Grundlsee
In Austria’s stunning Styrian Salzkammergut region lies the village of Grundlsee. It is located in the 152.23 km² Liezen district. Inhabitants number 1,156. The town is well-known for its stunning landscape, fascinating history, and entertaining outdoor activities. 97 meters deep Grundlsee lake, formed during the Ice Age, is directly next to the municipality of Grundlsee. From the Old High German word “grundl,” which meaning “deep,” the lake got its name.
Interesting history: Illyrians lived in the area surrounding Grundlsee before the Romans arrived. Over their stay, they constructed a road around the lake and a stop known as “Ad Aquas”. Salt trading was crucial during the Middle Ages. Crossing the Grundlsee and Toplitzsee to the Traun river, salt was transported. Riches from this trade transformed Ausseerland’s culture and customs, especially the traditional attire worn by salt workers.
The salt trade declined in the 19th century, but Ausseerland’s reputation as a tourist destination drew affluent and artistic visitors. Renowned individuals who enjoyed the lake’s beauty and the friendly locals included Friedrich Nietzsche, Franz Schubert, Empress Elisabeth, and Archduke Johann.
Though there are many of modern tourist attractions and activities, Grundlsee manages to preserve its history and culture. Section of it is the Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also a part of the network of Alpine Pearls, which encourages environmentally sustainable travel in the Alps.
The largest lake in Styria, Grundlsee lies between the town and the Totes Gebirge mountain range. The lake is greenish-blue in colour because of the pebbles and algae in the water. Swimming and other water sports are well suited to the crystal-clear water. Outdoor pursuits including skiing, climbing, riding, and hiking are beautifully framed by the surrounding lakes, mountains, and forests.
Five communities make up Grundlsee, the biggest town being located on the western side of the lake. Churches, museums, events, and other cultural and historical landmarks abound in the town. The Pfarrkirche Grundlsee is a stunning parish church from the fourteenth century, and you can read about the area’s history at the Heimatmuseum Grundlsee. The town embraces its folk culture as well. Annually, traditional dance, music, and clothing are displayed during Narzissenfest.
For guests to Grundlsee who wish to unwind and savour fine cuisine, there are hotel and restaurant spas and regional cuisine. A couple of hotels with spas are the Seehotel Grundlsee and the MONDI Hotel am Grundlsee. Numerous bars and restaurants serve typical Austrian cuisine.
Whether one is interested in sports, history, culture, environment, or cuisine, Grundlsee provides something for everyone. It’s the ideal spot for unwinding and having a fantastic holiday in the Austrian countryside, a hidden treasure.
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Geography Of Grundlsee
Grundlsee is a settlement in Styria’s Salzkammergut district. Situated 732 meters above sea level on the southernmost point of the Totes Gebirge. Five settlements comprise the community, which is arranged along a long valley beside the Grundlsee. Three sides reveal views of the Dead Mountains’ foothills. Numerous peaks in the region include Hundskogel, Backenstein, Reichenstein, Elm, Große Hochkasten, Weiße Wall, Turkenkogel, and Röthelstein. At 2389 metres, the highest point delineates the border with Upper Austria.
The 4.22 km2 Grundlsee lake in Styria receives its water from the Grundlseer Raun. It receives water from Stimitz, Zimitzbach, Toplitz, and the drainage stream of the Toplitzsees area. Dreibrüdersee, Elmsee, Henarsee, Kammersee, Lahngangseen and the Traun source—from whence the water from the Traun originates—are a few of the lakes in the municipality.
Majorly composed of limestone and dolomite, the Dead Mountains surrounding Grundlsee originated in seas during the Mesozoic era, particularly in the Triassic and Jurassic periods. Surrounding the township are various villages and towns like Upper Austria, Bad Aussee, Altaussee, and Bad Mitterndorf.
Weather & Climate In Grundlsee
At Grundlsee, which has a humid continental climate, there are four seasons. It is 4.6 °C (40.3 °F) on average year-round; summers are warm and winters are frigid. Every year, the town receives 1769 mm (69.6 inches) on average of rain and snowfall, which mostly falls from November to April. Wintertime sees the lake ice over.
Junie to September are the ideal months to visit Grundlsee. Nice weather and excellent swimming and fishing conditions abound on the lake. The temperature in the spring gradually increases from -1°C in March to 10°C in May, and there is a 97 mm to 161 mm fall of rain. 9 km/h is the not too rapid wind speed, and 77% to 83% of the air is humid.
It receives 15°C in June, 17°C in July, and 16°C in August, making summer the hottest and sunniest season. Between 199 and 206 mm of rain fall during this, the wettest period of the year. There is moderate wind speed of 8 km/h and humidity of 72%–76%.
