A visit to the Semmering-Rax region is worthwhile, not least because of some pioneering achievements. The Rax cable car in Hirschwang was Austria's first passenger cable car in 1926. It was opened after only one year of construction – a remarkable achievement for the time. Today, the cable car is one of Lower Austria's TopExcursion Destinations, both in summer and winter. In eight minutes, it climbs 1,047 metres to reach the 34 km² hiking paradise on the Rax Plateau. In the same year, the Südbahnhotel on the Semmering built its own golf course– the oldest in Austria that is still playable in its original form and retains the flair of the summer resort of yesteryear.

The region around the Rax is particularly significant in terms of alpine history: on 8 March 1896, an avalanche accident occurred on the Reißthalersteig, killing three people. The rescue operation lasted several days and ultimately led to the founding of the "Alpine Rescue Committee Vienna" – the world's first organised mountain rescue service. Even today, the mountains around the Rax are beautiful recreational areas, but they should be explored with respect and the appropriate equipment. → Basic rules on the mountain

Even the journey to the Semmering-Rax region is an experience in itself. The Southern Railway line, opened in 1854 according to the plans of Carl Ritter von Ghega, brings travellers to the region. However, the journey does not end at Payerbach-Reichenau station. On Sundays, the Höllentalbahn railway, originally used as a material railway for the wood grinding mill in Hirschwang, runs. In 1926, it began carrying passengers – in line with the rise in winter tourism and the opening of the Rax cable car. Today, you can still experience the journey in an original railcar, almost as the first passengers did a hundred years ago. A short walk takes you to the valley station of the Rax cable car.

The Semmering-Rax region is home to numerous places where culture and history come alive. In 1926, the Kurtheater in Reichenau opened its doors – at that time with Johann Strauss' "Die Fledermaus", the play that will be performed again in 2026. Schloss Wartholz Kultur also invites visitors to events where literature and music come together. The cultural offerings are complemented by the Kulturverein Neunkirchen, which has been providing a lively programme of events in the region for 30 years.

Many anniversaries are connected: the Rax cable car and Höllentalbahn railway started operating in the same year to transport tourists from Payerbach-Reichenau station to Hirschwang, the valley station of the Rax cable car. The Reichenau Theatre was opened partly because of the Singgemeinschaft Payerbach-Reichenau. At the time, there were complaints in Reichenau about the lack of stage and rehearsal space. So the theatre was built at the suggestion of August Humpel, the former chairman of the Singgemeinschaft Payerbach-Reichenau. Visitors to the individual Excursion destinations can experience the connections for themselves. Convenient: there are combination tickets for Rax, the Höllentalbahn railway and the exhibition on 100 years of theatre in Reichenau Castle, as well as numerous anniversary offers that make it easy to join in the celebrations.

The Catholic Raxkircherl chapel near the Heukuppe, close to the Karl-Ludwig-Haus, was originally dedicated to mountaineers who had died in accidents. The Protestant church in Nasswald was built by Georg Hubmer with round-arched windows – a special feature, as round windows were prohibited in Protestant churches at that time. The Semmering-Rax region thus also stands for diversity in faith and courageous first steps.

Gourmets also have plenty of reasons to celebrate: Rax-Bräu is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and since last year, the Hirschwang brewery has been treating visitors to beers and dishes made from regional ingredients. The Schwarzataler Genussmarkt presents a basket filled with numerous products from farmers and those produced by them – ideal as a gift (especially for someone celebrating a special occasion). Another highlight is the 10-year-old Silva Verjus Drink, whose recipe Johannes Ribeiro da Silva found in the notes of Doderer's cook. Sports fans will also get their money's worth: Bikepark Semmering is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026 and invites downhill enthusiasts to enjoy 18 km of action-packed trails.

Music and community life have shaped the Semmering-Rax region for generations. The Stadtkapelle Gloggnitz and the Singgemeinschaft Payerbach-Reichenau demonstrate how tradition, community and passion are closely linked, and that much can be achieved when people work together. 

In 1926, Gloggnitz was officially elevated to town status – a milestone that will be celebrated in June 2026 with a big anniversary weekend. Visitors can look forward to performances by well-known artists such as Pizzera & Jaus and Seiler & Speer, who will be inviting everyone to join in the celebrations. The Stadtkapelle Gloggnitz will also be celebrating its own 100th anniversary during this anniversary year.

There are reasons to celebrate all year round in the Semmering-Rax region – and with over 15 anniversaries, that's not difficult. The anniversaries and events are spread throughout the season and invite visitors to discover and celebrate together. Visitors to the region can enjoy concerts, festivals and culinary highlights. It's worth taking a look at the calendar of events so you don't miss any of the highlights.