Schladming-Dachstein Sets New Standards In Cycling Tourism: “Sonnseitn Trails” Project Creates 60 Kilometers Of New Bike Trails

Starting next fall, around 60 kilometers of new bike trails will be created in the Austrian tourist region of Schladming-Dachstein with the support of the state of Styria.

- The Styrian Tourism Association aims to further strengthen the region's position as a "bike country"
- A total of around 4.5 million euros will be invested by 2027
- The State of Styria will provide the project with funding of 750,000 euros in 2025

The "Sonnseitn Trails" project is a highly ambitious project for cycling tourism infrastructure and will further strengthen Schladming-Dachstein's position as a "bike country." The tourism association will invest a total of around €4.5 million by 2027, and the state of Styria will contribute €750,000 in funding in 2025.

Whether mountain bikers, e-bikers, recreational bikers, or competitive downhillers: the Schladming-Dachstein tourist region has established itself as a top destination for bike vacationers and trail enthusiasts. In "Bike Country" Schladming-Dachstein, mountain bikers and e-bikers can already enjoy 26 tours, two bike parks, and a singletrack with a total of 67 kilometers of trails. Added to this is an excellent tourist infrastructure with two summer cable cars including bike transport, 15 bike & hike tours, road bike and gravel bike tours, and 21 hotels specializing in bike guests.

New "Sonnseitn Trails" integrate into existing biking offerings . With the "Sonnseitn Trails" project, the Schladming-Dachstein region is setting entirely new standards: In three construction phases, high-quality single trails are being created, tailored to different age groups and ability levels – from families with children to ambitious cyclists. The Sonnseitn Trails will be seamlessly integrated into the region's existing biking offerings. They are directly linked to the Schladming Bike Park, the Reiteralm Trails, and the Enns Cycle Path, thus strengthening Schladming-Dachstein's position as a holistic "bike country." The new "Sonnseitn Trails" are being constructed according to international standards by experienced teams of experts. Special emphasis is placed on environmental sustainability, minimal intervention in nature, and innovative water management for extreme weather.  Leading year-round destination strengthens quality tourism

The “Sonnseitn Trails” project was presented today (Wednesday, May 21) at a press conference in Graz.

• Mario Kunasek (Governor of Styria): "The Sonnseitn Trails project in the Schladming-Dachstein region is the perfect holiday option for the whole family – with a mix of summer and winter tourism. Those who want can go skiing in the morning and cycling in the afternoon. This is how we are meeting the trend for year-round tourism. I would like to thank all the people involved in this project, as well as our ambassador Hans Knauß. My special thanks go to the landowners. Without them, the Sonnseitn Trails would be impossible. But this way, we have achieved a tourism milestone for the Schladming-Dachstein region," said Governor and Tourism Officer Mario Kunasek. 
• Andreas Keinprecht (Chairman of the Schladming-Dachstein tourism region): "We want to actively shape the atmosphere of change with new biking options, because noticeable social and climatic changes require new tourism offerings. High-quality biking options contribute to the necessary balancing of the peak seasons and simultaneously support the positioning of our region as a year-round destination. Biking thus extends the outdoor season – especially in times of low snow reliability. Cross-seasonal offerings also ensure economic stability and make the region more attractive for employees by providing continuous employment. And last but not least, locals also benefit from the new, year-round offers to promote physical activity. A heartfelt thank you to all affected landowners for their willingness to discuss and their cooperation."
• Mathias Schattleitner (Managing Director of the Schladming-Dachstein tourism region):"The Sonnseitn Trails project sets new standards in the quality of biking in Styria. Our goal is to strategically develop the Schladming-Dachstein region as a biking destination and create a large, interconnected trail network. This represents a significant investment in the sustainable development of tourism in the region. I see the Sonnseitn Trails as the missing piece of the puzzle in the interconnected 'Bikeland Schladming-Dachstein'. We want to bundle the diverse biking offerings of the entire region under a strong brand presence and thus strengthen the region's competitiveness in the long term. This will position Schladming-Dachstein as a strong biking destination in the Alpine region and establish itself as a comprehensive adventure region that also appeals to multi-day guests in the touring and enduro sectors."
• Hans Knauß (former ski racer and ambassador for the Schladming-Dachstein tourism region): "For me, it's clear: cycling is here to stay. The positive impact of Bikeland Schladming-Dachstein on promoting physical activity, especially for children and young people, is particularly important to me. When 'cool biking opportunities' are created, they get children and young people out into nature, onto the trails – playfully, with fun and action. This not only promotes their health but also creates new enthusiasm for the mountains and their homeland. I also think it's fantastic that the biking opportunities bring added value for all of us – guests and locals alike. The new trails not only mean higher overnight stays, but also new exercise opportunities, an improved quality of life, and pride in what the region has to offer."

The goal is to further develop the Schladming-Dachstein region as a leading year-round destination and to provide new impetus for quality tourism and promoting physical activity. Another focus is on clear visitor management to minimize conflicts between bikers, hikers, agriculture, forestry, and hunting, and to better protect sensitive areas. The tourism association aims to achieve sustainable regional development with less seasonality and more year-round jobs, as well as to further promote health and physical activity, especially for children and young people.