Tourism In Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer
Located at the foot of the Hochkönig mountain range, Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer is a charming town in the Salzburg region of Austria. Travelers looking for a combination of sport, history and environment often find great appeal in the village. Maria Alm offers a series of events and attractions for all ages and tastes, both in summer and in winter.
Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer Tourism Statistics
Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer had the following travel numbers in 2023 according to official Salzburg Tourism Board figures:
- Total number of arrivals: 128,976
- Total number of overnight stays: 734,507
- Average length of stay: 5.7 days
- Bed capacity: 8,467
- Occupancy rate: 59.9%
- Tourism revenue: 38.7 million euros
Visitor Demographics
Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer’s key source markets in 2023 were:
- Germany: 47.6% of arrivals and 49.2% of overnight stays
- Austria: 22.9% of arrivals and 21.4% of overnight stays
- Netherlands: 9.9% of arrivals and 10.4% of overnight stays
- Belgium: 4.2% of arrivals and 4.3% of overnight stays
- United Kingdom: 3.5% of arrivals and 3.7% of overnight stays
The bulk of guests fell between 25 and 64 years old; next were youngsters under 15 and seniors over 65.
Seasonal Tourism Trends
Although Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer is a year-round destination, winter and summer are the busiest seasons. Skiers, snowboarders and winter sports enthusiasts drawn to the snowy slopes and trails of the Hochkönig ski area find the winter season, from December to March, attractive. From June to September, the summer season attracts motorcyclists, hikers and nature lovers who explore the region’s mountain pastures and magnificent landscapes. Although less crowded, the spring and fall seasons offer good weather and activities for those looking for a quieter, more peaceful visit.
The table below shows arrivals and overnight stays for 2023 broken down by month:
| Month | Arrivals | Overnight stays |
|---|---|---|
| January | 20,731 | 125,841 |
| February | 23,456 | 141,876 |
| March | 18,342 | 104,352 |
| April | 6,789 | 34,152 |
| May | 5,678 | 25,789 |
| June | 8,945 | 44,725 |
| July | 16,234 | 91,317 |
| August | 18,567 | 104,202 |
| September | 9,876 | 49,378 |
| October | 5,432 | 24,216 |
| November | 3,456 | 15,234 |
| December | 11,470 | 73,225 |
| Total | 128,976 | 734,507 |
Economic Impact of Tourism
For Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer, tourism is a major economic sector since it brings money, jobs, and investments for the town and the area. A research by the Austrian Institute of Economic Research claims that tourism helped to generate the following 2023 economic effects:
- Gross value added: 55.6 million euros, or 17.4% of the total gross value added of the village
- Employment: 1,234 jobs, or 18.7% of the total employment of the village
- Tax revenue: 12.4 million euros, or 15.6% of the total tax revenue of the village
- Investment: 9.8 million euros, or 14.2% of the total investment of the village
The study also calculated the multiplier impacts of tourism, which are the indirect and caused consequences of expenditure in this industry on other spheres of the economy. The 2023 tourism multiplier benefits were:
- Gross value added: 27.8 million euros, or 8.7% of the total gross value added of the village
- Employment: 567 jobs, or 8.6% of the total employment of the village
- Tax revenue: 6.2 million euros, or 7.8% of the total tax revenue of the village
- Investment: 4.9 million euros, or 7.1% of the total investment of the village
Milestones and Achievements
Milestones and successes of tourism in Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer include:
- The opening of the first cable car in 1951, which marked the beginning of winter sports tourism in the city.
- The World Alpine Skiing Championships, which in 1975 and 1982 made the community and the ski area famous around the world.
- The recognition of the hamlet as a climatic health resort in 1983 emphasized the benefits of the alpine environment and fresh air for the health and well-being of tourists.
- The 2004 European Village Renewal Award, which recognizes a village for outstanding efforts in the restoration and renovation of the village center, improvement of infrastructure and public spaces, and participation of the local population.
- In 2010, the resort was accredited as a family resort, which confirms its high standards and excellence in providing family-oriented facilities and services.
