Working where others go on holiday
Digital working has boomed in recent years. More and more people are breaking away from classic office jobs and fixed working hours – and becoming so-called digital nomads. That means working independently of location – often with just a laptop, a stable internet connection and the will to combine work and quality of life. Many are drawn to faraway places such as Bali, Chiang Mai or Portugal. But what if the real paradise is much closer?
Digital nomads in Schladming-Dachstein find exactly what they are looking for: nature, adventure, infrastructure, hospitality – and all without jet lag. Welcome to the “Bali of the Alps”.
What are digital nomads – and why do they come to the mountains?
What exactly is a digital nomad?
A digital nomad is someone who does their work entirely independently of location. Typical professions include web designers, developers, copywriters, coaches, online marketing experts or creatives such as photographers or content creators. They often need nothing more than a laptop, Wi-Fi – and an inspiring place that allows both concentration and joie de vivre.
Instead of tying themselves to one place, many nomads move from place to place. But the classic image of a tropical beach and a coconut in a hammock has changed. More and more people are looking for nature, calm, exercise and genuine cultural exchange – and in doing so discover regions like Schladming-Dachstein.
Why Schladming-Dachstein is ideal for digital working
1. Pure nature & an active break
Where else can you work on projects in a focused way in the morning and hike across alpine pastures, mountain bike or ski in the afternoon? The region offers:
- Over 1,000 kilometres of hiking trails
- Top ski areas such as the Planai or Reiteralm
- Trail running, climbing and biking options
- Places of power, lakes, waterfalls & fresh mountain air
This natural rhythm is ideal for people who activate their creativity through movement and use nature as a counterbalance to screen work.
2. Infrastructure & coworking in the mountains
Unlike what you might think, the region is very well equipped:
- Fast internet
- Coworking spaces such as the OpenMindSpace in Ramsau or Schladming
- Cafés where you can work
- Digital community & local events
The OpenMindSpace in particular sees itself as a modern home for everyone who works independently of location and wants to connect with like-minded people – in an environment that inspires.
3. A year-round destination with variety
While many tropical destinations become uncomfortably crowded or hot in the rainy season or high season, Schladming-Dachstein scores with four seasons full of possibilities:
- Winter: skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, winter hiking
- Spring: nature awakening & quiet hikes
- Summer: mountain lakes, via ferratas, paragliding
- Autumn: cattle drive from the alpine pastures, harvest time, golden colours
4. Sustainability & quality of life
Those who come to Schladming find not only unspoiled nature but also a mindful use of resources. Regional products, sustainable mobility (e.g. by bus & train) and a high quality of life mean you quickly feel at home – without giving up comfort.
5. No culture shock – but plenty of new impressions
While Asia or South America can often be culturally challenging, Schladming-Dachstein offers a safe, familiar environment – especially for German-speaking nomads. At the same time the region is open, international and full of inspiring people from all over the world.
Conclusion: Schladming-Dachstein – the new Bali of the mountains for digital nomads
The future of work is free, flexible and self-determined. But those who work independently of location are looking for more than just a place to sit: they are looking for quality of life, nature, community and genuine inspiration.
Schladming-Dachstein combines all of that. Here alpine power meets modern working worlds. Here you can work in a focused way in the coworking space in the morning, recharge on the mountain at midday and spin ideas with new people around the campfire in the evening.
If Bali is the synonym for sun, surfing and spirituality – then Schladming-Dachstein is the synonym for clarity, creativity and a connection to nature.
So: pack your laptop, lace up your hiking boots – and welcome to the Bali of the Alps.