Dog-friendly holidays in Semmering

Relatively long route, very well accessible by train and bus. For those who like to walk lonely paths. No base station on the way!

This hike from Gloggnitz to Semmering over the Kreuzberg ridge is perfect for the shoulder seasons. Due to the route's close proximity to the Semmering railway, start and finish are very flexible, making the hike exciting for walkers of any fitness level.

Easy hike with beautiful views in the Semmering area.

Nice scenic tour around the Pinkenkogel from and to Semmering station, can be walked all year round with suitable equipment (in winter at least Grödeln or spikes).

From Steinhaus at Semmering on rather easy paths to the Semmering Pass.

Developing mental endurance perhaps requires the most effort not in nature, but after the early morning coffee. Should we spend this year's third Sunday of Advent cuddled up in the warm room all the time? In the gray, harsh, mild winter weather caused by the inversion cloud cover, one does not feel like going out much. Planning is not simple from the armchair either, as pictures show that even with all the advantages of the Internet, the consequences cannot be predicted. The first thing is to find a well-passable hiking route nearby, which is easily accessible and has parking by car. According to the Bergfex precipitation radar, around Semmering we can already find ourselves above the inversion cloud cover. Semmering is a well-known excursion and ski paradise. In winter, especially in the light of this year's restrictions, it shows a different face. Naturally, sledding and ski slopes are still crowded to the brim despite the lifts not operating. However, we wanted a different program. We longed for the silence of the forest, the sunny snowy landscape. Our serotonin level immediately benefited from the pleasant and calm, white, sunny winter landscape. The snow line started at about 600-700m elevation that day. Our hike led through an unexpectedly beautiful panorama on an uninterrupted winter path. The trails were visibly cleared by machines in many places. After the second kilometer, we could only step in the footprints of those ahead of us. The nearly 11km hike was not easy. Indeed, in summer this would seem trivial, but in places there was half a meter of snow depth. This would have quickly eroded our physical endurance if it had not been for the view and the feeling of freshness. I think I would not have undertaken this hike with more than 5-6 people. Winter conditions require much attention and minute-by-minute problem-solving in a larger group. Appropriate clothing, proper physical condition, and mental endurance are very important. On a winter hike, the joint presence of all these conditions is much more emphasized. To ensure these statements are not empty words or clichés, one must go through the path, love and respect nature. The nature to which we have always belonged. Urban lifestyle has profoundly alienated us from our true nature. Out here, we are more empathetic, cheerful, and happier.

A beautiful 7.8-kilometer loop trail near Semmering, featuring pine forests, open areas, and mountains.

The Semmering Railway has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. The best way to explore its charm is on foot: hiking along the railway hiking trail, past idyllic rest stops and photogenic viewpoints.

Semmering railway hiking trail from Mürzzuschlag station to Semmering station