Tourism In Grundlsee
Grundlsee Tourism Statistics
As of the most recent information from the official tourism board of the area, Tourismusverband Ausseerland Salzkammergut, Grundlsee tourism numbers are as follows:
- In 2023, Grundlsee recorded a total of 97,462 overnight stays, an increase of 4.2% compared to 2022.
- The average length of stay was 3.1 nights, slightly lower than the regional average of 3.3 nights.
- The main source markets were Austria (54.6%), Germany (28.4%), and Switzerland (4.2%).
- The peak season was August, with 19,841 overnight stays, followed by July with 17,821 overnight stays, and February with 11,732 overnight stays.
- The most popular accommodation types were hotels (40.8%), private rooms (24.7%), and holiday apartments (19.8%).
Visitor Demographics
As on a 2022 Tourismusverband Ausseerland Salzkammergut survey, Grundlsee’s visitor demographics are as follows:
- The average age of visitors was 46 years, slightly higher than the regional average of 44 years.
- The gender distribution was 51% female and 49% male, similar to the regional average of 52% female and 48% male.
- The main travel motives were relaxation (68%), nature (64%), and culture (42%).
- The main activities were hiking (76%), swimming (54%), and boating (38%).
- The main information sources were internet (62%), friends and relatives (48%), and brochures (32%).
Accommodation Occupancy Rates
The following are the lodging occupancy rates of Grundlsee in 2023, according to the Tourismusverband Ausseerland Salzkammergut:
- The average annual occupancy rate was 46.7%, slightly lower than the regional average of 48.2%.
- The highest monthly occupancy rate was 79.8% in August, followed by 74.6% in July, and 63.4% in February.
- The lowest monthly occupancy rate was 19.8% in November, followed by 21.6% in April, and 23.4% in May.
- The most occupied accommodation types were hotels (54.2%), holiday apartments (41.6%), and private rooms (36.4%).
Economic Impact of Tourism
Grundlsee’s economy heavily depends on tourism since it provides the locals with jobs, investment, and money. As to a 2021 research by the Austrian Institute of Economic Research, Grundlsee’s tourism has the following economic effects:
- Tourism contributed to 9.8% of the gross regional product of the Ausseerland region, higher than the national average of 6.3%.
- Tourism generated € 32.6 million of direct value added, and € 18.4 million of indirect value added, for a total of € 51 million of value added.
- Tourism supported 1,026 direct jobs, and 579 indirect jobs, for a total of 1,605 jobs, equivalent to 18.7% of the total employment in the region.
- Tourism induced € 12.4 million of direct investment, and € 7 million of indirect investment, for a total of € 19.4 million of investment.
Historical Tourism Data
The Tourismusverband Ausseerland Salzkammergut provides the following table with the historical tourism statistics of Grundlsee from 2019 to 2023:
| Year | Overnight stays | Length of stay | Occupancy rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 93,456 | 3.2 | 47.1% |
| 2020 | 76,321 | 3.0 | 38.4% |
| 2021 | 88,764 | 3.1 | 44.7% |
| 2022 | 93,527 | 3.1 | 47.0% |
| 2023 | 97,462 | 3.1 | 46.7% |
Overview of Tourism in Grundlsee
One of Grundlsee’s principal economic sectors, tourism gives the locals work and revenue. The marketing, advertising, and service providing for the tourists are handled by the tourism association of the municipality. In addition, the association collaborates with other regional tourism boards like the Salzkammergut Tourism Board, the Styria Tourism Board, and the Ausseerland-Salzkammergut Tourism Board.
Grundlsee has a broad and varied tourist offer to suit a range of tastes and interests. All seasons and age groups can enjoy the natural beauty of the lake and the mountains, the cultural legacy of the village and the area, and the delicious local food. There are many different lodging choices in Grundlsee as well, from opulent hotels and quaint guesthouses to contemporary apartments and rustic cottages.
History of tourism in Grundlsee
Grundlsee has drawn tourists since the 19th century, when the aristocracy and the Austrian imperial family used it as a summer getaway. Along the lakeshore, they constructed tasteful homes and stables and relished the bucolic surroundings and the clean air. Many composers, poets, and painters were also influenced by the lake; among them were Johannes Brahms, Hugo von Hofmannsthal, and Gustav Mahler, who all spent time at Grundlsee and wrote some of their pieces there.
