Attractions & Landmarks In Haus im Ennstal
Emphasizing its appeal among winter sports aficionados within the Ski Amadé network, the town also serves those drawn in by culture, history, and the natural surroundings.
Comprising 123 km of slopes and 44 lifts, the Hauser Kaibling Ski Resort, the biggest and most modern in the Schladming-Dachstein area, Providing breathtaking views of the Dachstein glacier and the Enns valley, the resort welcomes all ability level skiers and snowboarders. Cozy mountain cottages, a fun park, and a ski school are further conveniences.
Specialty museum The Dekanatsmuseum in Haus am Ennstal is housed in a 16th-century vicarage. Through displays including medieval paintings, sculptures, folk art, and costumes, it highlights the artistic legacy of the area. The lovely courtyard garden of the museum adds even more appeal.
Standing out with a stunning tower, rich interior decorations, and a priceless organ is Hauptpfarre Haus, the major parish church constructed in Gothic style in the 15th century. Apart from its religious purposes, the church organizes events and performances all year long, therefore giving the community cultural vitality.
Operating as a pub and club, Das Bergschlössl draws both residents and visitors with live music, DJs, and karaokes nights. Well-known for its welcoming environment, wide range of beverages, and entertainment, it adds to the Haus im Ennstal social scene.
Fantastic views of the Alps and lakes below abound from five fingers, a viewing platform spanning the Dachstein mountain cliffs. There are five different metal constructions on the platform that resemble fingers, each with different features including a picture frame, a glass floor, and a hole in the middle. About forty kilometers from Haus im Ennstal, accessible by cable car from Obertraun, 5 Fingers offers a unique and strikingly beautiful experience.
Standing second in the Northern Limestone Alps and the highest peak in Styria, Dachstein Südwand is the south face of the Dachstein mountain. Approved for its difficult yet picturesque ascending path, it provides panoramic views of glaciers, valleys, and neighboring mountains. Accessible by cable car from Ramsau, about 20 kilometers from Haus am Ennstal, the Dachstein Ice Palace is an underground paradise of ice sculptures and artworks located in the south face.
Winter Sports Museum Haus im Ennstal
The Winter Sports Museum in Haus im Ennstal, established in 1995 by a majority decision of the municipal council, is situated in the historic granary (tithe granary) in Haus. The museum, officially opened on December 8, 1999, spans approximately 300m2 over two stories and focuses on the history of winter sports, particularly in the Haus area.
The upper level of the museum is dedicated to the evolution of skis and ski boots, highlighting their significance in winter activities. The exhibition provides insights into the historical development of these essential winter sports items.
The museum delves into the broader context of winter activities and their historical relevance to the region. Surprisingly, the historical significance of Haus includes its past as a bobsled track, a fact explored in the museum. Various other winter sports equipment, such as ice sticks, toboggans, and ice skates, is also showcased, offering a comprehensive view of the diverse winter sports culture in the area.
A notable feature of the museum is the presentation of a video showcasing the activities of the Ortsstelle Haus, the largest Austrian mountain rescue service center. This center not only aids hikers and climbers in emergency situations but also extends its assistance to winter sports enthusiasts. The video adds a contemporary dimension to the museum, illustrating the ongoing role of the mountain rescue service in ensuring the safety of individuals engaged in winter sports.
The Winter Sports Museum provides a thorough historical narrative, covering the period from 1900 to the present. Large dioramas are utilized to effectively present the evolution and popularity of winter sports in the region. The museum serves as a cultural repository, capturing the essence of the winter sports heritage that remains vibrant in the area.
Situated on Schlossplatz, the Winter Sports Museum shares space with the public library and the ancient “Troadkasten.” This strategic location contributes to the accessibility of cultural and historical resources, offering visitors a comprehensive experience that extends beyond the confines of the museum itself.
Deanery Museum
The Deanery Museum in the market hamlet of Haus serves as an educational resource, offering insights into nearly a millennium of ecclesiastical history. Established in 1964 through the initiative of Prof. Walter Stipperger, the museum attained the status of a deanery museum following a bishop’s decision.
Comprising three main sections, the Deanery Museum provides a comprehensive exploration of the history of the Upper Styrian Ennstal. One focal point is the depiction of the dynamic period of the Reformation in 1525, followed by the Counter-Reformation in 1599. The museum showcases religious folk art, including notable pieces such as the Resch crib. Additionally, an art history section features a handwritten missal from the 15th century and the branch cross originating from the dismantled parish church. The museum highlights the significant historical legacy of the Hauser school, tracing its origins back to 1566.
