Summary of Activities in Gmunden
Gmunden is a quaint town located at the edge of the expansive Lake Traunsee in the Salzkammergut region of Upper Austria. Although primarily recognized as a tourist destination, it also serves as a summer wellness retreat for Austrians, thanks to its diverse range of brine and salt therapy treatments.
Historically, the town has been in existence since at least the 1100s and featured fortified wall defenses. In the 17th century, Gmunden became known for the construction of battleships and played a significant role as a military base. The breathtaking surrounding Alpine landscape offers excellent hiking opportunities, while numerous parks and public spaces make Gmunden an ideal locale for those interested in adventure and outdoor activities.
Now, let’s discover the top attractions in Gmunden:
1. Traunsee
The Traunsee is a substantial lake situated in the Salzkammergut region of Austria, with a depth of 191m. Gmunden is prominently positioned along the northern edge of the lake, providing excellent access to its waters. The 145 road runs through Gmunden alongside the western side of Traunsee, facilitating travel to other regions in Austria.
A diverse array of activities is available on the lake, alongside several picturesque villages to explore, such as Traunkirchen and Ebensee. The lake serves as a significant tourist destination, offering exceptional facilities for boating, water sports, and dining options. Visitors can take a ferry to one of the smaller towns across the lake or enjoy the many hiking routes that encircle it.
2. Seeschloss Ort
This enchanting castle is situated on a small island on the northern side of Traunsee and is one of Gmunden’s key tourist attractions. The castle has been established in various forms since the 11th century and has been owned by numerous entities throughout its long history.
A distinctive onion-domed tower marks the entrance to the castle, and its whitewashed walls enclose a charming central courtyard. The castle is accessible via a long wooden boardwalk in Toskana Park, which provides a stunning backdrop for photographs of the Traunsee. This iconic structure offers abundant opportunities for photography enthusiasts.
3. Laudachsee
Gmunden is encircled by several large lakes and charming smaller lakes such as Laudachsee. This serene and tranquil lake is situated at the eastern edge of the Traunstein mountain range, providing a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
The surrounding region boasts numerous hiking trails that lead onto the imposing Traunstein, as well as a path that encircles the lake. The crystal-clear waters of Laudachsee create breathtaking reflections, and the grassy banks offer an inviting setting for relaxation and picnicking.
4. Traunstein
The tallest mountain adjacent to Traunsee is Traunstein, with its summit towering at an impressive 1691m. Often referred to as the guardian of the Salzkammergut, Traunstein offers three challenging climbing routes: Hans-Hernler-Steig, Naturfreundesteig, and Mairalmsteig.
These climbing routes are equipped with cables and have difficulty ratings ranging between II and III. In addition to climbing, visitors can hike around the mountain, take in views from the picturesque Gmunder Hut, and admire the stunning Alpine scenery that unfolds before them. From the summit, one can gaze at Gmunden below, or revel in the vistas of the remarkable Grunau Nature Park to the east.
5. Grunberg
Access to the Grunberg mountain range is facilitated by the Grunberg Cable Car, located just off Traunsteinstrasse on the eastern side of Gmunden and Traunsee. This impressive cable car ascends over 1000m above sea level to the summit of Grunberg, where visitors can relish unforgettable views of the surrounding landscape.
Grunberg is a hiker’s paradise, featuring a well-developed network of paths that weave around the mountain and into the neighboring Traunstein area. One could easily spend hours exploring the trails and discovering this remarkable part of Gmunden.
6. Rathaus
The town hall of Gmunden is a magnificent edifice located at the heart of the lovely Rathausplatz. The exterior features a green and white striped façade adorned with ornate decorations, complemented by a central bell tower that showcases the emblems of Austria and Gmunden.
A particularly engaging feature of the town hall is the ceramic bell display that operates intermittently throughout the day. It is advisable to linger to enjoy this musical spectacle, which culminates in a soothing lullaby at the end of the day.
7. Toskana Park
This exceptional park is located adjacent to the path leading up to Seeschloss Ort and enjoys an advantageous position right along the shore of Traunsee.
