Bischofshofen
Bischofshofen is a town in the federal state of Salzburg, Austria, in the St. Johann im Pongau district. It is in the Salzach river valley inside the Northern Limestone Alps, some 50 kilometers south of the state capital. Bischofshofen has about 10,000 people living in a 49.54 km2 area. Transport-wise, the town is well-served by the Tauern Railway and the Austrian Autobahn A10. Moreover, Bischofshofen is a well-known winter sports resort that hosts the yearly Four Hills Tournament as a component of the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup.
The history of the city is interwoven with that of nearby Bavaria, which is why it is called Bischofshofen. Key industries for the whole region were salt and copper mining in the Iron Age and Bronze Age, respectively. World War II saw the German army use Bischofshofen as a military training camp. With the flood of post-war refugees and exiles, the town expanded rapidly. Today’s busy town of Bischofshofen boasts a rich history and a plethora of cultural and leisure activities for both locals and visitors.
Thank to tourism, Bischofshofen offers a range of sites and activities for visitors to enjoy. Paul-Ausserleitner-Schanze ski jumping is one of the main tourist attractions at the ski resort. This is the site of the Four Hills Tournament title match held annually in January. The ski area also offers terrain for alpine, cross-country, snowboarding, and tobogganing. Among the noteworthy historical and cultural landmarks of Bischofshofen are St. Maximilian’s Church, Bischofshofen Castle, and Gainfeld Waterfall.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find enough to do at Bischofshofen. The town is a hiker’s and biker’s dream come true with so many pathways and routes highlighting the breathtaking and varied natural surroundings of the area. Situated in Bischofshofen, B’hofen Erlebnisbad is a modern swimming and wellness centre with indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, a steam room, a solarium and a fitness centre. Bischofshofen offers sports and adventure seekers ski jumping, rafting, paragliding, and canyoning.
Geographically speaking, Bischofshofen is in the Northern Limestone Alps, in the Salzach river basin. The state capital of Salzburg lies about 50 kilometers south of the settlement. Situated 544 metres above sea level, its total area is 49.61 square kilometres. With four different seasons and little variations in temperature and precipitation, Bischofshofen has a moderate environment. As of January 2023, Bischofshofen had 10,658 people, the majority of whom were citizens of Austria. Roman Catholicism is the most common religion in the town.
Currency
Country
Area code
Population
Area
Official language
Elevation
Time zone
Geography Of Bischofshofen
About 50 kilometres south of Salzburg, the state capital, in the Salzach river valley, is the town of Bischofshofen in the Northern Limestone Alps. The Salzburg Slate Alps, Tennen Mountains and Hochkönig massif around it. Several communities, such as Bischofshofen proper, Buchberg, Haidberg, and Winkl, comprise the town. Nine more municipalities are also a part of the municipal region.
Situated where the Salzach and Bischofsbach rivers converge, Bischofshofen is 544 meters above sea level. As of 2018, the population of the 49.61 square kilometer town was 10,540. Several additional towns abut it. By road, train, and air, Bischofshofen is rather readily reached. With the Salzburg Slate Alps, Tennen Mountains, and Hochkönig massif all around it, the town offers a varied and picturesque scenery.
Among the area’s noteworthy mountain summits are the Hochkönig, the Hochthron, and the Hochgründeck. Also around Bischofshofen are valleys: the Salzach, Gastein, and Bischofsbach valleys. With the Salzach river and its tributaries as well as several lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, the area is distinguished by its hydrologically active character. Views of the town may be had from the Eisriesenwelt ice cave, the Mitterfeldalm mountain chalet, and the Paul-Ausserleitner-Schanze ski jumping hill.
Weather & Climate In Bischofshofen
Set 548 meters above sea level, Bischofshofen in the Alps enjoys a distinct climate. Because of the barrier the mountains erect between moist air masses from the Mediterranean Sea or Atlantic Ocean, the Alps’ western and southern slopes get more precipitation than their eastern and northern sides.
Though less than the southern side, the northern side of the Alps gets more rainfall than the eastern side. Furthermore influencing wind patterns are the mountains, which produce foehn winds and local breezes that can result in abrupt variations in humidity and temperature.
In Bischofshofen, the seasons are spring (March–May), summer (June–August), autumn (September–November), and winter (December–February). Flowers in blossom, the countryside lush, and outdoor pursuits like golfing, riding, and hiking define spring. Warm and sunny, the summer months saw highs of 16.9°C in June, 18.5°C in July, and 18.4°C in August.
