Traunsee & Gmunden★★
The Traunsee is Austria's deepest lake at 191 m and is framed between the mighty Traunstein (1,691 m) to the east and gentler hills to the west. Unlike its more touristy neighboring lakes, Traunsee has an almost Scandinavian seriousness — dark blue, deep, flanked by steep rock walls.
On the north shore lies Gmunden (13,000 inhabitants), a charming small town famous for three things: the Gmundner ceramics with their green-flamed patterns, the Seeschloss Ort (setting of the TV series "Schlosshotel Ort"), and the liveliest weekly market in the region. On the west shore, the dreamy Traunkirchen with its church perched on a rocky outcrop and the famous Fisherman's Pulpit altar.
💡 Tipp
The Gmunden tram (the only inner-city tram in Austria outside the major cities!) runs from the train station to the town hall square and on to the ceramics manufactory. Single ride €2.20 — more experience than transport.
Attractions
★★ Seeschloss Ort
The landmark of Gmunden — a late Gothic water castle on a small island in Lake Traunsee, connected by a 123 m long wooden bridge to the mainland. In the courtyard, a Renaissance arcade courtyard, on the ground floor changing exhibitions. It became famous as the filming location of the TV series "Schlosshotel Ort".
Exterior freely accessible. Exhibitions: 5€. Daily 10 am–5 pm (April–October).
★★ Gmundner Keramik Manufaktur
Ceramics have been produced in Gmunden since 1492 — the green-flamed decor is world-famous. In the manufactory (Keramikstraße 24), you can watch a 45-minute tour to see how the pieces are hand-painted. In the attached factory outlet, there are individual pieces and seconds at reduced prices.
Tour: 8€ (adults), 4€ (children). Mon–Fri 9, 10:30, 2 pm. Factory outlet: Mon–Fri 9 am–6 pm, Sat 9 am–1 pm.
★★ Traunkirchen & Fischerkanzel
On the western shore of Lake Traunsee, 10 km south of Gmunden: The picturesque village of Traunkirchen on a rocky outcrop above the lake. In the parish church stands the baroque Fischerkanzel (around 1700) — a wooden pulpit in the shape of a fishing boat with the Apostle Peter and the miraculous catch of fish. Unique in Austria.
Church freely accessible. Daily 8 am–6 pm.
★ Grünberg Cable Car
From the lakeshore in Gmunden, the new cable car (opened in 2021, with panoramic cabins) floats to the Grünberg (984 m). At the top: treetop path (30 m high, 1.4 km long), hiking trails, and a magnificent view of Lake Traunsee and the Traunstein.
Round trip: 24€ (adults), 12€ (children). Treetop path: 14€/7€ additionally. Year-round.
Dining in Gmunden
€€ Seerestaurant Hois'n Wirt
Directly on the lake with a sun terrace. Freshly caught char from Lake Traunsee (19.50€), Kaspressknödel (11.90€), Topfenstrudel (8.90€). Reservation recommended.
€€ Weinhaus Kammer
Historic wine house at the town hall square. Excellent Tafelspitz (17.90€), onion roast (19.90€). The wine list focuses on Austrian wines — Grüner Veltliner on tap from 3.80€/quarter.
€ Konditorei Grellinger
Since 1898. Gmunden's best cake selection: Linzer Torte (4.20€), Traunkirchner Nusstorte (4.50€), Apfelstrudel (4.80€). The coffee is good and the window seat with a view of the town hall square is priceless.
