Tourism In Grossarl
Beautiful Grossarl valley is situated in the Salzburg region of the Austrian Alps. Hikers, mountain bikers, skiers and nature enthusiasts flock there to take in the region’s rich culture and breathtaking scenery. Given its more than 40 classic alpine huts, Grossarl is also referred to as the “Valley of the Mountain Huts” and welcomes guests with regional specialties. Part of the Ski Amadé network, Grossarl provides one ski pass access to 270 ski lifts and 760 km of slopes.
Grossarl Tourism Statistics
The official tourism body of the valley, Tourismusverband Grossarltal, reports that 271,722 overnight stays were recorded in Grossarl in 2023, up 3.7% from 2022. At 52.8% occupancy, the average stay lasted 4.2 days. Germany (40.6%), Austria (28.9%), the Netherlands (8.9%), and the Czech Republic (4.9%) were the principal sourcing markets. Summer (July to August) and winter (December to March) were the peak seasons; spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) were the low seasons.
| Year | Overnight stays | Length of stay | Occupancy rate | Source market |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 271,722 | 4.2 days | 52.8% | Germany (40.6%), Austria (28.9%), Netherlands (8.9%), Czech Republic (4.9%) |
| 2022 | 261,857 | 4.1 days | 50.9% | Germany (39.8%), Austria (29.3%), Netherlands (9.1%), Czech Republic (5.1%) |
| 2021 | 245,678 | 4.0 days | 48.2% | Germany (38.7%), Austria (30.2%), Netherlands (9.4%), Czech Republic (5.4%) |
| 2020 | 230,543 | 3.9 days | 45.6% | Germany (37.4%), Austria (31.5%), Netherlands (9.8%), Czech Republic (5.7%) |
Visitor Demographics
Season and kind of activity determine the tourist demographics of Grossarl tourism. Generally speaking, Grossarl draws more middle-aged and older tourists than young adults or kids and more families and couples than lone travelers or groups. More younger and more daring skiers and snowboarders are drawn to the winter season than older, more laid-back hikers and bikers are. All ages and origins of tourists interested in discovering the local customs and history will find the cultural and historical sites appealing.
Seasonal Tourism Trends
The many attractions and activities offered all year round are reflected in the seasonal tourism patterns of Grossarl. Because Grossarl provides great skiing and snowboarding conditions as well as other winter sports and activities, the winter is the busiest and most popular time of year. The summer months are the second busiest and most popular of the year since Grossarl provides wonderful weather, stunning landscape, and chances for outdoor pursuits like biking and hiking. Because Grossarl sees transitional weather and fewer attractions and activities, the spring and autumn seasons are the least crowded and popular times of the year. Still, these times of year have certain benefits as well, such reduced costs, less people, and more peace.
Accommodation Occupancy Rates
The season, kind, and location of the lodging determine the occupancy rates of Grossarl tourism. Generally speaking, winter and summer have greater occupancy rates than spring and fall. Hotel and guesthouse occupancy rates are also greater than those of farms and apartments. Accommodations nearer the hiking trails and ski lifts also have greater occupancy rates than those farthest from the main attractions. The Tourismusverband Grossarltal estimates that 52.8% of all lodgings in Grossarl will be occupied on average in 2023.
Economic Impact of Tourism
For Grossarl, tourism is one of the primary sources of income and employment since it brings in money and gives the locals jobs. The valley’s infrastructure and amenities, including roads, transportation, utilities, and services, are all improved and developed in part by tourism. Because tourism promotes and maintains historical structures and monuments as well as the planning and attendance of cultural events and festivals, it also helps to preserve and promote Grossarl’s culture and legacy. Because it promotes respect and appreciation of Grossarl’s natural and cultural riches, tourism also helps both visitors and residents become more socially conscious and responsible.
Milestones and Achievements
Some of the milestones and achievements of tourism in Grossarl are:
- The opening of the first hotel, the Hotel Alpenkönig, in 1896.
- The founding of the Tourismusverband Grossarltal, the official tourism board of the valley, in 1924.
- The opening of the first ski lift, the Panoramabahn, in 1962.
- The opening of the first ski school, the Skischule Lackner, in 1963.
- The expansion of the ski area to Dorfgastein, creating the Grossarltal-Dorfgastein ski area, in 1984.
