New standards in cycle tourism "Sonnseitn Trails" project creates 60 kilometers of new bike trails
The Schladming-Dachstein region is planning a gradual expansion of its biking facilities by 2029 with the “Sonnseitn Trails” project. The plan is to develop up to 60 kilometers of new trails for different age groups and skill levels. The planned investment volume is around 4.5 million euros. The aim is to establish the region as a leading year-round destination, strengthen quality tourism, and at the same time promote health, exercise, and sustainable regional development.
New Sonnseitn Trails strengthen Bikeland Schladming-Dachstein
In Schladming-Dachstein, the “Sonnseitn Trails” project plans a gradual expansion of the biking facilities. Phase 1 is currently set to be implemented with around 10 kilometers of trails, construction of which will start in March 2026. This first section will be built in the area between Untere Klaus (Schladming) and Ramsau-Leiten.
The province of Styria is supporting the project in 2025 with a grant of €750,000. Further expansion steps are being considered, but are subject to the relevant financing and regulatory approvals.
Schladming-Dachstein already offers a wide range of biking options with 20 mountain and e-bike tours, two bike parks, and a single track with a total of 67 kilometers of trails. The offer is complemented by three summer mountain railways including bike transport, road bike and gravel routes, and 22 accommodation providers specializing in bike guests. The planned expansions are intended to further develop and strengthen this profile in the area of bike tourism in the long term.
Focus on visitor guidance
Another focus is on clearly directing visitors in order to minimize conflicts between cyclists, hikers, agriculture, forestry, and hunting, and to better protect sensitive areas. The tourism association wants to achieve sustainable regional development with less seasonality and more year-round jobs, as well as promote health and exercise even more, especially for children and young people.