The changing foliage colors, picturesque mountain vistas, and outdoor pursuits define autumn. The coldest and snowiest time of year is winter, when December sees temperatures of -0.8°C, January of -2.4°C, and February of -1.6°C.
Demographics Of Bischofshofen
Bischofshofen is a town in Salzburg, Austria. The population of the town was 10,540 at the 2018 census. At 47.4% male and 52.6% female, the population is divided somewhat evenly between the sexes. Inhabitants per square kilometer number 212.5.
With a growth rate of 4.2% since 1975, Bischofshofen’s population has been rising gradually throughout time. The population increased at a pace of 2.5% between 2000 and 2015, above the average growth rate for Salzburg and Austria overall.
Bischofshofen’s population median age of 42.2 years old is little higher than the median age of Salzburg and Austria. There are 90.2 men to every 100 females.
About 8.2% of Bischofshofen’s population was born elsewhere. The principal languages spoken in the town are German, Turkish, English, Romanian, and Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian. Roman Catholics make up the most of the population; Islam, Orthodox Christians, Protestants, and others or none at all follow.
Districts & Neighborhoods in Bischofshofen
Bischofshofen is a town in the Salzburg, Austrian state, St. Johann im Pongau region. Situated in the scenic Salzach river valley about 50 kilometers south of Salzburg, the state capital, it is home to 10,570 people. Encircling the town are magnificent natural scenery like the Hochkönig massif, Tennen Mountains, and Hochgründeck.
Apart from its breathtaking scenery, Bischofshofen is well-known for its significance as a transit center. Being situated on both the Salzburg-Tyrol Railway line and the Tauern Autobahn, a major highway that traverses the main Alps chain, it is an important traffic crossroads. Bischofshofen is conveniently accessible and well-connected to other regions of Austria because to its advantageous position.
Nine neighbourhoods, or districts, make up the town. With 7,717 people living there, Bischofshofen is the biggest and most populated district. Situated near the meeting point of the streams Mühlbach and Gainfeldbach in the Salzach valley. A historic core of the town center includes well-known sites including the market square, town hall, and St. Maximilian’s church. Famously, Bischofshofen also hosts the yearly Four Hills Tournament, a major ski jumping competition held at the Paul-Ausserleitner-Schanze stadium.
Economy Of Bischofshofen
Numerous well-known resident enterprises are located in Bischofshofen. Liebherr Werk Bischofshofen GmbH, which produces wheel loaders and holds a more than 20% worldwide market share, is the biggest employer in the city. Together with running a training facility and customer support center, the firm exports its goods to over 120 countries.
Fit-Log Logistikzentrum Bischofshofen GmbH is another well-known business in the area; it provides regional businesses with services for products delivery and storage. With 15,000 pallet storage capacity, the logistics centre offers value-added services including quality control and packing. Renowned glassmaker Pilkington manufactures architectural and automotive glass for the European market and also has its Austrian headquarters in Bischofshofen.
Worldwide boiler maker Bosch has a production facility in Bischofshofen that specializes in heat pumps, solar thermal systems, and biomass boilers. The city is well-known for its tourist sector as well, having implemented programs for car-free travel and ecologically friendly transport logistics. Along with a commercial mall and several recreational options, the town is home to an international competition-hosting ski jumping hill.
History Of Bischofshofen
Austrian town Bischofshofen has a lengthy and rich history that begins in the High Middle Ages. The modern form of the word Bischofshofen evolved from references to Pongauui and Pongowe in the eighth century. Historical records identified the town as the Chiemsee bishop’s domain and it was made up of many linked buildings or estates.
According to archeological data, the area was active in copper mining in the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, although it decreased in the Iron Age and Roman eras. Indicative of a Roman settlement near Bischofshofen is the survival of a vicus, or little village, from the period of Noricum. Maximilianszelle was founded in the Middle Ages as a cell for preaching the Slavs; it subsequently became a little Augustinian canon monastery. Its economic importance was shown in the 14th century when Bischofshofen was granted market and market customs powers.
Peasant uprisings, the deportation of Protestants, and natural calamities were among the many difficulties the town encountered throughout history. Political and industrial reforms in the 19th century helped Bischofshofen become a thriving commercial hub. Nowadays, Bischofshofen is still growing and prospering thanks to constant efforts to promote tourism and maintain its ancient charm.