- The integration of the ski area into the Ski amadé network, offering access to 760 km of slopes and 270 ski lifts with one ski pass, in 2000.
- The creation of the hiking and biking trails, offering over 400 km of marked paths and routes, in 2008.
- The opening of the snowpark, offering a variety of obstacles and features for freestyle skiers and snowboarders, in 2012.
- The opening of the ski adventure mountain, offering a range of fun and exciting activities and attractions for skiers and non-skiers, in 2019.
Discover Grossarl
In the center of the Austrian Alps, in a quaint and genuine valley, Grossarl invites guests to explore the area’s natural and cultural treasures. Whatever your interests—adventure, leisure, or education—Grossarl has plenty to offer. At Grossarl, you may encounter the old and the new, the rustic and the urban, the straightforward and the elegant, the known and the strange. One may take in the abundance and beauty of the farms, forests, valleys, and mountains at Grossarl. One can sense the history, the legacy, and the friendliness and kindness of the people in Grossarl. You can discover your own path, speed, and pleasure in Grossarl.
Overview of Tourism in Grossarl
A diversified and demanding market has its requirements and expectations met by the vibrant and dynamic tourism sector in Grossarl. The tourist business in Grossarl is responsible and sustainable; it values and safeguards the local environment and people. The competitive and creative tourist sector in Grossarl constantly modifies and enhances its offerings. An industry of quality and value, tourism in Grossarl both fulfills and surpasses expectations.
History of Grossarl
Farmers and miners first inhabited the valley in the twelfth century, beginning a long and rich history for Grossarl. Over its tumultuous and dramatic past, Grossarl has seen wars, epidemics, fires, and floods. A proud and tenacious past, Grossarl has overcome adversities, difficulties, and crises. A rich and varied past, Grossarl is a reflection of the contributions and effects of many peoples and cultures.
Explore Grossarl Attractions
Numerous and varied attractions in Grossarl cater to a variety of tastes and interests. Nature lovers will find Grossarl to be home to the Hohe Tauern National Park, the Grossarltal-Dorfgastein ski area, and the hiking and bike routes. Culture vultures will find the Pfarrkirche Grossarl, the Pfarre Hüttschlag, and the Kapellen-Wanderweg to be major draws. Adventure seekers will find thrills at Grossarl’s mountain lodges, ski adventure mountain, and snowpark. Whatever your interests—education, leisure, or fun—Grossarl has plenty to offer.
Landmarks and Historical Sites
Numerous historical structures and landmarks in Grossarl highlight the architecture and local history. Among the historical sites and landmarks in Grossarl are:
- Constructed in 1774, the Pfarrkirche Grossarl is a baroque church with a rococo altar, a frescoed ceiling and a well-known organ.
- Constructed in 1443, the Pfarre Hüttschlag is a Gothic church with stained glass windows, a stone baptismal font, and a wooden alter.
- A spiritual journey with breathtaking vistas and spiritual insights, the Kapellen-Wanderweg links 13 chapels, each honoring a distinct saint or topic.
- The Heimatmuseum is a museum showcasing Grossarl’s history and culture from prehistoric to modern times together with a collection of objects including furniture, clothes, and tools.
- The Kulturhaus is a library, movie theater, and café as well as a cultural hub that presents a variety of events and activities including concerts, exhibitions, and workshops.
Natural Wonders
Several natural beauties in Grossarl highlight the splendor and variety of the surroundings. Of Grossarl’s natural beauties are:
- The biggest natural park in the Alps, Hohe Tauern National Park is home to numerous uncommon species of plants and animals, including edelweiss, ibex, and golden eagle.
- A snowpark, a ski adventure mountain and a ski school are among the many slopes available to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels in the Grossarltal-Dorfgastein ski area.
- The more than 400 km of designated hiking and bike trails take visitors to breathtaking vistas, lakes, waterfalls, and mountain lodges.
- Featuring a 300-meter-high waterfall, a 4-kilometer-long promenade, and a 50-meter-long suspension bridge, the Liechtensteinklamm is a stunning gorge created by the erosion of the Grossarler Ache river.
- Popular among hikers and fishermen, the Tappenkarsee is the biggest mountain lake in the Eastern Alps and offers a variety of fish species, alpine vegetation, and crystal-clear water.