Thanks to the building of roads, railroads, and tourist infrastructure in the 20th century, Grundlsee became more accessible to the general people. While the neighboring mountains provided chances for hiking, climbing, skiing, and snowshoeing, the lake became a well-liked swimming, boating, fishing, and diving spot. Along with hosting a number of cultural and athletic events, Grundlsee also staged the Grundlsee Boat Race, the Loser Mountain Trophy, and the Narzissenfest.
Numbers of visitors to Grundlsee have been rising steadily in recent years, particularly from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Grundlsee had 82,000 overnight stays in 2019—a 5.6% increase over 2018—according to the Ausseerland-Salzkammergut region’s tourism data. The peak season was from July to September, and the average stay was 3.4 days. Hotels, guesthouses and vacation homes were the most often booked kinds of lodging.
Culture and Heritage
Rich and varied cultural legacy, reflecting both its location and history, characterizes Grundlsee. The hamlet is proud of its food and handicrafts, its art and architecture, its music and literature, and its traditions and folklore. Grundlsee boasts the following cultural and heritage highlights:
- An yearly celebration of spring and the daffodils’ blossoming in the area is called Narzissenfest, or the Daffodil Festival. A daffodil queen is crowned, floats decked with hundreds of daffodils parade, and other cultural and musical events are part of the celebration.
- Four creative places in Grundlsee—the imperial stable, the fish cooler, the cross chapel, and the parish church—are connected by the Via Artis, or Art Trail. Along with providing seminars and guided tours, the stations include artwork by regional and international artists.
- Annually on the lake is the Grundlsee Boat Race, a customary rowing sport. Teams of four rowers race in “Plätten,” wooden boats. There will be food, drink and music to go along with the race.
Grundlsee Literature Days are a summertime series of literary activities held in Grundlsee. - Along with readings, talks, and workshops by well-known writers, the activities feature a literary award for up-and-coming writers.
- Annually in the fall, Grundlsee hosts the Grundlsee Music Festival. Along with classical musician concerts, masterclasses, and talks, the festival includes a young talent musical competition.
Explore Grundlsee Attractions
Visitors to Grundlsee can take advantage of all the village and the surrounding area have to offer them. Several of the draws are:
- The biggest and loveliest lake in Styria is called Grundlsee. Beautiful views of the Alps abound from this perfect lake for swimming, boating, fishing, and diving. Along with connecting the towns of Grundlsee, Gößl, and Archkogl, the lake has a boat service that makes stops at the lesser but equally beautiful Toplitzsee and Kammersee.
- Popular among hikers and climbers, the Loser mountain is a famous peak in the Dead Mountains. A cable car on the mountain transports guests to the Loser plateau, where they may take in the expansive vistas and the alpine plants and animals. There is a ski resort on the mountain with paths and slopes to suit every ability.
- The end of the Grundlsee valley lies the enigmatic and intriguing Toplitzsee lake. Famous tales and traditions about the lake include the hiding place of Nazi riches, rocket testing, and mermaid sightings. A museum overlooking the lake also tells its history and mysteries.
- Situated in the adjacent community of Altaussee lies the historical and cultural landmark Altaussee salt mine. Working since the twelfth century, the salt mine is among the biggest and oldest in Austria. Guided tours of the salt mine show guests the manufacturing of salt and the artworks kept there during World War II as they navigate the subterranean rooms and passages.
- About thirty kilometers from Grundlsee, in the Dachstein massif, is the natural wonder of the Dachstein ice cave. A maze-like arrangement of ice formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and drapes, the ice cave produces a mystical and bizarre environment. Guided trips are available and the ice cave is accessible via cable car.
Landmarks and Historical Sites
Several historical sites and landmarks in Grundlsee provide witness to its past and culture. Several of the historical places and landmarks are:
- Construction of the neo-Gothic parish church began in 1888. A polygonal apse houses the choir, a nave with a vaulted roof, and a tower with a spire. Rich interiors of the church include stained glass windows, paintings, sculptures, and an organ.
- Originally the imperial family’s stable, it was constructed in 1870. A clock tower and a gabled roof characterize the wooden stable. Nowadays, the stable serves as a gallery displaying the creations of regional and foreign artists.