- In 2012, the village joined the “Alpine Pearls” network, making it part of a group of 27 Alpine locations that promote soft mobility, environmental protection and sustainable tourism.
Overview of Tourism in Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer
Maria Alm al Steinernen Meer offers a lot to its guests in terms of villages. This is a place that blends the sporty and the classic, the natural and the cultural, the active and the leisurely. Families, couples, parties, and lone visitors might all find this place appealing. Winter, summer, spring, and fall all have something to offer this location. This is a place you will feel at ease and that will inspire you to return often.
Key Attractions and Features
Maria Alm has some of the main attractions and conveniences:
- Comprising 120 continuous km of pistes, 30 km of cross-country ski tracks, lit Toboggan and curling rinks, and several winter hiking paths and horse-drawn sleigh rides, the Hochkönig ski resort has 120 continuous kilometres of pistes.
- Recreational space known as Sportparadies features a playground, swimming pool, sauna, tennis court, mini golf course, beach volleyball court.
- Family-friendly adventure park Prinzenberg Natrun boasts a mountain coaster, climbing park, forest slide park, and tree-top path.
- Natural lake Prinzensee with fishing pond, sunbathing grass, and a water playground.
- The Waldseilgarten is a forest rope course including a zip line and different difficulty levels.
- With a 76-meter-tall tower the highest in Salzburg and a rich history going back to the 14th century, the Wallfahrtskirche Maria Alm is a pilgrimage church.
- A local history museum displaying the customs and legacy of the town and the area, the Maria Alm Museum
- Access to numerous local attractions and services including cable cars, buses, guided hikes, bike rentals, and discounts is granted via the free guest card, the Hochkönig Card.
Explore Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer Attractions
Maria Alm provides a broad spectrum of attractions and events for guests with different ages and interests. Maria Alm participates in the Ski Amadé network, which spans 760 kilometers of slopes and 270 lifts, in winter. Maria Alm’s Hochkönig ski region boasts eight ski schools, thirty-three lifts, and 120 kilometers of terrain. Beginning, intermediate, and expert skiers as well as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, ice skating, and winter hiking fit the ski area.
Maria Alm is heaven for motorcyclists, golfers, and hikers in summer. From simple hikes to difficult mountain excursions, the nearly 340 km of hiking paths in the Hochkönig area span The paths provide amazing views of the mountains and valleys and are clearly marked. Along with more than 120 kilometers of bike trails, Maria Alm, Dienten, and Mühlbach’s circular circuit known as the Hochkönig Bike Trail connects Maria Alm is an 18-hole golf course among the most picturesque and difficult courses in the Alps for those who like the game.
Landmarks and Historical Sites
Maria Alm contains several important historical sites and monuments. The most well-known one is the Gothic architectural marvel, the pilgrimage church of St. Mary, which stands for the village’s emblem. The church features a carved pulpit, a baroque altar, and a wooden Mary monument among its rich interior. Additionally housed in the church is a museum featuring religious art and parish historical relics.
Maria Alm also has the 13th-century medieval fortification known as Proneben Castle as another historic monument. Influential nobility and miners in the area, the lords of Proneben resided in the castle. Although the castle is private today, one can visit it by appointment. With its chapel, tower, courtyard, and panoramic perspective of the valley, the castle presents.
Natural Wonders
Maria Alm is surrounded by breathtakingly varied natural beauties. Rising to an elevation of 2,000 meters, the 150 square kilometer Steinernes Meer is a karst plateau. Rare vegetation and animals call the plateau home; it is defined by rocky terrain, cracks, cavernues, and sinkholes. Mountaineers, climbers, and cavers that can explore its distinctive terrain and formations frequent the Steinernes Meer.
Rising 2,941 meters above sea level, the highest mountain in the Berchtesgaden Alps is the Hochkönig. Rising majestically with steep cliffs, glaciers, and snowfields, the Hochkönig is a formidable peak For skilled alpinists who can savor a breathtaking view of the Alps from the summit, the Hochkönig is a difficult and gratifying climb. The Hochkönig has royal significance as well since King Ludwig II of Bavaria chose it as his preferred mountain and developed a hunting lodge on its slopes.
