Sankt Nikolai in the Sölktal: Museum, Mountain Landscape and Winter Trails

Sankt Nikolai in the Sölktal combines an engaging local history with paths through the mountain landscapes of the Niedere Tauern. Anyone planning a trip with culture, short hikes and winter activities will find various points of interest here. When choosing a holiday apartment, it is particularly worth considering whether your focus is on experiences in Sankt Nikolai itself, a drive along the Sölk Pass Road or the winter activities in the surrounding area.

Local History at the Mesnerhaus

The Mesnerhaus has shaped the life of the village community since 1639. It served as a sacristan's house, school, poorhouse and toll station. Following its redesign in 2025, it is now a museum of local history and presents the diverse culture of the Sölktäler valleys. The building is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; admission is by voluntary donation.

The multimedia exhibition is dedicated to knowledge from the Sölktal that has been passed down through generations. Folk medicine, knowledge of plants, customs and traditions provide several thematic ways to explore the museum. Families may find it exciting to discover these different topics together, learning not only about individual exhibits but also about the knowledge passed down within a region. The Mesnerhaus therefore offers a cultural item on the itinerary that can be planned independently of whether the rest of the holiday focuses on activities or excursions.

Hikes of Different Lengths

One specific winter option is the easy hike from St. Nikolai to Bräualm. It ascends 70 metres, is 3.8 kilometres long and takes about one hour. The starting point is at the Gasthof zum Gamsjäger. Take these details into account when planning your day and choose this route if you would like to include a manageable winter outing in your itinerary. In addition to the St. Nikolai–Bräualm cross-country ski trail, there is also a groomed trail for winter hikers.

Another hike leads from Sankt Nikolai along the provincial road towards the Sölk Pass for approximately 1 kilometre to Hansenalm. This approximate distance provides a second opportunity to complement your stay with a shorter hike.

Keep the Season and Journey in Mind

The Sölk Pass Road is open only in summer. It allows you to travel through the mountain landscapes of the Niedere Tauern by Tälerbus or car. If you would like to include this route in your trip, its summer opening period is an important part of your planning. Accommodation in Sankt Nikolai in the Sölktal can therefore be combined particularly well with an itinerary that takes in local history and a summer drive over the pass.

There are also several clearly distinct options in winter. In addition to the Mößna–St. Nikolai cross-country ski trail, there is a groomed trail for winter hikers; use of the cross-country ski trail is free of charge. In Mößna, the Stockerfeldlift offers sunny conditions that are particularly suitable for families and beginners skiing. This allows you to choose between winter hiking and skiing rather than limiting your stay to a single activity.

The Right Base for Planning Your Trip

When looking for a holiday apartment, you should consider your preferred daily routine. If you want to focus on the Mesnerhaus, the exhibition and hikes starting in Sankt Nikolai, staying with this village as the main focus is an obvious choice. If the Stockerfeldlift or the Mößna–St. Nikolai cross-country ski trail is part of your plans, include these destinations as separate elements of your holiday. What matters is not a general categorisation, but which of the experiences mentioned you actually want to combine.

For additional travel destinations, you can then discover Gößl, Gröbming, Gams bei Hieflau, Altaussee, Strimitzen, Niederöblarn, Gatschberg and Mandling.

For the overall travel overview: Liezen.