History

It all started with fabrics

As our name already suggests, our history begins in 1888, at the foot of the Dachstein. The landscape and climate have never made life easy for people, which is why there was a great need for durable clothing.

The Dachstein "Steinerweg"

When the enthusiastic mountain guide Franz Steiner took over the Lodenwalke from his uncle in 1910, he was already a legend. A year earlier, together with his brother Irg, he had been the first to scale the notorious south face of the Dachstein. Even today, the Steinerweg is considered one of the most difficult routes in the Alps. The experienced mountaineer always wore loden trousers from his own production.

1888

Founding of the Lodenwalke in Mandling

1909

Franz and Irg Steiner, first ascent of the Dachstein south face

1910

Franz Steiner takes over the Lodenwalke

At the ravages of time

In 1945, Willi Steiner Sr., Franz Steiner's son, erected a factory building of the most modern design, most of which still exists today. The manufactory becomes a fully integrated operation.

Loden as functional clothing

The loden fabric was known for its robust nature and was mainly used for work clothing. After World War II, loden was increasingly used for functional clothing and used by many well-known mountaineers, such as. Heinrich Harrer, used (known from the book and film version of "Seven Years in Tibet"). Luis Trenker has also been using our loden in his collections for many years.

1950

Emma Steiner managed the shop, selling loden fabrics and wool

1954

Letter of thanks from the Austrian Himalaya Society for the award-winning fabrics

1970

Luis Trenker visiting the Loden Steiner manufactory in Mandling

Retail stores

In 1978, the Steiner family set up their first retail store in Mandling, right next to the factory. Even then, clothing brands that were made from high-quality and natural materials were already being sold. The second retail store followed three years later (1981) on the main square in Schladming.

MANDLING

SCHLADMING

closed since Nov. 2023

The Steiner1888 brand is born

In 1998 Johannes and Herbert Steiner, the sons of Herbert and Willi Steiner, joined the management team. In 2001, the two dared to take the step and, for the first time in Steiner's history, manufactured finished products for the end consumer. The first blanket collection is created under the brand name Steiner1888.

In 2010, the Steiners took another step towards modernization. The shop in Schladming is renovated and the world of wool in Mandling is created. The world of wool includes its own blanket area in the shop as well as a cozy café. The tours through the manufactory have been redesigned.

In recent years, the company has also invested in its own clothing collection, which is also marketed under the name Steiner1888. In this area too, the pursuit of quality remains unchanged. We rely on our Loden made in Mandling, combined with other high-quality materials, mainly from nature. Steiner1888 is available from selected specialist retailers, in our own retail stores and in the online store.