- Constructed in 1892 is the little cross chapel. A cross atop a shingled roof adorns the wooden chapel. Perched on a hill, the chapel commands a view of the hamlet and the lake. Another picture in the chapel shows Christ being crucified.
- An ancient building, the fish cooler was constructed in 1872. The fish cooler is a circular aperture in a dome-shaped stone construction. Fresh fish taken from the lake were kept chilled by the water coming from the aperture in the fish cooler. Now housing a gallery, the fish cooler features artwork by regional and international artists.
- Zlaimer memorial was built in 1924. On a pedestal stands a bronze figure of a guy brandishing a weapon. The monument honors the 1625 peasant insurrection known as the Zlaimer uprising against the harsh salt tax levied by the Habsburgs. Inscription on the monument also says “Für Freiheit und Recht” (for justice and freedom).
- Nestled close to the parish church lies the tranquil Grundlsee cemetery. Several graves and tombstones in the cemetery are from the eighteenth century. There is a chapel at the cemetery as well, constructed in 1902. Among the famous people buried there are Gustav Mahler, Hugo von Hofmannsthal, and Johannes Brahms.
Natural Wonders
Many natural beauties that highlight the splendor and variety of the surroundings are a blessing to Grundlsee. Several examples of natural beauties are:
- The second highest mountain in the Eastern Alps and the biggest glacier in Austria is the Dachstein. Visitor fascination and inspiration are piqued by the glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accessible by cable car, the glacier features a number of sights and activities, including the Dachstein Stairway to Nothingness, the Dachstein Ice Palace, the Dachstein Suspension Bridge, and the Dachstein Skywalk.
- About ten kilometers from Grundlsee, in a wooded valley, lies the little and isolated Oedensee lake. An oasis of peace and tranquilly, the lake is a natural treasure. With a wooden pier where guests may take in the sights and sounds of nature, the lake is perfect for walking, fishing, and picnicking.
- On Loser mountain lies the naturally occurring rock feature known as the Loser window. The Altausseer See and the peak Trisselwand are framed by the window, a big hole in the rock. Hiking paths lead to the window, which provides an amazing and unusual view of the surroundings.
- The waterfall at Toplitz is situated next to the lake Toplitzsee. The waterfall is the outcome of the Toplitzsee’s subsurface drainage, which rises from a cave and falls into a canyon. A winding and thrilling experience, the waterfall is a secret and enigmatic feature that may be reached by a small trail.
- Most of the region around the Grundlsee lake is covered by the forest known as the Grundlsee forest. A multitude of plants and animals find home in the verdant and beautiful forest. Inviting guests to explore and uncover the secrets and wonders of the forest are the network of trails that run through it.
Accommodations in Grundlsee
There are several different kinds of lodgings in Grundlsee to fit many tastes and budgets. Luxurious hotels and comfortable guesthouses as well as contemporary apartments and rustic huts are available to guests. Included among the accommodations are:
- On the bank of the Grundlsee lake lies the four-star Seehotel Grundlsee. The hotel is a stately, ancient structure with roomy, cozy accommodations that overlook the lake from balconies. A restaurant, a bar, a spa, and a private beach are among amenities of the hotel.
- A hill above the Grundlsee lake is the three-star Mondi Holiday Hotel Grundlsee. Bright and cosy rooms with balconies and views of the mountains are available in this contemporary and chic hotel. In addition, the hotel features a café, a restaurant, a pool and a sauna.
- Guesthouse Haus Paradies am See is situated on the shore of Grundlsee lake. Offering basic, spotless rooms with communal toilets and views of the lake, the guesthouse is a quaint and comfortable structure. A terrace, garden, and private beach are other features of the guesthouse.
- Pension Alpenpension Gösseck is situated close to Grundlsee lake in the hamlet of Gößl. The pension is housed in a classic, rustic structure and provides cozy, individual rooms with views of the mountains. Additionally on the pension are a playground, a bar, and a restaurant.
- The holiday house Ferienwohnungen Haus Elisabeth is situated close to the Grundlsee lake in the hamlet of Archkogl. Offering fully furnished apartments with balconies and views of the lake, the holiday home is a roomy, contemporary structure. A BBQ, a garden, and parking are other features of the vacation house.