Best Time To Visit Bischofshofen
Popular ski jumping location Bischofshofen has several tourism seasons. The Four Hills Tournament is held in winter, which also brings with it ski slopes, Christmas markets, and landscapes blanketed with snow. The second busiest time of year, summer brings nice weather, lots of greenery, and outdoor activities. Summertime brings the town cultural activities and festivals like the Salzburg Festival, Bischofshofen Music Festival, and Bischofshofen Folklore Festival.
March through May is Bischofshofen’s spring, a time of regeneration and change with progressively rising temperatures. At temperatures of between 23°C (73°F) and 12°C (54°F), summer is the hottest and sunniest time of year. That is also the busiest travel season, though, so there will be more people, more expensive tickets, and less availability.
September through November is Bischofshofen’s autumnal season, when the meadows and mountains are stunningly contrasted with the yellow, orange, and red leaves. At temperatures between 3°C (37°F) to -3°C (27°F), winter is the coldest and snowiest time of year. Visitors should be ready for chilly and slick days even though winter brings ski jumping competitions, Christmas markets, and a snowy wonderland.
The seasons, the weather, and the events all affect the tourist seasons in Bischofshofen. While shoulder season offers milder weather and a slower pace, it draws fewer tourists than high season does. The least number of tourists come during the low season, which runs from mid-January to late February and offers winter sports, landscapes covered in snow, and comfortable ambiances.
How To Get In Bischofshofen
Travellers looking for an easy and reasonably priced approach to the city often choose Bischofshofen. Salzburg Airport is the closest, situated 60 kilometers distant. To get to Bischofshofen, take the hour-long, around 9-euro shuttle bus or cab ride to Salzburg’s main rail station. There’s also the 45-minute trip from the airport if you rent a car. Routes linking Bischofshofen with German and Austrian cities are provided by bus operators such as Flixbus; prices are dependent on distance and booking time.
Conveniently situated next to the train station in Bischofshofen, the bus station makes it simple to get lodging or a cab. Alternately, Bischofshofen is directly accessible by the A10 highway, which connects Salzburg and Villach. If you’re traveling by plane, go to Munich, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, or Klagenfurt. About four hours and forty minutes pass in all, and tickets cost anything from €88 to €5811.
The A10 highway links Salzburg with Villach and the border with Italy, and it passes through Bischofshofen. About 50 kilometers south of Salzburg, the town has a number of garages and parking spaces. Salzburg South is reachable from several German cities by FlixBus, which takes roughly three hours and forty minutes and costs between €35 and €243.
How To Get Around In Bischofshofen
Buses, trains and cable cars are among the public transportation choices available in Bischofshofen, which serve the whole state of Salzburg as well as nearby areas. Users of the SVV website or app may make online ticket purchases, schedule travels, and view schedules. Getting about Bischofshofen and to other towns and villages is made easy and reasonably priced using buses. An alternate choice are taxis, which are serviced locally by firms like City Taxi St Johann/Pg6, Taxi U Mietwagen – Wolfgang Hippolt, and Taxi Rainer.
Rental car companies include MAN Truck & Bus Vertrieb Österreich GesmbH Zweigstelle St. Johann, Ökolog Spedition GmbH, and HPV Vermietungs und Verpachtungs GesmbH. Though it’s not too difficult to drive in Bischofshofen, drivers must be knowledgeable about the laws and regulations, possess a current driver’s license, an international driving permit, and enough insurance. While strolling gives an opportunity to discover the town’s charm and beauty, cycling provides picturesque views of the mountains, valleys, and rivers. Along with hiking to neighboring hills and woods, visitors may ride the cable car to the summit of the ski jumping hill.
Tourism In Bischofshofen
Statistics on tourism show that the COVID-19 epidemic reduced overnight stays and arrivals in Bischofshofen in 2020. 28,538 arrivals were a 24.7% drop from the previous year and 82,467 overnight stays were a 23.5% drop from 2019. 2020 had a little longer average stay of 2.89 days than in 2019. With certain lodging establishments closing, the town’s bed count fell by 1.4% to 2,125 in 2020 from 2019. 2020’s average bed occupied rate was 38.9%, down from 51.3% the year before.
2020 saw the highest number of visitors to Bischofshofen coming from Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Poland, and the Czech Republic. These nations made up the bulk of overnight stays—49.7% of the total was contributed by Germany alone. Winter and summer are the two primary tourist seasons in Bischofshofen. The winter sports events and the ski jumping competition propel the winter season, which runs from December to March. Summer, however, which runs from June to September, is mostly fueled by cycling, hiking, and cultural activities.
Tourism is a major source of income, jobs, and tax money for Bischofshofen. At 39.4 million euros, tourism in the town contributed 11.9% of the regional GDP in 2018. It also generated 6.4 million euros in taxes, or 10.9% of the regional tax income, and 1,057 jobs, or 12.8% of the regional employment.