The research on the parish of Haus im Ennstal spans from its earliest recorded mention in 1074 to the present day. The initial prominence of the Haus parish as a cornerstone in church history, serving as the dean’s parish for the Ennstal and Ausseerland dean’s offices from 1766 to 1965, underwent a substantial transformation with the reorganization of the Graz-Seckau diocese. Presently, the parish of Haus is integrated into the Assach – Haus – Schladming – Ramsau am Dachstein – Pichl Catholic parish association.
Deanery Museum stands as an informative repository, guiding visitors through the rich tapestry of ecclesiastical history spanning almost a thousand years. Through its divisions, the museum sheds light on key historical periods, religious folk art, and the profound evolution of the Hauser school. Furthermore, the research on the parish of Haus provides a historical continuum from its early records to its present-day association within the broader Catholic parish context.
Catholic Parish Church of St. John the Baptist
The St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish Church, located in Haus, Ennstal, is a Roman Catholic church dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. Its historical roots trace back to 1074 when the parish church was first mentioned. However, a significant setback occurred in 1750 when a devastating fire consumed the original Romanesque-style prayer house.
In response to the destruction, master builder Cassian Singer undertook the construction of the present parish church in the rococo style, a project completed between 1750 and 1753. The interior design of the church was largely orchestrated by Balthasar Prandtstätter, an accomplished artistic carver.
The focal point of the church’s interior is the high altar, featuring a depiction of John the Baptist baptizing Jesus Christ. A purgatory scene is presented on the left side altar, situated next to the cross altar. On the right side altar, a Marian altar is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, with prominent depictions of Mary and Jesus’ secular relationships in the background.
The church’s architectural evolution from the original Romanesque style to the rococo aesthetic is indicative of both historical continuity and adaptation to contemporary design trends. The rebuilding process, led by Cassian Singer, not only restored a place of worship but also contributed to the architectural heritage of the region.
The thematic elements within the church’s interior, such as the depiction of John the Baptist’s baptism of Jesus and the purgatory scene, align with traditional Christian iconography. The Marian altar, with its central focus on the Immaculate Conception, reflects devotion to Mary and her sacred role within Catholic theology. The inclusion of depictions of Mary and Jesus’ secular relationships adds a personal and relatable dimension to the religious imagery.
Golfclub Schladming-Dachstein
Bernhard Langer’s golf course, strategically situated between Schladming and Haus am Ennstal, capitalizes on the breathtaking scenery to deliver a visually stunning and athletically challenging experience. The course is renowned as one of the premier golf courses in Austria, offering a high-quality design that harmonizes with the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Designed by Bernhard Langer, the Schladming-Dachstein Golf Club provides an athletic test that is both demanding and fulfilling. Notably, the course is recognized for its difficulty, yet it caters to players of all handicap levels, allowing for success and an enjoyable game. Langer emphasizes that, regardless of the player’s skill level, the panoramic view of the Dachstein and the visual adventure it presents compensates and brings a sense of tranquility.
The golf course stands out for its aesthetic appeal, with tees and greens meticulously crafted to showcase beautiful shapes and colors. The incorporation of a “Florida flair” and an extended playing season from early spring to late October adds a unique dimension to this Alpine golf course. The availability of such features in an alpine setting is considered rare, contributing to the allure of the 18-hole course, often referred to as the “Alpine Pebble Beach.”
Beyond its physical challenges, the course provides a sensory experience, immersing golfers in the stunning Alpine landscape. The juxtaposition of a demanding athletic endeavor with the soothing and compensatory visual elements adds a distinctive character to the Schladming-Dachstein Golf Club. The reference to the course as the “Alpine Pebble Beach” underscores its reputation for combining sporting challenge with scenic beauty in the heart of the Dachstein Tauern region.
Bernhard Langer’s golf course is a standout feature in the Austrian golfing landscape, offering an exquisite blend of athletic challenge and natural splendor. Recognized as one of the leading golf courses in the country, its design, difficulty level, and the rare combination of Florida flair and an extended playing season contribute to its appeal. The course’s capacity to cater to players of varying skill levels, coupled with its panoramic views of the Dachstein, positions it as a unique and sought-after destination for golf enthusiasts.
