Tourism In Gmunden
In the center of Austria is the municipality of Gmunden.The area is well-known for its opulent spa resorts and the neighboring stunning lake.The location is northwest of Lake Traunsee, 75 kilometers from Linz.Raising sharply from the city core, the magnificent Alps significantly add to the city’s special scenic appeal. This city provides many of chances for leisure and tourist in addition to its well-known stunning sights.
Tourism In Gmunden - Statistics
| Year | Nights spent | Arrivals | Tourism consumption expenditure | Tourism value added | Tourism employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1,246,000 | 333,000 | 37.9 billion euros | 30.3 billion euros | 8.3 % |
| 2020 | 1,021,000 | 271,000 | 21.3 billion euros | 17.0 billion euros | 5.6 % |
| 2021 | 1,089,000 | 289,000 | 20.8 billion euros | 16.6 billion euros | 5.5 % |
The COVID-19 epidemic seriously affected Gmunden, Austria, tourism. Key measures include the number of nights spent, arrivals, expenditure on tourist consumption, tourism value contributed, and employment in the industry all significantly declined between 2019 and 2020. As opposed to 2020, the tourist industry did somewhat better in 2021. The numbers for tourists, while somewhat up, were still below the levels observed prior to the epidemic in 2019. As to the table, domestic tourists are the main source of tourism in Gmunden, Austria. Domestic tourists will make up 75% of the nights spent and 82% of the arrivals in 2021. For Gmunden, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands are its main overseas markets.
Tourism In Gmunden - Highlights
Gmunden is a stunning town located on the northern shore of Lake Traunsee, within the picturesque Salzkammergut region of Upper Austria. The place boasts a vibrant history and culture, along with a plethora of attractions and activities that visitors can indulge in. Gmunden, with its approximately 13,000 inhabitants, may be a small town, but it exudes a great deal of charm and character. The town is renowned for its picturesque setting by the lake, its rich collection of historic buildings and monuments, and its thriving ceramic industry. The first documented mention of Gmunden dates back to 1186, marking its emergence as a significant trading hub during the Middle Ages. Additionally, it served as a summer retreat for the Austrian nobility and functioned as a military base during the Napoleonic Wars. Gmunden is currently a highly sought-after tourist destination and renowned health resort, providing visitors with a wide range of brine and salt treatments.
History and Heritage
Rich and varied in history, Gmunden’s architecture and culture reflect this. You may tour the following historical sites in Gmunden:
- Seeschloss Ort: Seeschloss Ort is a castle situated on a little lake island that is crossed by a wooden bridge to the mainland. It was possessed by several aristocratic families and religious groups from the eleventh century. It serves as a museum and a location for cultural activities these days. The castle offers a perspective of the mountains and the lake as well.
- Gmunden Town Hall: A clock tower and vibrant facade characterize this Renaissance structure. Ever since its construction in the sixteenth century, the municipal government has had its headquarters there.A ceramic chime on it also plays music every hour.
- Kösslmühle: Kösslmühle is a brewery and former mill situated in the old town. Being among the oldest structures in Gmunden, it was constructed in the fifteenth century.Showcasing the history and skill of brewing and milling, it is now a museum and cultural hub.
Lake Traunsee
At 24.5 km2 and 191 m deep, this is the biggest and deepest lake in the Salzkammergut region. Encircled by the magnificent Alps, it provides serene surroundings. On the lake, you may go swimming, boating, sailing, fishing, and diving among other water sports.To see the sights and culture of one of the smaller towns surrounding the lake, including Traunkirchen and Ebensee, take a boat.
Water sports aficionados will find heaven at Lake Traunsee, which provides a range of facilities and activities to suit all abilities. The lake’s crystal-clear, cool water is perfect for swimming, boating, sailing, fishing and diving. Along with taking classes from the neighborhood clubs and schools, you may rent equipment. Among the water activities you may attempt on the lake are:
- Sailing: Take in the scenery and the fauna while sailing on the lake with the breeze and the waves. Joining a sailing course or tour, renting a sailboat or a catamaran are other options.You may also take part in sailing events and contests such the Dragon Gold Cup and Traunsee Week.
- Boating: You may use a motorboat, a rowboat, a pedal boat or a canoe to boat on the lake. Either a guided tour or your own speed of exploration of the lake is available.To view the sites and cultures of one of the other towns on the lake, including Traunkirchen and Ebensee, take a ferry.
