Price shock at the Urfahranermarkt: Families sound the alarm!

Price shock at the Urfahranermarkt: Families sound the alarm!

The Urfahranermarkt opens on Saturday, April 29th, with great expectations for over half a million visitors. Preparations are in full swing as around 278 stalls, rides and marquees are being set up across a total area of ​​60,000 square metres. But despite the nice weather last weekend, the market only saw a small number of visitors. This could be related to the consistently high prices for rides and food, which many parents find unaffordable, according to a social media survey. A visit is increasingly becoming a luxury for some families, as expenses can quickly reach over 100 euros. OE24 reports, that prices for rides range between 4 and 10 euros per ride, while food, such as two bratwursts and a lemonade, costs almost 18 euros.

City councilor Doris Lang-Mayerhofer emphasizes the economic importance of the market. It is a way for local businesses to showcase themselves and reach visitors. This year there are also returning attractions such as the 80 meter high “Skyfall”, complemented by a new program that offers attractive offers for both children and adults. The festival host Patrick Stützner expresses optimism that the construction work is going according to plan and promises tried-and-tested catering from the Donaualm and a cocktail bar run by world bartending champion Stefan Haneder.

Prices and offers on the Urfahranermarkt

However, prices in the market have increased. Half a beer costs 6.40 euros, half a liter of lemonade costs 5.50 euros, and schnitzel or grilled chicken with fries costs 17.20 euros. This price trend could further negatively impact visitor numbers, particularly as guest comments reflect that many find a visit too expensive. There are growing fears that a new visitor record is a long way off OE24 expressed loudly and clearly.

The festival program will also include a traditional fireworks display on May 5th and a charity concert for the victims of the Ukrainian war on May 3rd. Free access to 57 showman shops for the first few hours after opening could provide additional incentives, but the high price structure remains a major issue among visitors.

The overall economic situation, which also affects folk festivals in Germany, shows similar trends. According to a study on the economic importance of folk festivals, spending per visit rose to an average of 32.80 euros, which corresponds to an increase of 17%. These price increases are due, among other things, to significant increases in operating costs, which could hardly be passed on to guests. The monetization effects of such festivals on local economies are also notable, with an estimated 3.34 billion euros for the local economy in Germany. In addition, an increasing number of visitors are using sustainable means of transport, which is increasing awareness of ecological issues in the industry.

Overall, the Urfahranermarkt faces a major challenge: While high visitor numbers and a wide range of offerings are aimed for, the pricing ensures that many families may have to stay away. The coming days will show how the situation develops and whether the market's enormous importance for the region can continue to be maintained.