Tourism In Altenmarkt im Pongau
Tucked down in the Enns valley between the Radstadt Tauern and the Dachstein mountains, Altenmarkt im Pongau is a quaint market town in the Salzburg region of Austria. Travellers looking for a range of outdoor pursuits, cultural encounters, and wellness alternatives frequent this area. Additionally a member of the Ski Amadé network, Altenmarkt im Pongau provides access to 270 ski lifts and more than 760 km of ski slopes spread over five districts.
Altenmarkt im Pongau Tourism Statistics
The Marktgemeinde Altenmarkt’s official website lists 268 lodging facilities with 5,800 guest beds in all. There are also 23 ski lifts in the town, and 99 kilometers of ski slopes. The town is a member of the Tauernloipe network, which has six municipalities’ worth of 150 km of cross-country ski trails. The community also offers 41 km of horse riding trails, 173 km of hiking trails, and 52 km of bicycle routes.
In 2019 the town had 676,728 overnight stays, of which 431,954 were in the winter and 244,774 in the summer. 2020 saw the town welcome 457,083 overnight visitors, of whom 358,957 were in the winter and 169,055 in the summer. In 2021, the COVID-19 epidemic caused a sharp drop in tourism to the town, with just 254,462 overnight stays—6,071 in the winter and 208,035 in the summer.
Visitor Demographics
The principal sourcing markets of Altenmarkt im Pongau are Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, and the United Kingdom. All ages and hobbies are represented among the visitors to the town, but families, couples, and sports fans are particularly drawn in. The town provides a variety of year-round and seasonal sports and events, including skiing, snowboarding, sledding, ice skating, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, golfing, swimming, spa, culture, and festivals.
Seasonal Tourism Trends
Though it is open all year round, winter and summer are the busiest travel seasons for Altenmarkt im Pongau. Together with the Christmas and New Year holidays, the ski and snow sports business propels winter tourism. The hiking and biking sector, together with the cultural and gastronomic events, stimulate summer tourism. When the weather is nice and the surroundings are vibrant, the town also experiences a modest tourist demand in the spring and fall.
Accommodation Occupancy Rates
Season and kind of lodging determine the occupancy rates in Altenmarkt im Pongau. The Marktgemeinde Altenmarkt’s official data show that 46.8% of all accommodation types were occupied on average in 2019—59.8% in the winter and 33.8% in the summer. In 2019 the average hotel occupancy rate was 54.4%, with 40.6% in the summer and 68.2% in the winter. In 2019 the average occupancy rate for apartments was 40.8%, with 53.7% of them being occupied in the winter and 27.9% in the summer.
Economic Impact of Tourism
Altenmarkt im Pongau depends heavily on tourism since it provides jobs, money, and tax revenue for the town and the surrounding area. An Austrian Institute of Economic Research (WIFO) research estimates that in Altenmarkt im Pongau, tourism generated 113.6 million euros in value added, 1,677 employment, and 18.5 million euros in tax income in 2018. The study further calculated that for every euro spent by visitors to Altenmarkt im Pongau, the town and the area received 1.76 euros in value added, 0.02 jobs, and 0.23 euros in tax income.
Milestones and Achievements
- 1850: The first spa hotel, the Kurhaus, was opened in Altenmarkt im Pongau, marking the beginning of the spa tourism in the town.
- 1897: The first ski club, the Skiclub Altenmarkt, was founded in Altenmarkt im Pongau, marking the beginning of the winter sports tourism in the town.
- 1909: The first railway station, the Bahnhof Altenmarkt, was opened in Altenmarkt im Pongau, improving the transport and communication links with the town.
- 1928: The first ski lift, the Schlepplift, was built in Altenmarkt im Pongau, enhancing the ski infrastructure and capacity in the town.
- 1961: The first ski resort, the Zauchensee, was opened in Altenmarkt im Pongau, marking the beginning of the ski resort tourism in the town.
- 1976: The first water park and spa, the Erlebnis-Therme Amadé, was opened in Altenmarkt im Pongau.
Overview of Tourism in Altenmarkt im Pongau
Altenmarkt im Pongau’s principal economic activity and source of revenue is tourism. The town has a long and rich tourist history that begins in the 19th century when the bourgeoisie and nobility frequented the town as a spa. During the 20th century, the town also gained notoriety as a winter sports resort, particularly with the 1960s building of the Zauchensee ski resort. With occasional swings brought on by outside forces like wars, economic downturns, and pandemics, the town’s tourism has grown steadily throughout the years. With time, the town’s tourism offer has also expanded and its sustainability and quality requirements have been raised.
There are 5,800 guest beds spread throughout 268 lodging facilities in the town, including hotels, flats, guesthouses, farms, and campgrounds. Together with access to the Ski Amadé network, which offers over 760 km of ski slopes and 270 ski lifts spread over five regions, the town additionally boasts 23 ski lift facilities covering 99 km of ski slopes. Within six municipalities, the Tauernloipe network has 150 km of cross-country ski routes. The community also offers 41 km of horse riding trails, 173 km of hiking trails, and 52 km of bicycle routes.
In 2019 the town had 676,728 overnight stays, of which 431,954 were in the winter and 244,774 in the summer. 2020 saw the town welcome 457,083 overnight visitors, of whom 358,957 were in the winter and 169,055 in the summer. In 2021, the COVID-19 epidemic caused a sharp drop in tourism to the town, with just 254,462 overnight stays—6,071 in the winter and 208,035 in the summer.
Altenmarkt im Pongau mostly sources from Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, the UK, and Belgium. All ages and hobbies are represented among the visitors to the town, but families, couples, and sports fans are particularly drawn in. For various seasons and events, the town provides a variety of sports and events including skiing, snowboarding, sledding, ice skating, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, golfing, swimming, spa, culture, and festivals.
