Golden-yellow caresser of the soul

Warm brown tones. Iridescent larches. Gentle sunbeams. The golden autumn in Schladming-Dachstein is a treat for the senses and caresses the soul. Anyone who wants to recharge their batteries before the chilly season sets in should definitely not miss out on the "Indian Summer of Styria".

Yellow larches compete with the sun. A bright blue sky kisses the silhouette of the mighty Dachstein massif and hikers enjoy the warm rays of sunshine on their skin. A pretty clever move on their part to get a good dose of vitamin D and happiness here at the foot of the Dachstein before it turns cold. Because what many do not know: Up to 90 percent of the vitamin D the body needs is generated in the skin by sunlight itself. In turn, the sunlight then prompts the body to produce happiness hormones. But physical activity such as hiking or cycling in fresh mountain air also demonstrably lifts the spirits. In addition, our psyche is mollycoddled by the warm autumn tones as well. "Indian Summer" in the Schladming-Dachstein region is rightly considered a golden caresser of the soul!

Herbst am Brandriedl, Ramsau | © Christine Höflehner

Pure happiness!

The Dachstein is a preferred destination at this time of year. Already during your drive on the toll road to the valley station of the Glacier Lifts, the brightly colored forest with its resplendent colors enchants and makes you forget time and space. Arriving at the parking lot, many are quite overwhelmed by the play of colors in nature: Golden larches as far as the eye can see, perfect views of the adjacent mountain peaks, and numerous hiking trails that invite you to embark on an autumnal adventure. For example, the “Tor” hike is considered one of the most impressive tours in the region; no other tour brings you closer to the steep south walls of the Dachstein than a hike through the Tor. While walking directly alongside the rockface, you can catch a glimpse of the climbers on the cliffs high above or even hear them bark out their climbing commands. At the highest point, you can see the Sulzenhals and the Rötelstein and observe native chamois between the towering rocks. Returning to the alpine pastures, you can immediately immerse yourself in a shimmering golden larch forest again and enjoy a well-deserved refreshment break at one of the numerous alpine huts in the area. Autumn at the foot of the Dachstein is truly impressive and magical.

Everything dipped in color!

This season not only dips the larches at the foot of the Dachstein in color, but also the entire region. A walk in Schladming-Dachstein leads across brown shimmering fields, past centuries-old maple trees glowing a fiery red, and to many idyllic areas where you can “take the weight off” in nature and soak up the sun. A bike tour in the Schladming-Dachstein region is just as beautiful, and often still possible in the milder temperatures of autumn. If you are looking for further excursion destinations, you will find them in practically no time. Rewarding opportunities include a trip to the Sölktäler, a visit to Schloss Trautenfels, and hikes through the Ober- or Untertal valleys outside Schladming. The landscapes everywhere are particularly impressive in autumn, since everything is dipped in color and invites you to pause and restore your inner energy reserves.

Herbstwanderung Pleschnitzzinken, Galsterberg | © Christoph Huber
Herbst am Brandriedl, Ramsau | © Christine Höflehner
Herbst am Brandriedl, Ramsau | © Christine Höflehner
Herbst am Brandriedl, Ramsau | © Christine Höflehner

Did you know that...

...the Sommercard is valid until November 1st?
Your Schladming-Dachstein-Sommercard is valid when you stay as little as one night in a participating establishment from May 18 to November 1, 2023. This means that even during a fall vacation, you can enjoy all kinds of free holiday experiences as well as bonus services with discounts of up to 50%, a daily round-trip ride on a mountain lift of your choice, and many holiday activities specifically tailored to children and families.

...the panoramic views are even better in the clear autumn air?
In the fall, you can often make out the contours of the mountains even better. The clear mountain views and spectacular sunsets are due to the generally stable weather and dry air during this time of year.

...culinary delights are one of the autumn highlights?
Autumn is harvest time, and meals become particularly colorful as a consequence. Whether vegetables or fruit, hearty dishes straight out of the oven, hot soups, sweet treats or savory game specialties, few seasons offer as much culinary variety as does autumn in the Schladming-Dachstein region. Our region is particularly proud of all the restaurants that cook with local and seasonal ingredients, enchanting guests from all over the world with traditional dishes.

... Almabtrieb is yet another event highlight at this time of year?
Summer grazing in the mountains is of immense importance in this alpine world of ours. In addition, Almabtrieb festivities enjoy a rich tradition throughout the Ennstal region. If you visit Schladming-Dachstein in the fall, don't miss the countless colorfully adorned animals being brought down from the alpine pastures to the valley, and the extraordinary country fairs that are held to welcome them home and give thanks for the good grazing season in the mountains.

Schladming - Dachstein