1-Day Trip from Vienna to Zauberberg Semmering for Skiing, Hiking or Tobogganing

Der Zauberberg – The Magic Mountain

Not to be mistaken with the novel of the same by Thomas Mann, Zauberberg is a magical place, nevertheless. Not necessarily for its undeniable beauty, but for the way the mountain affects the visitors of this unexpected refuge from the troubles of the outside world.

Somewhere in the Alps, on the border of Lower Austria and Styria, in the neighborhood of rocky giants stands a human settlement – Semmering. It might sound like a God-forgotten place, but it is not. Quite the contrary – it is a place of joy and laughter. Once here – all of the misfortunes will be cast aside. Such is the magic of der Zauberberg…

Zauberberg – Semmering Ski Resort

Being the closest ski resort to the Capital of Austria, Zauberberg Semmering doesn’t look like it is going to go out of business any time soon. If anybody thinks that Semmering might be not worth the time just because it is not deep enough in the Alps, or too small to be a serious ski resort, I would suggest thinking again. Semmering is a host of the World’s skiing cups and can operate during the night. 

If you have never been here, Semmering will most likely be going to surprise you. It sure did me. It is way more popular, way more beautiful, and has much more history than I expected. By this time, you might be wondering out of all places in the Alps, why does Semmering get so much attention?

Zauberberg Semmering Details

• Location: Zauberberg Semmering
• Base elevation: 996 m / 3267 ft
• Top elevation: 1,344 m / 4409 ft
• Distance from Vienna: 100 km / 60 mi
• Accommodation: Semmering
• Skiing season: 2023-12-07 – 2024-03-24
• Opening hours: 08:30 – 16:00 & 18:00 – 21:00
• Weather: Semmering forecast
• Snow report: Zauberberg Semmering
• Mountain rescue: 140
• Official website: Zauberberg Semmering

Landmark Map of Semmering

Getting to Semmering Ski Resort

Located midway between Vienna and Graz, Semmering is easy to reach by train between the two most populated Austrian cities. It would not surprise me if that was an exact reason for the location of this popular Ski Resort. It is not like Austria lacks mountains, but some say that the beauty of this railway route alone is a good enough reason to visit Graz.

If you don’t have a car to reach Semmering, the most convenient way to do so is either to buy ÖBB Wintersports combi-ticket or Einfach Raus local train ticket. An alternative way to reach Semmering Ski Resort is to use the local RUFbus & Winter-Shuttle Semmering-Rax service, but if you’re coming from Vienna you’ll have to use a train or car anyway.

ÖBB railway company offers a free shuttle from Semmering train station to the skiing area. Be sure not to miss the minibus which at first sight looks more like a taxi rather than a bus. In case you miss you’ll have to walk up the hill for about 15 minutes, the scenery is nice but the view from Zauberberg is even better.

TIP: Tickets between Vienna and Graz could be cheaper than tickets to Semmering.

Best Time to Visit 

It depends on the reason for the visit, but the high season of skiing is between December and March. For the green scenery and easy mountain hiking or cycling, I would recommend the months of Summer and early Autumn.

World’s First True Mountain Railway

Added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1998, Semmering Railway has been proof of human engineering ingenuity ever since 1854 when it was built. Even before its dawn, the railway was often referred to as an attempt to garden the landscape. Unheard of before and followed by many other projects, Semmering Railway was the World’s first successful attempt at a harmonious combination of human technology and nature of this kind.

History of Semmering

It shouldn’t be that surprising once this region of the Lower Alps was made accessible by train, the number of visitors exploded. After all, mountain tourism was getting its momentum by then. As a matter of fact, the golden age of alpinism began in the same year as the opening of the Semmering Railway after Alfred Wills ascended to the top of Wetterhorn in 1854. It was the Alps where modern mountaineering started, it is called “Alpinism” not without a reason.

Having the railway in mind, becoming a major tourist attraction center was the only natural course for a settlement like Semmering. So, the town and its population grew. The increasing popularity of winter sports and the recreational needs of the population were interrupted only by World Wars, but just as mountains – Semmering withstood all of it and to this day visitors can witness numerous mansions from the early age of mountain tourism.

Things to do in Zauberberg Semmering

Ever since the first steam trains puffed through the Semmering Pass, this otherwise usual and untouched landscape of the Austrian Alps was animated. By coincidence or design, it so happened that the advent of railway rose the tourism. Before many hot modern tourist destinations, Semmering, and the Alps as a whole, were sought out by the people, having wanderlust beating in their hearts. It is only natural that with time, Semmering had more and more to offer.

Zauberberg is just one of many possible attractions in Semmering Pass. Most of them are by the lifeline of the area –  Semmering Railway. None of this would be possible without it. Given that, Zauberberg Semmering, Sonnwendstein & other peaks along the same ridge might be the best place to observe Semmering from above.

