The history of Ramsau am Dachstein

The existence of Ramsau am Dachstein is first documented in 1120,

although it is thought that the extensive Ramsau am Dachstein plateau was settled by Bavarians as early as the 11th century. The name Ramsau is made up of the Middle High German words "ram", which means "vertically falling balcony", taken from the Hohe Rams in Feisterkar which falls away steeply, and "au", for the meadows beneath.

The oldest building in Ramsau, of which only ruined walls remain, is the Satteneck ruin, or "Katzenburg" in the eastern part of the Ramsau plateau. There is evidence that a fulling mill has been in operation in Ramsau Rössing since the 15th century. This fulling mill is Styria's oldest commercial business and still produces quality garments from hard-wearing "loden" sheep's wool.

Some of the most notable events in the history of Ramsau are the Reformation, the Counter-Reformation and the Age of Tolerance. The message of the Reformation had already been spread, mainly by Saxon miners, who worked in the Schladming Tauern mountains. Luther's message was warmly received by the population, but there was a severe backlash when Emperor Ferdinand II very harshly enforced the reintroduction of Catholicism. During two centuries of persecution for their faith, the people of Ramsau had to endure much hardship, but they clung faithfully to the Lutheran doctrine until the memorable day of 13 October 1781, when Emperor Joseph II issued the Edict of Tolerance. Now the Ramsau farmers could once again openly confess their beliefs and bring the bibles, prayer, devotional and hymn books, which had strengthened and consoled them during difficult times, out of their hiding places.

History of the church

The foundation stone of the Evangelical church was laid on 8 September 1888. Seven years later the people of Ramsau celebrated the consecration of their church, designed by Nuremberg architect Hans Kieser. The house of God, constructed in the Neo-Roman style, stands on an area of alluvial sand, which is why the foundations had to be strengthened by the laborious process of backfilling with rubble. Nine metre-long driven piles were required for the tower's foundations. The Catholic church of St. Rupert am Kulm is one of the most interesting churches, in terms of history, in the upper Enns valley. The structure's construction is divided into the single vaulted nave, which dates from Roman times, and the three-bayed, vaulted choir, constructed in 1444, which forms three eighths of an octagon. The church's frescoes date from the 14th, 15th and 18th centuries.

History of tourism – from the beginnings to the present day

The holiday resort of Ramsau am Dachstein gained in importance as a typical "summer retreat" at the start of the last century. Improved road and rail access to the Alps in the post-war period caused the switch to winter tourism. Ramsau am Dachstein is now a popular all-year-round holiday region, with the emphasis on skiing and hiking, and is a classic dual season resort.

Three notable projects played a significant role in the development of Styria's biggest tourist area:

• The Dachsteinstraße, which climbs 500 metres over its length of 6.3 km, was opened on 1 September 1961. By 1965 the whole of the road had been tarmaced. The road takes visitors into the Ramsau mountain pastures, to the Dachstein Glacier cable car valley station and to the surrounding hotels and guest houses. Türlwand, Hunerkogel, Dachstein, Glösalm are the starting points for many lovely mountain walks and hikes to huts, and for skiing trails in winter.
• Dachstein Glacier cable car – ground was broken on 10 June 1966 and the cable car was opened by Federal President Franz Jonas on 21 June 1969. The Glacier cable car was constructed as a shuttle service, which takes eight minutes to cover a distance of 2,147 m (unsupported) and 998 m difference in altitude. The 56 mm-thick steel cable carries the two 70-seater gondolas from the valley to the mountain station on the glacier, at 2,700 metres above sea level, in a single run. The Dachstein Sky Walk viewing platform was opened in August 2005. The glacier cable car is still regarded as an absolute technical tour de force.
• Nordic Skiing World Championships 1999: during this greatest of Nordic skiing events from 18 to 28 February 1999, the Training Centre was substantially expanded and brought up to international standard.