Local places in the Salzkammergut: posters tell tourism history

Local places in the Salzkammergut: posters tell tourism history

A remarkable exhibition can currently be discovered in the Kunsthaus Deutschvilla in Strobl: "Torture of longing - from the spell of old tourism posters". This was opened on August 1, 2025 and runs until September 28, 2025. In the middle of the idyllic backdrop of the Wolfgangsee, historical posters are presented, which come from the stocks of Max Bruckschlögl from Bad Ischl and Erik Eybl from Vienna. The collection is full of stories and invites you to dive into the heyday of tourism in the Salzkammergut.

The exhibition takes the visitors: on the inside on a journey through time through the summer freshness of the past century. It not only focuses on the picturesque landscapes and spa baths in this region, but also illuminates the social exclusivity associated with these places. Posters were the most important mass medium until the Second World War and are now considered true works of art. Among other things, the exhibits show impressive works by artists such as Alfred Roller, Joseph Binder and Hermann Kosel.

Insights into the glamorous past

A highlight of the exhibition is your own space, which is dedicated to the Grand Hotels of the 1920s and 1930s. These premises reflect the luxury and the flair, which was accompanied by traveling at the time. The topics of winter sports and the presentation of the snowy mountains also find their place in the colorful posters. These reveal a lot about the development of traveling from carriage to the aircraft and how innovative means of transport open up new travel destinations.

In total, the exhibition includes around 80 posters, with the majority of originals of outstanding artists. It is astonishing to see how such historical documents beat a bridge between the past and the presence of travel culture. In addition, posters from Vienna and various federal states as well as popular K.U.K. To marvel at the seaside resorts such as Grado and Abbazia. It is like taking a look at the advertising windows of the time and feeling the longing for idyllic holiday resorts.

A place with history

The Deutschvilla itself has an exciting story. It was built in the Tuscany style in 1896 and experienced numerous changes: from a BDM training center during the Second World War to a casino in the American occupation. Later it served as a holiday home of the University of Vienna until the 1980s and was acquired in 1988 by the municipality of Strobl as a listed presentation option for contemporary art.

The opening event on August 1 was a complete success. The event was framed with a musical supporting program, including the Richie Loidl Trio and a accordion duo. The curator: Inside Marie-Theres Arnbom and Erik Eybl talked about the topics of summer freshness and poster art, moderated by Hannes Unterberger, who also designed the exhibition.

Austrian tourism plays a crucial role in the national wealth level. With a contribution of 6.2% to the gross domestic product and an employment share of 7.6%, it is an indispensable economic factor. In this context, the Salzkammergut is not only advertised as a picturesque goal, but as part of a sustainable, high -quality tourism strategy in Austria. Accordingly, the focus is on individuality instead of mass, which also strengthens cultural value creation through such exhibitions.

Overall, the exhibition in the Deutschvilla is not only a feast for the eyes, but also an important contribution to understanding our tourist roots and its influence on today's quality of life. A visit is definitely worth it!