Key Attractions and Features
Altenmarkt im Pongau is a popular tourist spot because of the following main attractions and features:
- Zauchensee: A picturesque alpine lake and ski resort with first-rate skiing and snowboarding conditions for all skill levels, it also holds international ski competitions.
- Erlebnis-Therme Amadé: Eleven pools, five themed saunas, a diving tower, a water climbing wall, and amazing slides—including the looping slide with a rocket launch—are all part of the Erlebnis-Therme Amadé water park and spa.
- Heimatmuseen Altenmarkt: This local history museum displays the customs, crafts, and way of life that the Altenmarkt im Pongau residents followed centuries ago.
- Knappenhaus Unterlaussa: This 16th-century old mining house shares the background and methods of salt mining in the area.
- Weltmeister Schischule Top Alpin Walchhofer: Ski rental and service, together with expert tuition for both novice and experienced skiers, are provided by Weltmeister Schischule Top Alpin Walchhofer.
- Skischule Balla: A further ski school offering snowshoe treks, ski excursions, and instruction to people of all ages and skill levels is Skischule Balla.
- Pfarrkirche U. L. Frau Geburt: Built in the fifteenth century, Pfarrkirche U. L. Frau Geburt is a parish church with a Rococo organ, a Baroque altar and a Gothic nave.
History of Altenmarkt im Pongau
The Celts first inhabited Altenmarkt im Pongau in prehistoric times, taking use of the salt resources in the neighboring mountains. First recorded in a document in 1074, the town was given market privileges by Emperor Henry IV. A stopover on the way from Salzburg to Carinthia and Styria, the town was also a significant commercial hub. Peasants’ War, Napoleonic Wars, and World Wars were only a few of the wars and conflicts in which the town was engaged. Along with several floods, plagues, and fires, the town and its residents suffered much harm.
The town is steeped in religious and cultural history as well, having been shaped by the Gothic, Baroque, and Rococo periods. Among the town’s historic structures and monuments are the market square, the mining house, the parish church, and the local history museum. The market days, harvest festival, Krampus run, and Easter fire are only a few of the traditions and customs of the town.
Explore Altenmarkt im Pongau Attractions
The village of Altenmarkt im Pongau has a range of characteristics and attractions to suit a range of interests and preferences. Whatever your interests—nature, culture, or wellness—the town has plenty to offer everyone. Explore the following noteworthy sights and aspects of the town:
- Zauchensee: Zauchensee is a picturesque alpine lake and ski resort with first-rate skiing and snowboarding conditions for all skill levels.
- Erlebnis-Therme Amadé: An 11-pool water park and spa with five themed saunas, a diving tower, a water climbing wall, and amazing slides—among them a looping slide with a rocket launch.
- Heimatmuseen Altenmarkt: This local history museum displays the customs, crafts, and way of life that the Altenmarkt im Pongau residents followed centuries ago.
- Knappenhaus Unterlaussa: This 16th-century old mining house illustrates the methods and history of salt mining in the area.
- Weltmeister Schischule Top Alpin Walchhofer: Ski rental and service, together with expert tuition for both novice and experienced skiers, are provided by Weltmeister Schischule Top Alpin Walchhofer.
- Skischule Balla: Another ski school offering all ages and skill levels ski instruction, ski excursions, and snowshoe treks is Skischule Balla.
- Pfarrkirche U. L. Frau Geburt: Gothic nave, Baroque altar, and Rococo organ are highlights of the 15th-century Pfarrkirche U. L. Frau Geburt parish church.
Landmarks and Historical Sites
Several historical structures and landmarks in Altenmarkt am Pongau represent the city’s architectural and artistic expression as well as its history and legacy. Worth seeing historical places and landmarks include:
- Marktplatz: The weekly market, the yearly fair and other events are held in this market square, which is the beating heart of the town. Historic and colorful structures like the town hall, the ancient pharmacy, and the old inn round the plaza.
- Kurhaus: The region’s first of its type, the former spa hotel was constructed in 1850. Numerous well-known and powerful visitors to the hotel included Empress Elisabeth, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and Emperor Franz Joseph. Currently housing concerts, exhibits, and conferences, the hotel functions as a cultural hub.
- Schloss Höch: The town and surrounding area were dominated by the lords of Höch, who resided in this castle constructed in the thirteenth century. These days, the castle is a private property open for visits by appointment.
- Kapelle St. Leonhard: Built in the fourteenth century, Kapelle St. Leonhard is a chapel honoring St. Leonard, the animal and prisoner patron saint. Situated on a hill with a commanding view of the valley and town, the chapel provides a broad perspective of the surrounds.
Natural Wonders
Several natural beauties of Altenmarkt im Pongau highlight its diversity and beauty as well as its flora and fauna. Among the natural beauties that are worthwhile of seeing are:
- Enns: The longest tributary of the Danube, Enns runs through the town and the valley. There are plenty different water sports on the river, including fishing, kayaking, and rafting.
- Radstadt Tauern: Part of the Niedere Tauern, this mountain range borders the town and valley to the south. The range provides a variety of chances for mountain sports like climbing, hiking, and skiing.
- Dachstein: Part of the Northern Limestone Alps, Dachstein is the mountain range that borders the town and the valley to the north. The mountain massif provides a range of chances for mountain activities including climbing, hiking, and skiing.
- Lackenkogel: At 2,051 metres, Lackenkogel is the highest point in the valley and the town. The town and valley, together with the neighboring mountains, are breathtakingly visible from the mountain top.
