Hochstrassen Museum Semmering

After the Semmering Railway, designed by Carl Ritter von Ghega, was completed in 1854, an increasing number of affluent individuals from Vienna began to visit Semmering for their summer vacations.Over time, the landscape has been enhanced by the addition of stunning hotels and villas in the farmhouse style, which continue to be a prominent feature today.The Hochstrasse Museum is a collection of 10 showcases located along the Hochstrasse. It offers valuable information about the significant events surrounding villa construction during the turn of the century.

The original Hotel Panhans was constructed in 1888 and underwent multiple expansions. It became a favored lodging option for notable individuals such as Oskar Kokoschka, Adolf Loos, Arthur Schnitzler, and Peter Altenberg.The first casino in Austria was also opened at Hotel Panhans.

Villa Waldruhe and Fürstenhof are two houses located at Fürstenhofweg No. 1 and 2. These houses were originally owned by Hotel Panhans, but underwent modernization in 1907.The conversion work was undertaken by the esteemed architects Hermann Helmer and Ferdinand Fellner, whose architectural firm specialized in the construction of theaters.

The Parish Church, commissioned by Princess Metternich, was built in 1894 in the early Gothic style.The neighboring vicarage, adorned with charming decorations, exemplifies the Semmering villa style in a particularly stunning manner.

Architect Hermann Helmer constructed Villa Helmer, a summer residence for his own family located on Hochstrasse (No. 46). This elegant abode also served as a venue for political negotiations.

The Südbahnhotel, also known as the “Hotel Semmering,” was the first hotel to be established on the Semmering. It is located at Bahnstraße 28 and underwent significant expansion in 1901, transforming into a luxurious palace hotel.In 1932, the hotel underwent a remarkable expansion with the addition of an indoor pool featuring glazing. This pool was made available for use during pleasant weather conditions.The new investor crowned the hotel with the roof we know today in 1974, only after it was sold.