The Traunsee and other Gmunden, Austria Things to Do Tips

The Traunsee is the deepest lake in Austria. It's maximum depth is 192 meters (630 ft.). The eastern flank of this lake is dominated by rocky crags, particularly Traunstein. Several resorts are strung along the western shore, including Gmunden.

Any visit to Gmunden is incomplete without a walk along Traunsee.

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Phone: Tel. +43(6132)21306
Directions: If you're in Gmunden, the lake is not hard to miss.
Website: http://www.traunsee.at/
Other Contact: info.salzkammergut@oberoesterrei

Traustein is the largest of the mountains around the Traunsee. It stands at 1691 meters (5548 feet). Because of it's sheer sides, it is very difficult mountain to climb. In fact, a number of mountain climbers have died trying to climb up the mountain. At the top of the mountain is a small hut for mountain climbers. Supposedly the Sunrise is very nice from up there.

The most memorable quality of Traunstein is how it overlooks the Traunsee. It stands so high above the rest of the peaks that it basically stands alone. It's almost how a tall skyscraper dominates a city skyline. Of course, Gmunden is no city, but it has a lovely skyline!

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Directions: On the Eastern side of the Traunsee.
Website: http://www.traunsee.at

The origins of when this castle was built are still unknown, but the tower has been documented as early as 1092 a.d. In 1626, the building was partially destroyed during the War of Farmers and in 1634, destroyed further by fire. The edifice was however restored during the same century.

The building is shaped like a triangle with a well in the center. The property includes an arcaded courtyard and a small chapel that has become a popular place to get married.

It was built on an aritifical island which juts out into the lake. The Seeschloss Orth is linked to the Landschloss Orth by a 130 meter (425 feet) long wooden foot bridge. It is clearly visible from the Esplanade and forms a fine picture on anyone's camera.

It has achieved recent fame through being portrayed as a hotel in a German sitcom called Schlosshotel Orth. Fans of the series often ask to stay there, though they are no bedrooms.

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Directions: On the lake at the Toscana Park. Follow the Esplanade down to the Johann Orth Allee and you find both buildings.
Website: http://www.traunsee.at

A trip on the Gisela (the oldest coal-fired paddle steamer in the world) is certainly a unique attraction in Gmunden. The 52-meter (170-foot) long Gisela was built in Vienna and then taken apart and transported to the Traunsee, where it was reassembled for its maiden voyage in 1872. It has been ploughing through the waters of the Traunsee ever since.

The Gisela even transported Emperor Franz Joseph to his cool summer retreat in the heart of the Salzkammergut region every year. (Gisela, not coincidentally, was the name of his first daughter.) In fact, the Habsburgs used it as a transport link between Vienna and Salzburg--at the time there were no roads between Gmunden and Bad Ischl--and an especially luxurious "Kaiserkabine" (Emperor's Cabin) was designed for their exclusive use.

It seemed in 1980 that the Gisela was soomed to an ignoble death as, dilapidated and rusting, it appeared in imminent danger of breaking up. Only an initiative of the Association of fFriends of Gmunden saved it fromt he scrap heap. First of all the ship was declared an historic moument. Later, when the necessary funds were allocated, it was restored to its original grandeur. My brother-in-law worked on rebuilding the engine in the mid-80's. He and his fellow students at the time, were assigned this task in their engineering department.

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Phone: +43 (0)7612/66700
Address: Traungasse 12a, A - 4810 Gmunden
Directions: You can climb aboard the Gisela near the Rathausplatz.
Website: http://www.traunseeschiffahrt.at/index1.php
Other Contact: info@traunseeschiffahrt.at

Because of it's great location on the Traunsee, Gmunden offers a a beautiful walk along the lake. This path is called the Esplanade and it leads from the Rathausplatz down to the Toscana Park, Landschloss Orth and Seescholss Orth. You will also find the famed Cafe-Konditorei Baumgartner along the way.

The view of the lake and Traunstein behind it are absolutely breathaking. Any visitor to Gmunden must take this walk along the lake.

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Address: Esplanade, A-4810 Gmunden
Website: http://www.gmunden.at

There is a large crystal sitting atop a small pillar in a small garden along the Esplanade. I'm not sure what the importance of this large crystal is, but it is quite unique in size and well worth a look.

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Directions: On the Esplanade between Rathausplatz and the Cafe-Konditorei Baumgartner.
Website: http://www.gmunden.at

The Rathaus (city hall) of Gmunden is certainly not the most spectacular in Austria, but it has it's own unique qualities that makes it special. Its bright green pastel color allow it to stand out making it visible and easily identifiable from across the lake or from a boat.

Also, a special set of bells adorns the foward facade of the building. These bells are made of the famous ceramic of Gmunden.

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Phone: +43 (7612) 64305
Address: Rathausplatz 1, 4810 Gmunden, Austria
Directions: On the Rathausplatz (main square) of Gmunden.
Other Contact: info.gmunden@oberoesterreich.at

The Glockenspiel (bell tower) on the Gmunden Rathaus (city hall) is made of the ceramic that has made Gmunden famous (see Local Customs). Stop and take a close look to enjoy this work of art.

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Address: Rathausplatz 1, A-4810 Gmunden, Austria
Directions: Front of the Rathaus.

The Rathausplatz is the center of Gmunden. All trips to explore Gmunden start here. Be sure to organize all trips with this as your centerpoint.

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Directions: The Main Square in town, on the Traunsee.

One of many attractions in Gmunden is the Parish Church which houses the Schwanthaler Altar. I unfortunately do not know much about the history of this church and the Schwanthaler Altar.
I can however attest to it's simplistic beauty. Be sure to pay it a visit.

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Phone: +43 (7612) 77670
Address: Kirchenplatz 5, A-4810 Gmunden, Austria
Website: http://www.dioezese-linz.at
Other Contact: FAX: +43 (7612) 7767030