Südbahnhotel Semmering

The jewel on the Semmering has awoken from its slumber and enchants guests today just as it did 140 years ago.

New paths

In 2021, the Südbahnhotel has found a new owner who is bringing it back to life with a great deal of love and care, allowing guests to feel the magic of the past.

Culture in a historic ambience

Culture is back in the venerable walls of the Südbahnhotel am Semmering - the Reichenau Festival, which returned after 15 years with Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream", as well as an impressive theatrical tour with Maxi Blaha, who tells the story of the hotel from the perspective of its former residents:inside.

Guided tours - disappear into times gone by

The guided tours take visitors back to the splendor of times gone by and allow them to experience the unique stories and special features of the Südbahnhotel.

Moving history

Half-timbering, spires and a green roof visible from afar: the striking building on the Semmering has fascinated visitors since its opening in 1882. The Südbahnhotel, situated at 1000 m above sea level, was for many years a popular destination for Viennese society and travelers from all parts of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. Many celebrities stayed at the Südbahnhotel, including Franz Werfel, Archduke Albrecht, Adolf Loos, Gustav and Alma Mahler, Oskar Kokoschka, Sigmund Freud, Emilie Flöge and many more.

Once the first hotel in Semmering, it was the basis for the tourist and social development of the region. The Südbahnhotel was one of the most sought-after grand hotels along the railroad line from Vienna to Trieste and thus closely linked to Carl Ritter von Ghega's masterpiece, the still impressiveUNSESCO World Heritage Semmering Railwayto this day.

However, it was not only the architecture and the idyllic location with a fantastic view of the Rax and Schneeberg mountains that attracted the sophisticated clientele to the grand hotel. The guests wanted for nothing. The offer ranged from cultural events to bridge and dance courses to sporting activities for every season. For example, the Südbahnhotel was home to an indoor swimming pool with terrace, which was unique at the time. The hotel's own golf course, which can still be played on today, was a ski training area in winter, including a ski jump.

After the Second World War, the hotel was unable to build on the successes of the Fin de Siècle and Belle Époche periods and was closed in the 1970s.

Did you know?

The Südbahnhotel am Semmering can be reached with the RUFbus Semmering-Rax is easy and convenient to reach. (Bus stop Südbahnhotel SE7)