Schladming to Steyr Road Trip: Hidden Gems and Driving Guide

Did you know the Enns River, which you’ll follow for much of this route, was once the border between the Roman provinces of Noricum and Pannonia? The drive from Schladming to Steyr (approximately 150 km via the B320 and A1) takes about 2 hours without stops, but the real magic lies in the many diversions along the way.

This guide will help you answer key questions: how long to drive Schladming to Steyr (roughly 2–2.5 hours), is it worth driving Schladming to Steyr (absolutely, for the dramatic landscapes and cultural gems), and what are the best stops Schladming to Steyr. We’ll also show you how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Safety: The B320 has several blind curves; use headlights even during the day. Watch for deer crossing near the Gesäuse section. The A1 is safe and well-illuminated near toll plazas.

Family stops:

• Gesäuse National Park visitor center in Gstatterboden: interactive geology exhibition.
• Admont Abbey library (world’s largest monastic library) – child-friendly audio guide.
• Steyr old town: toy museum in the Bummerlhaus square.

Pet-friendly: Many B-road stops have grassy verges for dog walks. The Gasthof zum Goldenen Löwen in Liezen welcomes dogs with water bowls. Avoid leaving pets in cars; temperatures in the valley can rise quickly.

Fatigue management: Ideal rest spots: (1) Rottenmann rest area (just off B320, with a kiosk and benches), (2) A1 rest stop Gleink (with resting cabins), (3) Steyr city park near the river.

Hidden off-route spots:

• Abandoned railway viaduct near Selzthal (5 min detour via L716) – a photographer’s haunt.
• Village of Großraming (5 min south of B115) with a 12th-century church.

The geography shifts dramatically: from the Dachstein massif (2,995 m) near Schladming to gentle rolling hills around Steyr. The Enns River carves a deep valley, with the Gesäuse National Park as a highlight around Hieflau.

• UNESCO sites: The Dachstein Salzkammergut cultural landscape (UNESCO) is accessible from Schladming via the Dachstein cable car. Near Steyr, the Semmering Railway (UNESCO) is a 45-minute detour from the route.
• Local delicacies: Ennstaler cheese, Steyrer Bier (brewery founded 1495), and pumpkin seed oil from the region are must-buys. Stop at Bäckerei Schmidt in Liezen for fresh sourdough.
• Crafts: In Admont, the Benedictine monastery (Admont Abbey) sells handcrafted soaps and local herbal schnapps.

From Schladming, take the B320 northwest through the Enns Valley. At Liezen, switch to the B146 east until you join the A1 near Gleink. The final stretch into Steyr is via the B122 or B115. Toll vignettes are required for the A1 (€9.90 for 10 days), but the B roads are toll-free.

• Fuel tips: Fuel costs average €1.50 per liter for diesel. Expect consumption of ~7 L/100 km on winding B-roads, slightly less on the A1. Fuel stations are plentiful in Schladming, Liezen, and near Steyr, but sparse in the middle sections—fill up before leaving Schladming.
• Road quality: B-roads are well-maintained but narrow in places, with occasional sharp curves. The A1 is perfect motorway. Night illumination is limited on B-roads; carry a flashlight for emergency stops.
• Traffic: The route is rarely congested except near Liezen and during ski-season weekends (December–March). Allow extra time in winter.