September’s temperature of 12°C falls to 3°C in November. There is a 79% to 85% humidity range and a 153 mm to 106 mm rain precipitation. Ten kilometers per hour is an average speed of wind.
Wintertime averages are -2°C in December, -4°C in January, and -3°C in February. It is also the season of the most snowfall. Between 75 and 64 mm of rain fall throughout this season. There is an average 12 km/h wind speed and between 86% and 88% of the air is humid.
Demographics Of Grundlsee
1,199 people live in the little Austrian town of Grundlsee, according to the 2018 census. At 52.6% of the population, there are somewhat more women than men. 96.2% of the population is citizens of Austria. Primarily, Grundlsee adheres to Roman Catholicism. Following are Islam and Protestantism. There is spoken Ausseerisch dialect, a subgroup of Central Bavarian dialect group, even though German is the official language.
Grundlsee has a little population that is decreasing. 3.9% less people live there now than there did in the 2000 census. Population growth rate is lower than that of the state, nation, and area. Grundlsee is predicted to continue losing population. Population decline of 34.2% is predicted by 2100.
Just 8.43 persons per km² live in Grundlsee. Most of the inhabitants reside in five communities around Lake Grundlsee. In Grundlsee, the biggest village, there are 583 residents.
Though there is a tiny population of people from other nations and cultures, the majority of Grundlsee residents are German and Austrian. Though many also speak English, Slovene, Croatian, Hungarian, and other languages, German is the primary language of the town.
Economy Of Grundlsee
There are jobs in tourism, agriculture, industry, and services among other sectors of Grundlsee’s diverse and dynamic economy. At over 70% of the city’s revenue and employment, tourism is Grundlsee’s most significant industry. The natural beauty, rich cultural legacy, and entertaining activities in this region draw tourists from all over the world. A well-developed tourist infrastructure in Grundlsee provides lodging, lodgings, dining, retail, and other amenities. Additionally, there exist organizations that strive to enhance the economy and reputation of the location.
In Grundlsee, agriculture accounts for almost 15% of all employment and income, ranking as the second most significant sector. Long ago, a variety of crops and animals were raised in this region. They comprise vegetables, cereals, potatoes, and livestock such as pigs, sheep and cows. Famously excellent farmed product from the region is the Ausseer Seesaibling, a fish that is only found in Grundlsee and is highly prized for its taste and nutritional content. Farmers, cooperatives and associations comprise Grundlsee’s agricultural community. Supporting it are an agricultural museum, a farmers’ market, and a school.
Tourism In Grundlsee
Well-known for its natural beauty, cultural experiences, and plenty of enjoyable activities is the Austrian municipality of Grundlsee. The Tourismusverband Ausseerland Salzkammergut reports that in 2023, 97,462 visitors spent overnight at Grundlsee, 4.2% more than the year before. Just somewhat shorter than the 3.3-night norm for the area, the average length of stay was 3.1 nights. Mainly, visitors to Grundlsee came from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.
A little older than the 44 average age of tourists to the area, Grundlsee’s average visitor age was 46. A rather even distribution of 51% women and 49% men made up the guest list. People went largely to unwind, take in the outdoors, and study about various cultures. Popular pastimes included swimming, fishing, and hiking. Most of the attendees obtained their information from handouts, family and friends, and the internet.
Though Grundlsee offers a variety of year-round attractions and activities, the number of guests varies with the seasons. Springtime brings with it the pleasant weather, the blooms, and outdoor pursuits like cycling, hiking, and golfing. The busiest season is in the summer, when you may fish, boat, swim, and lounge in the sun among the verdant mountains and pleasant lake waters. Hiking, horseback riding, and mushroom picking are all made much more enjoyable in the fall by the vibrant foliage and crisp air. Winter is about pleasant pastimes like sledding, skiing, and snowshoeing within snowy landscape.
Best Time To Visit Grundlsee
Visit Grundlsee in the spring when the temperature is warmer and the flowers are in bloom. Usually between 32° and 59°F, it is humid and rainy a lot of the time. Hike, cycle, fish, and take boat trips even though it’s still too cold to swim in the lake. Besides, spring is a terrific time to buy more of what you want, find lower prices, and avoid crowds.
In the summer, when it’s hot enough to swim and do water sports, Grundlsee is busiest. It doesn’t rain or get too humid; the typical temperature is between 52°F and 88°F. Particularly in July and August when the temperature is 70°F, a lot of people visit the lake. Music festivals and other cultural events are also held in neighboring towns. But you have to book in advance because summer is the most expensive and crowded time to visit.
