Hochstraßenmuseum

After the completion of Carl Ritter von Ghega's Semmering railway in 1854, more and more wealthy people from Vienna came to Semmering for their summer retreat. Gradually, magnificent hotels and splendid farmhouse-style villas were built, which are still an integral part of the landscape today. The Hochstrasse Museum - consisting of 10 showcases along the Hochstrasse - provides information about the most important events surrounding the construction of villas at the turn of the century.

Architectural highlights around the Hochstraße on Semmering:

• The first Hotel Panhans: built in 1888, enlarged several times and popular accommodation for Oskar Kokoschka, Adolf Loos, Arthur Schnitzler and Peter Altenberg. Austria's first casino was also opened in the Hotel Panhans.
• Villa Waldruhe and Fürstenhof: The houses at Fürstenhofweg nos. 1 and 2 belonged to the Hotel Panhans at the time, but were modernized in 1907. The renovation work was carried out by the renowned architects Hermann Helmer and Ferdinand Fellner, whose architectural firm actually specialized in building theaters.
• Parish church: built in 1894 in the early Gothic style, commissioned by Princess Metternich. The adjoining rectory with its picturesque decor is a particularly fine example of the villa style in Semmering.
• Villa Helmer: Architect Hermann Helmer also built a summer retreat for his own family on Hochstrasse (No. 46), which was also used as a venue for political negotiations.
• Südbahnhotel - "Hotel Semmering": The first hotel on Semmering (Südbahnstraße 28), which was further expanded into a palace hotel in 1901. In 1932, the hotel was given a sensational extension: an indoor swimming pool with glazing, which was opened in fine weather. It was only after the hotel was sold in 1974 that the new investor crowned the hotel with the roof we know today.

Did you know?

The top of the Semmering Pass, where you can start your walk along the showcases, can be reached with the RUFbus Semmering-Rax is easy and convenient to reach. (Bus stop 113 Passhöhe/Bus bay Billa)