Welcome to the Salzburger Sonnenterrasse Open 2025, a premier international chess tournament set in the stunning alpine surroundings of Schwarzach im Pongau, Austria. From August 2 to August 10, 2025, chess players of all ages and skill levels will gather in this charming town nestled in the Austrian Alps to compete, learn, and enjoy a perfect blend of strategy and scenery. The event promises high-level competition, a warm atmosphere, and unforgettable moments in one of Europe’s most picturesque summer destinations.

🗓️ Dates & Venue

• Dates: August 2 – August 10, 2025
• Venue: Hotel Alpenland Schwarzach
• Address: Dorfplatz 1, 5620 Schwarzach im Pongau, Austria

Located in the heart of the Pongau region, Hotel Alpenland provides top-tier facilities for tournament play, comfortable accommodations, and breathtaking alpine views.

⏱️ Time Control & Rounds

The tournament will follow a 9-round Swiss system. Each game will use a time control of 90 minutes for 40 moves, plus 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment from move one.

📅 Schedule

🏆 Prize Fund & Awards

Organizers will distribute a total prize fund of €7,000, rewarding both overall excellence and special category achievements:

• €1,500 – 1st Place
• €1,000 – 2nd Place
• €800 – 3rd Place
• €600 – 4th Place
• €400 – 5th Place
• Special prizes for Best Junior, Best Senior (60+), Best Female, and Best Local Player

All prizes are awarded in euros and subject to Austrian tax law.

📝 Registration & Participation

The Salzburger Sonnenterrasse Open 2025 warmly welcomes all chess enthusiasts with a valid FIDE ID. The tournament includes a single open category for players rated and unrated alike, ensuring exciting and dynamic pairings throughout the event.

• Registration Deadline: July 28, 2025
• Maximum Participants: 180 players
• Rating Floors: No rating restrictions; all levels may enter

Organizers recommend early registration to ensure participation.

💳 Entry Fees & Payment

• General Participants: €60
• Juniors (U18) & Seniors (60+): €40
• Titled Players (GM, IM, WGM, WIM): Free entry

You must complete the payment via bank transfer by July 30. Organizers will confirm entry only upon payment receipt. On-site payments incur a surcharge of €10.

✈️ Travel & Accommodation

Schwarzach im Pongau offers excellent transportation links and a wide range of lodging options:

• Nearest Airport: Salzburg Airport (SZG), 60 km away
• Train: Schwarzach-St. Veit station connects directly to major Austrian cities
• Car: Accessible via the A10 Tauern Autobahn

Recommended Hotels:

• Hotel Alpenland Schwarzach (tournament venue)
• Hotel Lengauer Hof
• Alpenblick Guesthouse

Early booking is advised as August is a peak tourist season.

👨‍⚖️ Tournament Officials

• Tournament Director: IM Wolfgang Horvath
• Chief Arbiter: IA Renate Fischer

🏢 Organizer – Salzburger Landesverband für Schach

The Salzburger Landesverband für Schach (Salzburg Chess Federation) organizes the Sonnenterrasse Open with the support of the local tourism board and partner chess clubs. The federation actively promotes chess across Austria through training, tournaments, and community outreach. Their dedication to both elite and grassroots chess makes every event they host a resounding success.

Contact Information:

• Email: office@salzburgschach.at
• Address: Rupertgasse 3, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

🔹 Why You Should Participate

You should experience the Salzburger Sonnenterrasse Open 2025 not only for the competitive chess but also for the alpine serenity of Schwarzach. Nestled among snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear streams, the town offers a relaxing and scenic escape from routine. The event provides the perfect mix of focused play and cultural exploration, with charming local cuisine, friendly hospitality, and countless outdoor adventures. Make your summer count—come to play, stay to explore, and leave with new friends and priceless memories.