The scenery within this park is truly unparalleled, offering breathtaking views of the castle, the encircling mountains, and the vast expanse of Lake Traunsee.
Additionally, there is an old historical structure from the time of the monarchy and several paths that lead directly to the water’s edge.
8. Boat trip on the Gisela
The Gisela, one of the oldest surviving paddle steamboats globally, was constructed in 1871. This remarkable vessel provides scenic boat trips on Lake Traunsee, allowing passengers to observe the steam engine in operation from the upper deck.
A variety of cruise options are available, including a full circuit of the lake lasting 3.75 hours or a shorter cruise that takes just 1.75 hours. Onboard amenities include a buffet, music, and restroom facilities. While other boating choices exist on Traunsee, the Gisela stands out as the most memorable and historic option.
9. Naturtierpark Grünau
Commonly known as Cumberland Wildpark, this distinctive park encompasses over 60 hectares of natural landscapes and is an excellent area for exploration to the east of Gmunden.
It features a welcoming combination of wildlife and hiking trails – here, one can observe Bison, Lynx, Wolves, and Brown Bears, while also navigating sturdy paths that meander through meadows, forests, and alongside streams and ponds.
An adventure playground for children and a buffet-style café serving homemade food and pastries are additional amenities within the park.
10. Kayaking on Traunsee
There is no better way to immerse oneself in the beauty of Lake Traunsee than through a kayaking adventure. Numerous kayaking tour operators are available around the lake, with Kajak-Kanu being one of the most reputable and trusted.
This company offers a range of kayaking sessions led by experienced instructors, and paddleboarding is also available for those seeking a greater challenge. With competitive pricing, kayaking represents one of the premier ways to engage with Traunsee for individuals with an adventurous spirit.
11. Rathausplatz
Rathausplatz serves as the principal square in Gmunden, located adjacent to the promenade. This bustling area is alive with activity, representing one of the main tourist hubs, where visitors can enjoy delightful views of Lake Traunsee and observe various boats and ferries docked nearby.
The striking town hall and several quality cafés are situated here, offering outdoor seating for enjoying the atmosphere of Gmunden or simply indulging in some people-watching. Nearby, the Marktplatz also hosts a variety of worthwhile restaurants.
12. Walk along the Scharnsteiner promenade
The main promenade in Gmunden runs parallel to Scharnsteiner road, commencing from the end of Rathausplatz and concluding near the Union Yacht Club, spanning a distance of over 700m.
This tree-lined pathway provides a pleasant stroll in fine weather, designed into an impressive public space.
Beginning at Rathausplatz, visitors can wander past small jetties and onto an expanded lawn area that extends into the lake, finally reaching the Yacht Club to admire the varying sizes and shapes of the moored vessels.
13. Miesweg Hiking Trail
Another remarkable hiking trail in the Gmunden area is the Miesweg trail, which meanders along Lake Traunsee and eventually circumnavigates the base of Traunstein Mountain for a total distance of approximately 13 kilometers. The trail is well signposted and begins near the small village of Hoisen, situated on the eastern banks of the lake.
While certain sections of the trail may lead onto the road, overall, it is relatively easy to navigate, making it suitable for hikers of almost all skill levels. Enjoy the splendid scenery of Traunsee and the encircling mountains along this well-traveled hiking path.
14. Krottensee
The smallest of the water bodies surrounding Gmunden is Krottensee, located in the northern part of the town across from the river Traun. It is less of a conventional lake and more of a circular stream with a pond at one end, featuring a central wooded area and walking paths.
This tranquil location is rarely frequented by tourists, offering an almost secluded atmosphere to which ducks and birds are drawn, given the abundant plant life.
15. Gmunden Slow Train
When referring to the slow train, we truly mean it! This is no exhilarating, high-speed ride; rather, it is a leisurely train that transports passengers from Rathausplatz to Seeschloss Ort. Tickets are priced affordably, making it a convenient transportation option to visit the castle, especially for those with mobility concerns.
The train operates at a gentle pace, featuring a distinctive paint scheme for easy recognition, and its carriages evoke a charming, vintage style. One might consider taking the train to the castle and then walking back along the promenade to enjoy the best of both experiences.