- Fishing: Fishing on the lake is possible with a spear, a net, or a rod. Fish of several kinds may be caught, including carp, perch, trout and pike. A tour or fishing club are other options where you may pick the brains of the locals. Either prepare the fish yourself or savour it at one of the lakeside eateries.
- Diving: Scuba diving, snorkeling, or freediving are all possible on the lake. You may view the wrecks, the rock formations, the vegetation and animals, and the underwater life of the lake. Joining a diving school or trip is another way to get certified or advance your abilities. Diving contests and events include the Traunsee Diving Trophy and Festival.
Hiking Trails
With the Alps all around it, Gmunden has a wealth of hiking routes to suit all abilities and tastes. Enjoying the scenery and the views, you may trek on the hills, meadows, woods, and mountains. On route, you may also stop at a few of the sites and monuments, including museums, cathedrals, and castles. Try these hiking routes in Gmunden:
- Traunstein: With a height of 1,691 meters, Traunstein is the tallest peak on the eastern bank of Lake. A breathtaking vista of the lake and the surrounding area is the reward for the difficult walk. Among the many paths available are the Naturfreundesteig, the Mairalmsteig, and the Hernlersteig. The Gmundner Hütte and the Naturfreundehaus are two of the mountainside huts where you may stay.
- Laudachsee: Laudachsee is a little, 0.1 km2 lake located near the eastern side of the Traunstein. Though it is a quiet and serene walk, there are some breathtaking views and musings. Hikers can go around the lake or go on to the nearby mountain, Grünberg. Along with lounging on the grassy banks, you may fish or swim in the lake.
- Grünberg: Rising to a height of 984 metres, this mountain is on the eastern side of the lake. Along with being a family-friendly and simple trek, it provides some breathtaking views of the town and lake. One can use a cable car or trek up the mountain. Other mountainside attractions include the summer toboggan run Sommerrodelbahn and the Baumwipfelpfad, a treetop stroll.
Cycling Tours
With so many bicycle routes available to suit all skill levels and tastes, Gmunden is an excellent spot to ride. Enjoying the scenery and the culture, you may ride on roads, walks, trails, and tracks. On route, you may also stop at a few of the sites and monuments, including museums, cathedrals, and castles. You could attempt the following bicycle trips in Gmunden:
- Traunsee Tour: Measuring 71 kilometers, this is a round trip around the lake. While being a moderate trip, it provides a great deal of variation. To enjoy the sights and culture of the cities and villages around the lake, like Gmunden, Traunkirchen, Ebensee, and Altmünster, ride through them. Cycling around the lake’s edge offers a different perspective on the mountains and the water.
- Salzkammergut Tour: 345 miles long, the Salzkammergut Tour travels over the Salzkammergut area. Though demanding, the excursion provides a wealth of historical and scenic material. The Wolfgangsee, Mondsee, Attersee, and Dachstein are just a few of the lakes and mountains in the area where you may ride. Through the region’s towns and cities, like Bad Ischl, Hallstatt, Bad Aussee, and Salzburg, you may also cycle to experience their sights and customs.
- Gmunden Tour: This ten kilometer circuit winds through the town of Gmunden. While being a family-friendly and simple tour, it is yet rather charming and unique. Gmunden is an old town where you can cycle to explore its historic structures and monuments, including the mill, the castle, and the town hall. Cycling around the lake’s esplanade offers a different perspective of the island and the sea.
Cultural Experiences
With roots in the 17th century, Gmunden is well-known for its ceramic industry. The town hall, the castle, and the cathedrals are only a few of the locations in Gmunden where you may view the ceramic goods and artworks. Additionally, you may study about the background and methods of ceramic manufacture by seeing some of the ceramic workshops and museums, including the Gmundner Keramik Manufaktur and the Keramikmuseum. Some ceramic mementos and presents, including the classic hand-painted Gmundner Keramik, are also available for purchase.
Gmunden presents a lot of cultural events all year long that highlight the inventiveness and brilliance of both local and international artists. Among the many artistic and entertaining mediums available are music, theater, dance, literature, and movies. Among the cultural activities of Gmunden are:
- Gmunden Festival: July and August sees the Gmunden event, a classical music event. Together with masterclasses and workshops, it includes performances by well-known orchestras, soloists, and ensembles. Gmunden’s town hall, churches, and castle are among the places where the event is hosted.