Hiking in Zauberberg Semmering

Just to be clear – during the skiing season, Zauberberg is owned by skiers, snowboarders & tobogganers. Winter hiking is possible, rewarding, and not difficult but part of the route is turned into skiing areas. There is an alternative path to exit the skiing area, but it is way more difficult. It is possible to descend but climbing the steep mountain might be just too hard without spikes on shoes. If you don’t want to trespass with the winter sports enthusiasts or simply prefer a quieter place, consider other hikes around Semmering Railway, or even other hiking areas in the Alps near Vienna.

Once you get out of Zauberberg everything suddenly changes. Just a few minutes of walking and all the noise in the background will shut mute. It is like getting reminded of where you actually are and how much of a human island Semmering is. This shift is exactly why I love hiking in the mountains. There are not so many places left where you can get away from all the colossal amounts of information and spend some time with yourself or your loved ones. This 8km/5 mi long hike between Zauberberg and Sonnwendsteinn is perfect for that.

Keep in mind that if you decide to walk around Zauberberg Semmering during the winter, you should be prepared for that. Hiking in mountains in sub-zero temperatures could be harder than it seems. Before going on such a venture, I suggest checking the recommended winter hiking gear.

Tobogganing in Zauberberg Semmering

One of the more fun things to do in Zauberberg Semmering is their track dedicated only to toboggans and sleds. The track is 3km/1.86 mi long and you can ride as much as you want with a ski-pass, but for freebies – once you get on the mountain, practically, you can use it with your own sled. In case you are thinking of doing that, I would recommend reconsidering it.

Hiking up Zauberberg seems like a waste compared to the hikes on the top of the mountain. So, if you don’t mind walking – save your strength for the routes up the mountain. I would highly recommend investing in ski-pass or limited toboggan ride tickets which can be used for multiple people at once.

Tip: Don’t leave your sleds alone. It is not likely that someone is going to steal it but from what we heard – it is not uncommon that people will take random sleds which will force you to either do the same or pay a 100 EUR fine for losing the sleds.

Zauberberg Semmering Ski Resort Prices 2023

Unless you are here for the winter hikes not related to Zauberberg, there is no reason not to buy the ski-pass. Depending on the transport used to get to Semmering there are a few good combinations. All prices are for adults only, if you want more information, please, follow the links provided by each listing.

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Transportation tickets (from Vienna)

• ÖBB Train one-way trip – from 23,90 € (21,50 € without Vienna city fare)
  
• VOR Freizeit ticket (Weekends & holidays only) – 25,70 € (19,90 € without Vienna city fare)
• Einfach Rays Ticket – 36,00 € for 2 people, 40,00 € for 3 people, 44,00 € for 4 people, 48,00 € for 5 people

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Ski lift

• Single ascend or descend – 17,00 €
• Ascend & descent – 22,00 €

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Tickets (High season)

• Daily Ticket (9:00-16:00) – 49,00 €
• Morning ticket (9:00-13:00) – 38,00 €
• From 11:00 ticket– 40,50 €
• Afternoon ticket (12:00-16:00) – 39,00 €
• 3-hours-ticket – 39,00 €
• Night ticket (18:00-21:00) – 42,00 €
• Day & night ticket – 88,00 €
• Afternoon & night ticket – 78,50 €

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Toboggan track & rental

• Daily ticket + toboggan – 58,00 €
• Morning ticket + toboggan – 47,00 €
• Afternoon ticket + toboggan – 48,00 €
• 3 – hours ticket + toboggan – 48,00 €
• Toboggan rental – 9,00€

Discounts are applied for seniors, youth, and children. More information on Zauberberg Semmering price list 2023/24

Skiing & Snowboarding in Zauberberg Semmering

With over 14km of total length among 9 different skiing routes and 2 ski lifts, Zauberberg Semmering has something to offer to everyone. From beginners to world-class professionals, freestyle skiers, snowboarders to families – all will find a slope suitable for their skills and desires. The tracks run daily from 9:00 until 21:00 with a technical break between 16:10 and 18:00. More information can be found on the official website.

Semmering Zauberberg Ski Slopes and Lifts

Personal Experience

It wouldn’t surprise me if it is possible to find a hike from the Semmering train station with fewer obstacles, but Zauberberg and Sonnwendstein top the first plan of the scenery. Both routes between the peaks are relatively easy to walk and the one on the mountains ridge has breathtaking views in any direction.

It might look like mixing apples with oranges but tobogganing was a perfect fit for the rest of the day. Honestly, I can’t imagine myself doing it all day. My butt simply wouldn’t survive it. Despite that, four rides within 2 hours were just enough to feel enough of the joy of it before getting myself killed.

All combined, winter hiking together with some winter sports activities is just what is needed to make it a perfect one-day getaway to the mountains from Vienna, and I feel like I share this sensation with all the visitors of Semmering throughout the history of the modern mountain tourism era.