Tourism In Leoben
On the Mur River in the Styria region of Austria, Leoben is a small, charming town. With a population of around 25,000, it is the second largest city in Styria after Graz. Leoben is a local industrial center where the mining-oriented University of Leoben is located. A rich cultural heritage, elegant architecture and breathtaking surroundings also define Leoben. For visitors wanting to experience the history, culture and landscape of Styria, Leoben is a fantastic location.
Leoben Tourism Statistics
- Visitor Demographics: Leoben received 120,000 visitors in 2020, including 80,000 locals and 40,000 foreigners. Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Slovenia were the main source markets. The guests were on average 45 years old and their stay lasted 2.5 days.
- Seasonal Tourism Trends: The low season extends from November to April and the high season from May to October. Especially for cultural and natural attractions, such as the Kunsthalle Leoben, Göss Abbey and the Mur River, the high season attracts more tourists. Although it attracts fewer visitors, the low season offers more opportunities for winter sports, including sledding, snowboarding and skiing.
- Accommodation Occupancy Rates: Leoben has a wide range of accommodation options with 1,500 rooms in total. In 2020, the average occupancy rate was 60%; August had the highest rate, at 80%, while January had the lowest, at 40%. Hotels, guesthouses and apartments were the most commonly used types of accommodation.
- Economic Impact of Tourism: Leoben tourism is a major and growing industry that supports employment and the local economy. Thirty million euros represented overall tourism revenues in 2020; Twenty million euros came from accommodation, five million from food and drink and five million from other services. 1,000 people worked in the tourism industry; 600 were allocated to accommodation, 200 to food and beverage and 200 to other services.
Historical Tourism Data
Since 1990, tourism statistics for Leoben have been collected and examined to highlight changes in the travel industry over time. The statistics show variations in the number and characteristics of visitors and the growth and operation of the tourism industry. Among the historical tourism statistics, we can cite:
Evolution of Tourism in Leoben: Over the past three decades, Leoben tourism has grown from a small, local industry to a diverse and global industry. Leoben tourism increased from 50,000 visitors in 1990 to 120,000 visitors in 2020, with an average annual growth rate of 3%. Over the past three decades, Leoben’s tourism has also evolved from a primarily industrial and educational sector to a more cultural and natural sector. With an average annual increase rate of 4%, Leoben tourism has grown from 10 attractions in 1990 to 30 attractions in 2020.
Milestones and Achievements: Over the past three decades, Leoben tourism has reached significant levels and successes that have raised the overall caliber and appeal of the travel industry. Anniversaries and successes include:
- The Kunsthalle Leoben, opened in 1995, established Leoben as a cultural and artistic destination and attracted more artists and guests to the area.
- The renovation of Göss Abbey in 2000 generated interest and awareness among visitors and the local population while restoring and safeguarding the architectural and historical value of the monastery.
- The construction of the Leoben Justice Center in 2005 gave rise to a unique and creative prison as well as interest and debate among guests and the media.
- The opening of the Leoben ski area in 2010 attracted more skiers and snowboarders to the town, thus expanding and diversifying the winter tourism offering.
- Launched in 2015, Asia Spa Leoben presented a fresh and exotic spa idea and provided residents and guests with a tranquil and pleasant experience.
Past Visitor Trends: Over the past three decades, Leoben tourism has experienced different tourism trends that have shaped and reflected the tastes and behaviors of guests. Past visitation patterns include:
- Driven by the political and economic stability of Austria as well as the proximity and familiarity of Leoben, the growth of the domestic market in the 1990s
- The accessibility and low cost of Leoben as well as Austria’s admission to the European Union led to the expansion of the foreign market in the 2000s.
- The global financial crisis shaped the evolution of the market mix in the 2010s, and Leoben’s diversification and uniqueness helped define it.
- Leoben’s tenacity and creativity helped sustain Leoben’s demand and satisfaction, allowing market balance to be restored in the 2020s.
Overview of Tourism in Leoben
On the Mur River, Leoben is a small town in Styria, Austria. With a population of around 25,000, it is the second largest city in Styria after Graz. Leoben is a local industrial center where the mining-oriented University of Leoben is located. A rich cultural heritage, elegant architecture and breathtaking surroundings also define Leoben. For visitors wanting to experience the history, culture and landscape of Styria, Leoben is a fantastic location.
Key Attractions and Features
Leoben is a fascinating and attractive site to visit due to its various attractions and features. Among the main drawers and attractions are:
- The main art museum in Leoben, exhibiting modern works by local and foreign artists, is the Kunsthalle Leoben. Built on a former tobacco factory, the museum features contemporary and spacious architecture. Apart from this, the museum organizes concerts, seminars and conferences.
- Founded in 1004 by Countess Adelheid of Eppenstein, Göss Abbey is the oldest women’s monastery in Styria. Made up of a splendid church with a frescoed ceiling, a marble altar and an organ, the abbey is a marvel of Baroque architecture. The abbey also houses a museum showcasing the history and culture of the monastery and its surrounding area.
- Founded in 1860 by brewer Max Kober, the Gösser Brewery is one of Austria’s largest and most venerable breweries. Famous for its Gösser beer, a pale ale with a golden hue and clean taste, the brewery is curated by the brewery. Guided tours are offered by the brewery, which include tours of the tasting room, museum and manufacturing sites.
- On the main square stands a historic structure with a red and white facade: Hackl House. Built in 1696 by the merchant Johann Hackl from Leoben, the building is one of the finest Baroque buildings in the city. The structure has a portal with a coat of arms, a balcony with a sundial and a lantern roof.