- Music and Arts Events: These events honor the variety and caliber of the arts in Gmunden and beyond. They comprise readings, talks, performances, exhibits, and concerts. You may take in the Jazz Festival, the Blues Festival, the Art Advent, and the Literature Days among other music and artistic events in Gmunden.
- Seasonal Celebrations: These are the celebrations in Gmunden that commemorate the change of the seasons. They comprise fireworks, fairs, marketplaces, and parades. Gmunden has a number of seasonal events, including the Carnival, Easter Market, Christmas Market, and New Year’s Eve.
Local Traditions
Numerous local customs in Gmunden represent its history and personality. Among the customs and ceremonies particular to Gmunden are those you may observe and take part in:
- Traunsee Boatmen: These are the folks that run the Plätten, the wooden boats on the lake. They narrate stories, sing folk tunes, and dress in traditional headgear and costumes. Riding a Plätte will let you to enjoy the lake’s beauty and past.
- Gmunden Shooting Club: This organization protects and encourages Gmunden’s shooting heritage. A museum and a shooting range are features of this 1625-founded site. See the antique weaponry and medals at the museum. The shooting contests and events, including the Emperor’s and King’s Shooting, are also open to spectators.
- Gmunden Tracht: The Gmunden traditional costume is worn by males in a white shirt, green vest, black jacket, red scarf, black hat, and leather belt; ladies wear a white blouse, green skirt, black apron, red scarf, black hat, and silver necklace. On large events like weddings, festivals, and parades, you can see individuals donning the Tracht. The Tracht can be purchased or rented and worn by you personally.
Dining and Cuisine
Delicious and varied food is a product of Gmunden’s topography, climate, and culture. The following are some methods to sample Gmunden cuisine:
Numerous neighborhood eateries in Gmunden provide a variety of cuisines, from regional to international, traditional to contemporary. Along with the view of the town and lake, you may savor the cuisine and the atmosphere of the restaurants. You could sample the following local eateries in Gmunden:
- Seegasthof Hois’n Wirt: Situated next to the castle on the western edge of the lake is the Seegasthof Hois’n Wirt restaurant. Fresh fish and seafood are the mainstays of the Mediterranean and Austrian food it offers. Either the patio with its view of the lake or the comfortable dining room are good places to eat.
- Landhotel Grünberg am See: Near the cable car station, on the eastern side of the lake, lies the Landhotel Grünberg am See. It offers foreign and Austrian food, emphasizing locally grown and in season items. You may eat in the sophisticated dining room or on the balcony overlooking the mountains and lake.
- Restaurant Schloss Orth: Within the castle, on the island in the lake, lies the restaurant Schloss Orth. It specializes in inventive and elegant Austrian and European food. Either the terrace with its magnificent vista of the town and lake or the traditional dining room are available for meals.
Traditional Dishes
Numerous traditional foods in Gmunden are a reflection of its culture and history. You could sample a few of the local specialties and favorites in Gmunden, such:
- Traunsee Fish Soup: Fish from the lake, like trout, pike, perch, and carp, are used to make Traunsee Fish Soup. Serving it with bread, it is seasoned with wine, herbs, and spices. A lake speciality, it is a filling and tasty meal.
- Gmundner Roast Pork: This recipe calls for roasting pork loin in the oven after marinating it in beer, garlic and herbs. Gravy, sauerkraut and potato dumplings are served alongside it. A local speciality, it is a delicious and delicate meal.
- Salzkammergut Cake: Cake with layers of sponge cake, apricot jam, and chocolate cream is called Salzkammergut Cake. It has a chocolate coating covering it, and cherries and almonds are arranged decorations. A local speciality, it is a rich, sweet dessert.
Culinary Tours
Numerous gastronomic excursions are available in Gmunden to let you discover and savour the local and international food. Among the trips led and arranged by local specialists are those that you might join:
- Salzkammergut Culinary Tour: This journey transports you to the Salzkammergut area so you may sample the food and specialties of some of the towns and cities, including Bad Ischl, Hallstatt, Bad Aussee, and Salzburg. Among the sights and sites you may see are the ice caves, the salt mines, and the birthplace of Mozart.
