135	—
1880	154	+14.1%
1890	245	+59.1%
1900	591	+141.2%
1910	1,398	+136.5%
1923	1,816	+29.9%
1934	1,742	−4.1%
1939	1,428	−18.0%
1951	1,374	−3.8%
1961	1,313	−4.4%
1971	1,016	−22.6%
1981	819	−19.4%
1991	730	−10.9%
2001	610	−16.4%
2011	571	−6.4%

Resort

History oh the resort

At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the better Viennese society discovered the Semmering as a nearby summer resort - destination.

The place is mainly revived with the construction of the Semmering Railway, which opened 1854. With her the Semmering was reached from Vienna barely 80 kilometers away in a few hours. The train journey along steep rock walls, over dizzying viaducts and galleries in wild romantic scenery was a spectacular experience.

The Semmering has already been estimated in the past as a destination, and the region was already to imperial times as a popular recreation area. Also artists found here again silent retreat places where their inspiration received new impetus.

The place impressed with elegant villas and an enchanting landscape backdrop. Since the turn of the century Semmering is also a winter sport region. Even today, the summer, winter, cultural and spa tourism are of great economic importance.

Location

Semmering is located on the border of Lower Austria and Styria at an elevation of 1,000 m (3,280 ft) above sea level and surrounded with forest. Semmering city is located in Neunkirchen, about 100 km (60 mi) from Vienna. Nearest cities Vienna ~ 100 km (62 mi) Graz ~ 100 km (62 mi)

Winter season

As usual, winter season starts in December and lasts until mid-April. The Semmering resort in winter is a ski village with:

• 14 km slopes for daytime skiing (3 out of them for beginners, 10 - intermediate, 1 - black)
• 13 km slopes for night skiing (Semmering has one of the best lightening system in Europe)
• 12 km slopes available for racing ski

toboggan run of 3 km

• Split Park
• Vertical height up to 400 m (1,310 ft).

Summer season

Semmering becomes a recreation and sport center for the whole family as well as a place for extreme bike events since there is one of the best bike parks in Europe at Semmering. Semmering frequently serves as a location for great event such as Mazda MX-5 presentation or 24h race "Race the night".

For calm repose the resort offers:

• 185 km (115 mi) arranged hiking routes
• 7 bike zones, including kids area
• horse riding walks
• golf course
• sporting activities
• SPA and wellness programs
• mountain restaurants

Grandhotel Panhans

Traditional Hotel with exquisite cuisine, 113 rooms , spa, wine bar, dancing bar, diverse range of seminars, events and much more. All rooms have been individually furnished – ideal for unwinding and relaxing, for resting and as a retreat in one's own room at any time.

Everyone may enjoy his stay on the Semmering in one of our exclusive themed rooms with views to the Sonnwendstein mountain. (Jugendstil – for example dedicated to Arthur Schnitzler or Peter Altenberg, country house style, Biedermeier style, honeymoon suite, room with a tiled stove, lady's or gentleman's salon) or in one of the comfortable rooms with playful details and partial parquet flooring.

Spacious studios (in many cases with sofa-sleepers) with a special decor can be booked in the Grand Hotel and in the rear wing: (studio Hermitage, stargazer studio, Alfred Böhm studio, Family office studio, studio Toscana, studio with a tiled stove, maisonettes in the country house style) or appartements and the Penthouse.

Sporthotel Semmering

In the Sporthotel Semmering all the guests can feel and experience the harmony between family atmosphere and cordial atmosphere with a plus of comfort and service. The 95 tastefully furnished rooms make stay as pleasant as possible. Everyone can also find rest and relaxation in a beautiful natural landscape of the Vienna Alps far away from any hustle and bustle in the 3 * Sport Hotel in the health resort Semmering with breathtaking panorama.

All rooms have shower, toilet, satellite TV, telephone and free Wi-Fi . In some rooms there is also a balcony. From the north side situated rooms, guests can enjoy a magnificent view to the mountain "Schneeberg". For families connecting rooms are also affered.

Interesting facts

• Semmering is famous for its skiing, and has hosted the World Cup races several times.
• Semmering railway was listed as World Heritage Site of UNESCO in 2005.

External links

• Semmering travel guide from Wikivoyage
• Pictures of Semmering and information in English language