Draped around Lake Traunsee in the Salzkammergut mountains, Gmunden is one of Austria’s prettiest towns. Lakefront townhouses are painted in contrasting pastel colours while three famous palaces provide a dose of grandeur. It’s a gorgeous place to relax along the water and enjoy nature, while also making a base for discovering the surrounding mountains.
Gmunden’s palaces attract many day-tripping visitors and are amongst the finest in Austria. In particular, it’s hard to imagine a visit to Gmunden that doesn’t take in Schloss Weyer and Schloss Orth. A quiet promenade runs along the edge of the town, passing the townhouses and gardens. Many water-facing buildings have been converted into cafes and restaurants, with outdoor terraces to enjoy during the summer months. Many visitors to Gmunden also make a day trip to other charming towns along Lake Traunsee, notably Traunkirchen and Altmunster.
The town is around 75 kilometres east of Salzburg, tucked away on winding roads lined by jagged mountain peaks. Gmunden is on the train network and is just 15 minutes from Attnang-Puchheim, a town that is on the railway line from both Vienna and Salzburg. Salzburg W.A. Mozart International is the closest airport and the aerial gateway for exploring the destinations in Salzkammergut.
Gmunden is famous for its ceramics and continues to manufacture traditional plates, jugs and cups. It’s widely available in tourist shops along the shore while there’s also a large ceramic factory producing this Gmundner Keramik branded pottery. Visitors can tour the factory and discover why this particular pottery is so distinctive.