Austria - Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism Awards 2023 - Unravel Travel TV

The Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism is a global initiative to highlight villages where tourism preserves cultures and traditions, celebrates diversity, provides opportunities, and safeguards biodiversity.

St. Anton am Arlberg and Schlandming in Austria

Nestled amidst the breathtaking Tyrolean Alps, St. Anton am Arlberg has a world-renowned tourism history spanning over a century. From its inception, the village has not only embraced its alpine surroundings but has also successfully integrated a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.

The village, with its own dialect and rich cultural heritage, boasts a diverse landscape that includes the UNESCO-recognized “Karfreitagsratschen” ritual and the Mösli Landscape Protection Area. With a 2/3 judicial community practicing traditional Alpine farming, it is rooted in its cultural identity while embracing modernity.

Boasting one of the largest skiing areas in Austria and the world, St. Anton is a year-round destination offering many alpine experiences in summer and winter alike.

With a 14km cycle path connecting Landeck to St. Anton and a proposed extension over the Arlberg pass to Vorarlberg, the village aims to enhance its connectivity to international pathways, including the Lake Constance Cycle Path and Via Claudia Augusta.

The village‘s commitment to sustainable tourism growth, environmental protection, and the preservation of its cultural authenticity sets it apart as a model for responsible development in the picturesque landscape.

St. Anton am Arlberg, Tyrol, Landeck, Austria.
www.stantonamarlberg.com

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Schladming is set in the picturesque Niedere Tauern mountains. Schladming is more than a medieval town; it’s a destination that seamlessly integrates industrial and cultural facets. Unlike typical ski resorts, Schladming boasts two captivating Romanesque and Gothic churches, an 18th-century town square, and a rich history of hosting prestigious skiing competitions, including the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 1982 and 2013.

At its heart lies a commitment to tourism as the region's driving force. It prioritizes harmony with nature, sustainable practices, and the preservation of economic, ecological, and social values, with a focus on regional products, nature protection, and cultural identity.

Schladming’s Wild Water Theme Trail encapsulates the town’s commitment to sustainable tourism, cultural richness, and environmental stewardship. As a recipient of titles like “National Geographic hiking trail” and “most beautiful quality seal-certified tour,” it is a testament to nature’s splendor and the community’s dedication to preserving it.

The village is a cultural gem with tangible and intangible treasures. The Bruderladenhaus Schladming, Nickel Museum Obertal, and historic churches showcase its tangible heritage, while the unique custom of waking up the virgins on Corpus Christi adds to its intangible cultural wealth. Events like MID Europe and Hiarest Sunntog and the preservation of local crafts and industries contribute to its vibrant cultural scene. Schladming is a harmonious blend of history, culture, and nature, preserving its heritage while embracing the future.

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