History Of Schladming
Early records of the establishment at the site of modern Schladming date back to the year 1180. Derived from the Slavic language—more especially, Slovenian—the town’s original name was Slaebnich (Slabnik, Slapnik). Along with the whole area of Styria, this site was under the control of the Alpine Slavs and a part of the Slavic principality of Carantania in the early and high Middle Ages. Though still with many Slavic features in its language and culture, the area progressively adopted a Germanic identity over the period of German colonization.
Medieval Schladming
Duke Otto of Austria formally founded Schladming as a town in 1322, giving it the honor of mining silver and other metals from the nearby mountains. With its town square the center of civic and business activity, Schladming thrived as a rich and powerful mining town. Four gates and a wall strengthened the town as well. Only one of these gates, the Salzburger Tor, still stands today though. From the Peasant’s War in 1525 to the Thirty Years’ War in the 17th century and the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century, Schladming has been entangled in several wars and conflicts over its history.
Renaissance and Baroque Period
Along with notable religious changes, Schladming lived through a period of artistic and cultural flowering during the Renaissance and Baroque. Originally a center of Protestantism in Styria, the town eventually had a forced conversion to Catholicism following the Counter-Reformation. Among the several churches and monasteries the town saw the founding of were the Stadtpfarrkirche (town parish church), the Kapuzinerkloster (Capuchin monastery), and the Stift Admont (Admont Abbey). Among other well-known visitors the town welcomed were Prince Eugene of Savoy, Archduke Ferdinand II, and Emperor Maximilian I.
Modernization and Industrialization
With the building of a railway in 1875, which connected the town with the rest of Austria and Europe, Schladming experienced industrialization and modernism in the late 19th century. The first wave of summer visitors arrived at Schladming with the arrival of the railway as well. The area’s breathtaking scenery and the benefits fresh mountain air offered for their health drew these guests. The mining sector saw a downturn in the 20th century and was then replaced by tourism, forestry, and agriculture among other sectors. The town improved its infrastructure as well by building public services, electricity and water supply systems, and roads.
Schladming in the World Wars
Schladming lived through both World Wars since it was under Nazi Germany in the Second World War and under the Austro-Hungarian Empire during the First World War. The town saw the resistance and emancipation movements while it suffered bombings, shortages, and persecution. Schladming was included into the British occupation zone in Austria when the Second World War ended. It then restored its independence and self-governance while a Republic of Austria constituent.
Contemporary Schladming
With a population of about 6,600 people, Schladming has evolved into a modern and energetic town. The area’s strong economy depends on the pillars of trade, services, and tourism. Apart from that, it has become a major destination for winter sports and hosts several elite skiing events, including the Special Olympics World Winter Games in 1993 and 2017, the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 1982 and 2013, and the well-known Nightrace, a night slalom event attracting a big audience of millions of viewers.
Notable Events in Schladming’s History
Schladming’s history features some noteworthy events including:
- Schladming received the city charter in 1322, which gave him rights including those related to mining silver and other metals. This produced the wealth and impact of the town.
- Rising against the feudal lords and the church, peasants and miners started the Peasant’s War in 1525. Many castles and monasteries in the region were destroyed widely as a result of this revolt.
- In 1496 Emperor Maximilian I paid three days of visit to Schladming. The town and its people really amazed him.
- The opening of the railway in 1875, connecting Schladming to the rest of Austria and Europe, helped the first wave of summer visitors arrive to the town.
- Important worldwide athletic events highlighting the town’s winter-sports facilities and hospitality were the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 1982 and 2013, hosted by Schladming.
- Hosted in 1993 and 2017 were the Special Olympics World Winter Games These celebrations of the skills and achievements of people with intellectual disabilities defined these events as humanitarian and inclusive ones.
- Held annually on the Planai mountain, the Nightrace is a nocturnal slalom event. Along with thousands of spectators and millions of viewers, it brings elite skiers from all around the world.