- On the main square is the Church of Saint-François-Xavier, a Baroque church with a two-towered facade. Built by the Jesuits in 1660, the church honors Leoben’s patron saint, Saint Francis Xavier. The main place of prayer in Leoben is the beautiful interior of the church, which features frescoes, altars and sculptures.
- Located on Josef-Heißl-Strasse, the modern Leoben Prison Justice Center features a glass and steel construction. Built in 2005 by Josef Hohensinn, it was intended to be transparent and friendly. Each of its 205 cells has a television, a private bathroom and a balcony. It also has a patio, library and gym.
- The popular winter resort of Leoben offers excitement and fun for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. There are ten basic to difficult lifts in the resort as well as twenty kilometers of slopes. The resort has a snow park, ski school, ski rental and ski service.
- Asia Spa Leoben is a spa located next to the Mur River in the Lerchenfeld district. Among the many amenities and services offered by the spa are swimming pools, saunas, massages and treatments. In addition to a restaurant, a bar and a boutique, the spa offers an unusual and relaxing experience. Inspired by Asian philosophy and culture, the spa offers an unusual and fun experience.
Culture and Heritage
Leoben’s history, topography and industry shape its rich and varied culture. Leoben is renowned for its gastronomy, music, artwork and literature. Leoben has some local and cultural customs as follows:
Music: Leoben has a rich musical heritage including various choirs, groups, orchestras and celebrations. The best-known musical event is the Summer Philharmonic, which consists of classical concerts spread across several venues in July. The musician Johann Joseph Fux, author of the thesis on counterpoint Gradus ad Parnassum, also grew up in Leoben.
Art: Leoben has a thriving art scene including numerous galleries, studios and events. Showcasing local and international artists, the Kunsthalle Leoben is the best-known art establishment. The Austrian expressionist painter Herbert Boeckl, a pioneer, also lives in Leoben.
Literature: Leoben has a rich literary heritage with many editors, writers and poets. The famous novelist and folklorist Peter Rosegger, also nominated for the Nobel Prize, also organizes seminars, readings and workshops as part of the Literaturhaus Leoben.
Cuisine: Leoben’s geography, climate and industry all affect its varied and excellent cuisine. The most common cuisine is:
- Leobener Bierfleisch: Usually accompanied by dumplings or potatoes, Leobener Bierfleisch is a stew made with meat, onions, garlic, paprika, caraway seeds and beer.
- Leobener Krautfleckerl: Made with cabbage, bacon, onion, garlic and sour cream, leobener krautfleckerl is a pasta dish often sprinkled with cheese.
- Leobener Schokoladentorte: Made with eggs, butter, sugar, flour, cocoa and rum, a leobener schokolatente chocolate cake is usually topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Explore Leoben Attractions
Leoben has several attractions highlighting its natural environment, history and culture. Walking, cycling or using public transport will allow you to discover Leoben’s attractions and savor the sights and sounds of the city. You might want to investigate some of the following attractions:
- Landmarks and Historical Sites: Leoben has many historical sites and monuments that bear witness to the city and the region. On the main square, the baroque Hackl house with its red and white facade can be visited. At the top of the main square, on top of the baroque Saint-François-Xavier church with a two-towered facade, there is another visitable site. In the Göss region there is also the oldest women’s convent in Styria, Göss Abbey. On Josef-Heißl-Strasse you can also visit the modern Leoben Prison Justice Center, which features a glass and steel construction.
- Natural Wonders: Leoben has many natural beauties with breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor activities. The Mur River, which runs through the city, offers a cool and peaceful atmosphere. Another area to visit is the Styrian Alps, which surround the town and offer choices for skiing, horse riding and hiking. The highest hill near Leoben, the Hochschwab offers a panoramic perspective on the city and its surroundings.
Accommodations in Leoben
Leoben offers a variety of accommodations to suit many budgets and tastes. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose from lavish hotels, cozy apartments or small guest houses. Among the most excellent accommodations in Leoben are:
- Hotel Kongress: The four-star Kongress Hotel is located in the city center, close to the Saint-François-Xavier church and the main square. Made up of 68 spacious and sophisticated rooms and suites, the hotel has free Wi-Fi, a TV, a minibar and a safe. In addition to a sauna, bar, restaurant and fitness center, the hotel has covered parking, a 24-hour front desk and a breakfast buffet.
- Hotel Falkensteiner: Located in the Donawitz district, next to the Leoben-Donawitz train station and the Voestalpine steelworks, the four-star Hotel Falkensteiner offers 103 modern, trendy rooms and suites with free Wi-Fi, TV, minibar and air conditioning. The hotel has a meeting center, spa and restaurant. The motel offers bicycle rentals, shuttle service and a buffet breakfast.
- Hotel Brücklwirt: About five kilometers from the city center, in the Niklasdorf district, is the four-star Hotel Brücklwirt. Consisting of seventy rooms and suites, the hotel offers a conventional and comfortable space with free Wi-Fi, TV, minibar and balcony. In addition to a swimming pool, tennis court, garden and restaurant, the hotel offers a pet-friendly policy, a free ski bus and a breakfast buffet.
- Pension Pein: The three-star guest house Pension Pein is located in Göss, near the Gösser Brewery and the Göss Abbey. Made up of fifteen simple, spotless rooms with free Wi-Fi, a TV and a toilet, the guest house has a balcony, a breakfast room and a children’s area. games, the inn has free parking, laundry facilities and a continental breakfast.
- Apartment Mur: On the Mur River, in the city center, this three-star apartment. The apartment has two bright and spacious bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom, free WiFi, a TV, a dishwasher and a bathroom. ‘a washing machine. Featuring a balcony, a courtyard and barbecue facilities, the apartment has a welcome basket, self-catering options and bicycle storage space.
