Perched at the western end of Grundlsee Lake, Grundlsee is a picturesque town in the Austrian state of Styria. In the summer months, it’s a popular destination for lake swimming, hiking and fishing while in the winter, it transforms into a snowy wonderland for skiing and sledding.
Things to do in Grundlsee
Grundlsee is an ideal base for enjoying the recreational pursuits of Grundlsee Lake, which is the largest body of water in Styria. There are numerous beaches where you can take a dip, as well as a recreational area with a water slide and children’s play equipment. You can rent a kayak to explore the lake at your leisure or descend into the crystal clear waters during a scuba diving trip.
If you’re visiting in the winter months, head to the Sportzentrum Grundlsee, which offers four different ski slopes across its 13 hectares. It offers magnificent views across the Grundlsee below and towards the Totes Gebirge mountain range in the distance. In addition to offering night skiing, the Sportzentrum Grundlsee has dedicated children’s skiing and sledding areas.
One of the most magnificent architectural attractions in Grundlsee is Villa Castiglioni, which was constructed by Dr. Franz Ritter von Winniwarter in 1881. It is named after the Italian-Austrian industrialist Camillo Castiglioni who later bought the villa and expanded it into the fairytale-like residence seen today. A highlight of the villa is its Renaissance doors and it’s famed for housing Adolf Hitler’s personal library during World War II.
Getting around Grundlsee
Grundlsee is a five-minute drive from Bad Aussee and just over an hour from Salzburg. Salzburg Airport is 1.5 hours away and has flights to destinations across Europe. Buses connect Grundlsee to towns and villages in the surrounding region and also travel along the northern shore of Grundlsee Lake.