- Traunsee Culinary Tour: Traveling around the lake, the Traunsee Culinary Tour allows you to see and sample the food and specialties of several cities and villages, including Gmunden, Traunkirchen, Ebensee, and Altmünster. A number of the sites and monuments, including the museums, cathedrals, and castles, are well worth seeing.
- Gmunden Culinary Tour: This trip takes you throughout the town of Gmunden so you may sample the specialties and food of some of the cafés and restaurants. Other sites and features include the mill, the castle, and the town hall.
Events and Festivals
Throughout the year, Gmunden organizes a number of festivals and events honoring both regional and global culture and inventiveness. Fun and amusement come in many forms, including sports, music, art, and fireworks. Among the occasions and celebrations in Gmunden are:
- Gmunden Festival: July and August sees the Gmunden event, a classical music event. Together with masterclasses and workshops, it includes performances by well-known orchestras, soloists, and ensembles. Gmunden’s town hall, churches, and castle are among the places where the event is hosted.
- Music and Arts Events: These events honor the variety and caliber of the arts in Gmunden and beyond. They comprise readings, talks, performances, exhibits, and concerts. You may take in the Jazz Festival, the Blues Festival, the Art Advent, and the Literature Days among other music and artistic events in Gmunden.
- Seasonal Celebrations: These are the celebrations in Gmunden that commemorate the change of the seasons. They comprise fireworks, fairs, marketplaces, and parades. Gmunden has a number of seasonal events, including the Carnival, Easter Market, Christmas Market, and New Year’s Eve.
Travel Information
For the convenience and comfort of its guests, Gmunden offers a range of travel services and information. You can locate helpful advice and information including:
- Transportation Options: Train, bus, vehicle, and bicycle are just a few of the many ways that Gmunden is well-connected. Gmunden is conveniently accessible from neighboring Austrian and European towns and cities like Salzburg, Vienna, Munich, and Zurich. Using the public transit, taxis, or rental bikes, you may also get around Gmunden and the lake.
- Maps and Directions: To assist guests in getting about and seeing the town and the surrounding area, Gmunden provides a variety of maps and instructions. Online at Gmunden’s official website, maps and instructions are available, as are offline at the tourist information center, lodging facilities, and attractions. To discover your journey and your destination, you may also use the GPS or the smartphone applications.
- Parking Information: To facilitate and secure guests’ driving and parking, Gmunden offers a range of parking facilities. Around the lake, close to the attractions, and in the town center are parking lots and garages. Parking information and costs are also available offline at the parking signs, meters, or machines or online at the Gmunden official website.
Accommodation
- Numerous hotels and resorts in Gmunden provide a variety of facilities and services, from historic to modern, from modest to opulent. The town and the lake, together with the comfort and convenience of the hotels and resorts, are all yours to enjoy. Gmunden has the following hotels and resorts where you may stay:
- Seehotel Schwan: Situated next to town hall on the lake’s esplanade is this four-star hotel. With a view of the castle and the lake, it provides tasteful rooms and apartments. It also has a meeting room, a spa, a bar and a restaurant.
- Landhotel Grünberg am See: On the eastern edge of the lake, next to the cable car station, sits the four-star Landhotel Grünberg am See. With a broad perspective of the mountains and the lake, it provides roomy apartments. It also has a playground, a deck, a cafe and a restaurant.
- Hotel Esplanade: Three-star Hotel Esplanade is located next to the castle on the lake’s esplanade. Cozy apartments and flats with views of the town and the lake are available. The hotel has a lawn, a lounge, and a breakfast area as well.
- Bed and Breakfasts: Gmunden is home to several bed and breakfast establishments that provide a warm and welcoming environment together with individualized service. You may savor the breakfast and snacks together with the friendliness and charm of the bed and breakfasts. Some of the Gmunden bed and breakfasts are:
- Gasthof Engelhof: Bed and breakfast Gasthof Engelhof is located close to the castle on the western side of the lake. There are apartments and rustic rooms available, all with views of the garden and lake. Along with a terrace, it has a bar and restaurant.
- Pension Traunseeblick: Nestled close to the cable car station on the eastern side of the lake lies Pension Traunseeblick. Modern apartments and rooms overlooking the mountains and lake are available. Along with a lounge and patio, it has a breakfast room.
- Pension Seegarten: Situated next to the pottery museum on the southern edge of the lake, this bed and breakfast. There are comfortable flats and rooms with views of the meadow and the lake. A garden, pier, and breakfast room are all included.