Attractions & Landmarks In Bischofshofen
A stop on the Four Hills Tournament and site of international ski jumping competitions, Bischofshofen is a tiny town in the Austrian state of Salzburg. A charming ancient town with historic buildings like St. Rupert’s parish church and neighboring mountains provide leisure opportunities are other features of the place.
Built in the twelfth century, the Bachsfall castle remains are reachable by a specially marked hiking track near Bischofshofen. The remains offer information about the area’s mediaeval architectural and cultural legacy. A spectacular high altar built in the latter part of the 17th century and a late Gothic fresco cycle are hallmarks of the Bischofshofen Roman Catholic church. Repository of religious art from many eras is the church.
In the Four Hills Tournament, the Paul Ausserleitner ski jump in Bischofshofen is the biggest hill and has played home to a number of ski jumping championships. Through religious art and archeological relics, the Museum am Kastenturm, housed in the ancient Augustinian monastery, presents the history of the Bischofshofen community. Additionally on display at the museum is a reproduction of the Rupertus Cross, a prominent work of continental Anglo-Saxon art. All things considered, Bischofshofen provides guests with a comprehensive cultural and historical encounter.
Things To Do In Bischofshofen
Austrians and visitors alike love Bischofshofen because of its scenic surroundings and wide variety of activities. Among the town’s noteworthy sites and tourist destinations are Hellbrunn Castle, Eisriesenwelt ice caverns, and Hohenwerfen Castle. Thirty minutes away are also the picturesque Bluntau valley, the Celtic village of Hallein, and the Silent Night community of Wagrain.
Walking, hiking, jogging, and cycling are just a few of the many sports that Bischofshofen supports all year round. All skill levels of walkers will find a variety of walking options in the neighboring Hochkönig, Tennengebirge, and Fritz Valley Mountains.
Held on the Paul-Außerleitner redoubt, the Four Hills Tournament is one of the attractions of Bischofshofen. With more than 270 well-groomed runs for skiers, snowboarders, and freeriders, the town is located in the heart of Amadé Ski World. To the winter sports repertoire is added the lighted cross-country ski course at Gaisberg. Ski touring fans will find an exciting route up the neighboring “Hochkeil” on the Bischofshofner Knappensteig.
Top 10 Hotels In Bischofshofen
Famously, hundreds of people watch the yearly Four Hills Tournament in Bischofshofen, a ski jumping competition. Discovering the nearby Salzburg Alps’ lakes, valleys, and mountains is made easy from Bischofshofen. You will discover plenty different choices to fit your demands and budget, whether you are searching for a chic hotel, a contemporary flat, or a comfortable guesthouse. In order of ratings, reviews, and facilities, these are the best 10 lodgings and motels in Bischofshofen.
Harry’s Home Hotel & Apartments: With kitchenettes, balconies, and free WiFi, this 4-star establishment provides roomy and cozy lodging. The town center and train station are both nearby, and it offers free parking and bike rentals. Perfect for business, family, and relationship vacations.
Sonnhof Alpendorf is an adult-only establishment: Couples may have a peaceful and wonderful vacation at this 4-star hotel. There are tasteful suites and rooms with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and balconies. There’s also a workout facility, sauna, steam bath, and indoor pool at the hotel’s spa. Ski transport and storage are free and it is situated in the Alpendorf ski area.
FAQs About Graz
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Salzburg, Austria |
| Elevation | 544 m |
| Population | 10,658 (as of 2023) |
| Tourism office | Rathausplatz 1, 5500 Bischofshofen |
| Postal code | 5500 |
| Phone prefix | 06462 |
| Area | 49.61 km2 |
| Established | First mentioned in 1151 |
| Language | German |
| License Plate | JO |
| Districts & Neighborhoods | Bischofshofen, Mitterberghütten, Laideregg, Gainfeld, Haidberg, Kreuzberg, Alpfahrt, Buchberg, Winkl, Asten |
| Weather & Climate | Continental climate with cold winters and warm summers |
| Best Time To Visit | Depends on the activities you prefer, but generally May to September for hiking and sightseeing, and December to March for skiing and winter sports |
| Attractions & Landmarks | Paul-Ausserleitner-Schanze (ski jumping hill), St. Maximilian’s Church, Salzburger Schieferalpen (slate mountains), Hochkönig (mountain peak), Gainfeld waterfall, Celtic Museum, etc. |
