Europes favourite campsite

Camping Grubhof sets new standards year after year

Camping is more popular than ever. More and more people are choosing to spend the best days of the year in a tent, caravan or camper on a campsite instead of in a hotel. The Salzburger Saalachtal was made for campers: hiking, e-biking and wild swimming in summer; skiing, ski touring and snowshoeing in winter. No wonder then, that Europe’s favourite campsite, Camping Grubhof, can be found in this region.

Grubhof has almost nothing in common with an ordinary, run-of-the-mill campsite. Situated directly on the Saalach, it is surrounded by the wonderful mountain world of the Salzburger Saalachtal. Campers will find everything here that the heart desires. Plenty of open space, XXL pitches and most importantly, comprehensive and individually-tailored additional services make every day special. Anyone who comes here can experience the charm of camping without sacrificing the amenities they would find in a four-star hotel.

The highest standards and a long history

Robert and Maria Stainer are passionate hosts. Since 1999, they have been running their campsite according to the motto “experience nature and enjoy comfort“. Ultra-modern sanitary facilities, the restaurant and the sauna and wellness centre across two floors together with a fitness room are just some of the things that have contributed to Grubhof being awarded the title of Europe’s Favourite Campsite for the fourth time in 2020. This is an award given by the leading European information portal for camping holidays, www.camping.info and awarded based on guest reviews, with competition from over 20,000 European campsites in 44 countries.

There has been a campsite on the site of the former castle park since 1959, which has gradually made a name for itself as the perfect holiday destination for lovers of nature and sport. Since the Stainers took over the site they have been working constantly to be on the ball, always coming up with something new to improve and extend the offer from year to year.

Luxury camping directly on the river

Luxury and comfort camping – these are the keywords that have been on the agenda of the Grubhof team from the very beginning. The total area stretches over a generous 12 hectares and is harmoniously laid out between the river, untouched flower meadows and ancient trees. As individual tailoring of the holiday is one of the most important wishes of the campers, there are many different areas on the site which have been created according to the needs of the guests. Families with children can romp around undisturbed here while peace-seekers can enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains in silence. Campers with dogs also find their own area here, just as groups and whitewater athletes do -all in keeping with a sense of harmony that you want in a holiday.

Best views from the XXL pitches

Grubhof also sets a high standard for the quality of pitches. Pitches up to 180 square metres with electricity, gas, water and sewage are available for caravans and campers. On request, you can also spend your holiday directly on the bank of the Saalach. A part of each XXL pitch is reinforced where cars, caravans or campers can be parked and there is an extensive green area in front of it.

The Saalachwiese is ideal for campers with a tent. With the sound of the river in the background, you can pitch your tent and relax to your heart’s content. There are sufficient electricity and water points here so that no wish is left unfulfilled. There is wireless internet on all pitches and the tent field.

For all of those who would like to have a fixed and non-mobile roof over their heads on the campsite, there is an Almdorf at Grubhof with various, well-equipped chalets. For this purpose, old alm huts were moved here from around the region and built again according to the original plans and then finished with the comforts of the modern day.

Everything your heart desires

If you are already enthused by the pitches then the additional services on offer at the Grubhof will convince you completely. The modern sanitary facilities, including the XXL family bathrooms, leave nothing to be desired. You can compete at billiards or table-tennis with your friends in the recreation room; the wellness area invites you to relax after working up a sweat in the fitness room.

Summer in the Salzburger Saalachtal

In the summer, there is the free children’s programme to look forward to as well as free whitewater taster sessions. You can discover the mountain world of the region on guided hikes with local guides. Those who would rather get to know the area in the saddle can hire mountain bikes and e-mountain bikes directly on site. A further highlight in the summer months, July and August, are the advantages of the Salzburger Saalachtal Card. With this card, as well as riding free of charge in the cable-car to the Almenwelt Lofer, free entry to the Vorderkaser natural bathing area and entry to the Seisenberg- and Vorderkaserklamm are included.

The finest winter camping

Those who think that camping is just for the summer and winter camping is only for the particularly tough, could learn something from Grubhof. Not far from the ski lifts, you will find all the amenities of the XXL pitches even in the cold season and of course, the above mentioned connections work even in the most severe frost. Drying rooms and the ski and boot depot ensure that your winter sports’ equipment is always warm and de-iced.

The ski bus takes you directly to the valley station of the Almenwelt Lofer every 30 minutes, where there aren’t just 46 fantastic kilometres of pistes awaiting, but also family-friendly prices. Cross-country skiers can reach the valley trail directly from the campsite or take the bus and cable-car to the high-altitude trail in Lofer or set forth in Heutal. More than 100 kilometres of cleared winter walking trails round off the winter activities. The hike to Maria Kirchental above St. Martin and the toboggan ride back down deserves a particular mention. And if you want to warm up again afterwards, entry to the sauna area on the campsite is included.

Summer or winter – the Grubhof campsite works a special kind of magic which you should definitely experience at least once. After all, it’s not every day that you can claim to have spent your holiday on Europe’s Favourite Campsite.