- Vacation Rentals: Gmunden boasts a large number of holiday rentals that provide a private and adaptable area together with a fully furnished and self-catering facility. Apart from the location and design, you may also appreciate the freedom and convenience of the holiday rentals. Among the holiday homes in Gmunden are:
- Ferienwohnung Sailer: Ferienwohnung Sailer is a holiday home next to the castle on the western side of the lake. It provides a roomy, chic apartment overlooking the town and the lake. Additionally included are a kitchen, living room, bathroom, and balcony.
- Ferienwohnung Grünbergblick: Ferienwohnung Grünbergblick is a holiday house next to the cable car station on the eastern side of the lake. Offering a comfortable and contemporary apartment with a view of the mountains and the lake. A kitchen, living room, bathroom, and patio are other features.
- Ferienwohnung Seeblick: Situated next to the pottery museum on the southern edge of the lake, this is a holiday rental. It provides a cosy, rustic apartment with a view of the meadow and the lake. A kitchen, living room, bathroom, and garden are other included.
Local Services
For guests, Gmunden provides a range of local services to guarantee their comfort and convenience in addition to their health and safety. Locating and using the local services in Gmunden includes:
- Healthcare Facilities: Should a tourist get ill or injured, Gmunden offers a number of healthcare institutions that offer medical attention and support. In Gmunden, you may locate and go to the hospital, clinic, pharmacy, and dentist. In an emergency, dial 112 as well.
- Emergency Services: Should tourists be in danger or in difficulty, Gmunden has a number of emergency services that offer assistance and safety. In Gmunden, you may locate and make contact with the police, fire department, ambulance, and mountain rescue. In an emergency, dial 112 as well.
- Banks and ATMs: Gmunden offers guests financial services and transactions like money exchange, depositing, and withdrawal through a number of banks and ATMs. In Gmunden, you may locate and use banks and ATMs that take a variety of cards and currencies. Convenient and safe payments are also possible with the mobile applications and internet banking.
- Community Engagement: Gmunden promotes and supports visitor community involvement in order to promote social and environmental responsibility as well as cultural and educational interchange. Participation in and contribution to Gmunden’s community involvement is possible through:
- Community Programs: Gmunden has a number of community programs that provide chances and activities for tourists to engage and work with the locals and organizations as well as to acquire and impart their knowledge and abilities. Among the community activities offered in Gmunden are environmental education, cultural exchange, and language exchange.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Gmunden provides tourists with possibilities and duties to assist and support the local causes and initiatives as well as to have a significant and beneficial influence. In Gmunden, you may apply to volunteer in the social welfare, animal welfare, and historical conservation programs.
- Education and Institutions: Gmunden offers tourists a number of educational and research institutions to further and improve their academic and professional development as well as their personal and cultural development. The following schools and organizations are available to you in Gmunden:
- Educational Facilities: Gmunden offers several educational institutions that provide courses and programs to tourists in order to enhance and broaden their knowledge and abilities in a variety of subjects. Enrollment is available at the language, art, and music schools in Gmunden.
- Cultural Institutes: Gmunden is home to a number of cultural institutions that provide activities and materials to help guests learn about and enjoy the history and culture of Gmunden and the surrounding area. Among the cultural institutions of Gmunden are the library, museum, and gallery.
Shopping and Markets
Several retail centres and marketplaces in Gmunden provide tourists with goods and services to meet and fulfill their likes and preferences as well as their requirements and wishes. Shopping and market browsing are available in Gmunden at places like:
- Local Markets: Gmunden offers a number of neighborhood markets where one may buy fresh, regional goods and specialties like cheese, bread, fruits, vegetables, and seafood. The farmers’ market, the flea market and the artisan market are just a few of the days and places where you may shop and sample the local markets in Gmunden.
- Souvenir Shops: Chocolates, woodcarvings, paintings, and pottery are just a few of the unusual and unforgettable gifts and mementos available in Gmunden. There are gift stores in Gmunden, which are spread out around the old town, the castle, and the ceramic museum.
- Boutique Stores: Gmunden is home to a number of boutique boutiques that provide chic and current apparel as well as accessories including jewelry, purses, shoes and dresses. Gmunden has boutique shops that are spread out throughout the town hall, cable car station, and esplanade.
