History Of Semmering

Semmering has been a popular summer trip for Vienna’s affluent society since the 19th century, attracting not only the aristocracy but also the upper class and eminent artists. Establishments like Südbahnhotel and Hotel Panhans, which started in the late 19th century, drew a lot of visitors until the time following World War II, when they faced different challenges and experienced major changes. Semmering now mostly serves as a venue for winter sports, although it also works constantly to restore and protect its historical sites.

When the railway across the Semmering was completed in 1854, the town saw a notable rise in population and development since it would provide easy access from Vienna. Prestigious events including the Semmering hillclimb race, vintage car rallies, historic motorsports, and chess competitions including well-known players have taken place here. Until about 1960, the Alpenstrandbad Semmering was rather popular; Semmering is still a very sought-after location for winter sports since World Cup ski events on the Hirschenkogel.

Semmering offers summer activities including the Bikepark Semmering, which since 2006 has been serving downhill and freeride mountain bikers. Held at the Südbahnhotel, the Reichenau Festival features captivating performances and the drama “Alma” centred on Alma Mahler-Werfel adds cultural value to the Kurhaus Semmering. Semmering’s historical significance as a popular leisure destination for Vienna residents in the early 20th century is still clear today since it draws a lot of overnight stays annually and attracts visitors for winter sports and spa vacations.

Apart from its leisure activities, Semmering is quite important for north-south mobility since the Semmering expressway tunnel was built in 2004. Reopening the “Erzherzog Johann” restaurant in 2010 as a showcase of the initiatives aimed at preserving and revitalizing Semmering’s cultural and historical legacy is part of the current town center redesign project. Though the future of some sites is yet unknown, the town effectively maintains a harmonic mix of its historical value and contemporary attractions, which regularly attracts a broad spectrum of tourists with different interests all year long.