Sophisticated Traffic Measures Introduced To Ensure That Journey To Friedenskircherl Runs Smoothly

The roadway to the Friedenskircherl on the Stoderzinken, which was broadcast by the ORF last year in the program "9 places - 9 Treasures” was awarded as the most beautiful place in Austria is to be reorganized. To this end, the operators of the Stoderzinken Alpine Road, together with the municipalities of Aich and Gröbming and with the support of the Schladming-Dachstein Tourist Association, have developed a new visitor management concept for the journey up the Stoderzinken.

"The victory in the ORF program "9 places - 9 treasures" and the expected influx of visitors are at the same time an order to preserve the jewel 'Stoderkircherl' with concepts for directing the flow of visitors. The aim of the new traffic concept at the Stoderzinken is to reduce individual traffic," agree the mayors of the municipalities of Gröbming and Aich, Thomas Reingruber and Franz Danklmaier. In addition to the traffic concept, an extensive signage and information concept is also being implemented, which was developed together with the mountain rescue service and the Gröbming Alpine Club section in cooperation with the Schladming-Dachstein Tourist Association.

New: Shuttle bus to reduce individual car traffic

“The new traffic concept creates an additional incentive for a public and at the same time comfortable journey to the Stoderzinken. The new shuttle bus takes guests from three stops in Gröbming (bus station, CET, adventure park) to the Stoderzinken. The bus connection is coordinated with the summer bus line (Mandling - Schladming - Gröbming - Sankt Martin), which is also new," explains Wolfram Steiner, chairman of the Stoderzinkenstraße hiking association. The new bus services also result in attractive hiking opportunities: from the Stoderzinken to Aich-Assach and via the Grafenbergalm and the Ahornsee to Weißenbach, also from Aich-Assach or Weißenbach up the Stoderzinken and by bus back to Gröbming, where you can change to the summer bus.

The Stoderzinken Alpenstraße is a toll road that is open to car traffic all year round (toll rate 20 euros). What is new from May 1st is that when the maximum capacity is reached, access restrictions for private transport will be in place to avoid congestion on the road and on the mountain. For this purpose, an adapted toll collection system and parking space management on the mountain will be introduced.

Holders of a Schladming-Dachstein Sommercard or Freizeitcard can use the Stoderzinken Alpenstraße free of charge from May 18th to July 7th, 2023 and from September 11th to November 1st, 2023. During the summer main season (holidays) the free ascent with the new shuttle buses is possible.

Coaches need a reservation to travel up the Stoderzinken

In future, coaches will need a reservation to travel up the Stoderzinken. This must be done at least seven days in advance. The coaches are given a time window for the ascent and descent, which must be strictly adhered to. This is to prevent the buses from interfering with each other on the road due to oncoming traffic. Reservations are processed by the Schladming-Dachstein Tourism Association.

Extensive signage and information concept and a "Stoder Ranger"

The new signage and information concept includes, among other things, new hiking portals with information boards, signage and new sanitary facilities and charging stations for e-bikes. In any case, the “Stoder Ranger” will also play an important role. The newly created workplace combines the tasks of parking space management, waste management and communication with guests.

The Friedenskircherl on the Stoderzinken has existed since 1902

The Friedenskircherl is not only a popular destination, but is also one of the most important landmarks of the Styrian Ennstal. The mayor of Gröbming, Thomas Reingruber, says: "The Stoderzinken has always been our tourism mountain, so the Friedenskircherl was built 121 years ago for tourism reasons, among other reasons. Tourism will also be needed to keep gastronomy on the mountain and to sustainably finance a toll road. With the measures taken, we not only want to maintain the usual quality at the Stoderzinken, but significantly improve it, so that our holidaymakers and guests, the businesses, including residents and residents are satisfied. "All information in