- Frankish Lake Country with a slight increase in visitors
The Franconian Lake District as a tourism region has seen only a slight increase this year after an exceptionally successful 2023. As of June, the number of overnight stays was around 540,000, an increase of 1.5 percent compared to the same period last year. The region also saw an increase of 1.2 percent in the number of arrivals, reaching 176,000, according to data from the state statistical office.
Up to and including May, growth was significantly higher compared to the same period last year. Hans-Dieter Niederprüm, managing director of the tourism association based in Gunzenhausen, attributes this to the fact that many public holidays fell in May last year, which is not the case this year. He also cites the "modest weather" as having an impact on visitor numbers. So far, the Franconian Lake District is not faring as well with day-trippers.
"Individual businesses are reporting a decrease in turnover because day-trippers are not coming to the lakes in the usual numbers on weekends," said Niederprüm. However, he does not yet have concrete figures on this.
In 2023, the Franconian Lake District reported a record year with 1.32 million overnight stays, an increase of 9.9 percent compared to the previous year. For the first time, more than one million overnight stays were recorded in the Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen district.
The Franconian Lake District attracts numerous holidaymakers and day-trippers every year with its attractions such as the Altmühlsee, the two Brombach lakes, and the Dennenloher See. The region offers opportunities for swimming, camping, and exploring the landscape by bicycle.
Despite the overall growth in Bavaria, the neighboring Franconian Lake District has experienced a slower pace, with a 1.5% increase in overnight stays this year. Visitors to Bavaria might consider exploring the vibrant tourism offerings of the Franconian Lake District, including the Altmühlsee, Brombach lakes, and Dennenloher See.