Fall is also a terrific season to visit Grundlsee because of the warm weather and vibrant leaves. It usually rains and is rather humid, with temperatures ranging from 36°F to 79°F. September finds the lake warm enough for swimming. But October and November bring with them a slow but steady cooling off period. One may go horseback riding, biking, and hiking in the neighboring mountains and woods. It is less crowded, and the quantity and prices are better in the fall.
Grundlsee becomes quite chilly and snowy in the winter, therefore you should stay away from it then. Usually between 14°F to 39°F, it is quite humid and rainy. Sledding, trekking, and ice skating are among the activities that can be done on the frozen lake but not swimming or water sports. All ability levels of skiers and snowboarders can find slopes nearby at ski resorts. Less tourists and more opportunities to learn about and experience the local customs make winter a great time to visit.
How To Get In Grundlsee
Visitors to Grundlsee might be better off starting at Salzburg Airport, which is about 65 kilometers away. Among other major European cities, London, Paris, Munich, and Vienna are easily accessible from this transportation hub. Beautiful sights and a comfortable train ride to Bad Aussee abound. That costs about twenty euros and takes around two hours. Renting a car or hailing a taxi from the airport will expedite your travel. About €100 will be required and it will take around an hour.
Travelling is simple and safe because to the faultless rail network in Grundlsee that links the largest towns in Austria. To Bad Aussee, take a rail from Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, or Linz. Four hours pass during the approximately €70 journey. It takes just fifteen minutes to get to Grundlsee if you get off the bus or taxi at Bad Aussee. That comes to roughly €10.
Bus connections from Grundlsee to numerous Austrian towns and neighboring countries are excellent; these include Ljubljana, Prague, Munich, and Zurich. A two-hour bus ride to Liezen from Graz, the vibrant city of Styria, will set you back about €15. After that, it takes thirty minutes by bus or taxi—roughly €20—to get to the stunning beauty of Grundlsee.
Grundlsee is handy to get from the A9 highway and is close to Vienna, Graz, Salzburg, and Munich if you wish to enjoy the open road. You can easily travel around by car, and Bad Aussee is well marked. Driving will be enjoyable and scenic, and gas and tolls should run roughly €0.15 per kilometer.
Attractions & Landmarks In Grundlsee
In the Bräuhof area of Grundlsee stands the well-known Grundlsee Parish Church. Building of this Roman Catholic church honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus was done in the neo-Gothic style. Beginning in 1888, the church was built largely with contributions from prominent individuals such Prince Kinsky, Count Kesselstatt, and the Count of Meran. 1952 saw the church separate from the Bad Aussee parish and become independent.
Nestled in the Gößl neighborhood, the Messkapelle Gößl is another exquisite church in Grundlsee. The little church is owned by fourteen farming families who have devoted it to Saint Raphael the Archangel. First opposed because it was believed to be excessively costly, the chapel was constructed between 1819 and 1820. It was, nevertheless, granted independence from the Bad Aussee parish in 1952. A 1663-built Renaissance altar from Bad Aussee and more contemporary pieces of art, including a sculpture by Hans Mayerl and a painting by Maria Mautner-Kalbeck, are on display inside the chapel.
Originally a stable, the Kaiserlicher Stall in Mosern, Grundlsee, dates back to the “Imperial High Forest era.” Initially, hay was stored and cows were housed there. Woodcutters used it later to store their equipment and settle their payments. Grundlsee town acquired the structure in 1987. Different concerts have been held there by the Grundlsee cultural working group since 1992.
Things To Do In Grundlsee
Particularly in the winter, nature lovers and those who enjoy being outside frequent Grundlsee. A lovely winter wonderland is created by the snow on the lake and the surrounding area. In terms of winter activities, Grundlsee offers something for everyone, whether your ideal holiday is adventurous or leisurely.
People that enjoy skiing or snowboarding have two ski areas near to Grundlsee. The greatest number of slopes of any one ski region in Styria is found in Tauplitz. It offers slopes for skiers of all abilities together with stunning vistas and natural snow. Just ten minutes separate the MONDI resort am Grundlsee from the Loser ski resort. Family and novices will find it ideal with its gentle slopes and unobstructed views.
Grundlsee offers many well maintained cross-country ski trails that round the lakes and offer stunning views from the summits. Modern snowmaking equipment guarantees that there is always snow on the 1,500-meter high altitude trail over the Tauplitzalm.
A more leisurely choice than ski trips and family-friendly enjoyment on the slopes is snowshoe trekking. Starting at the MONDI Resort am Grundlsee, you may snowshoe through the Aussee region, which offers peaceful roads and beautiful scenery.
For those of all preferences and ability levels, Grundlsee offers a plethora of entertaining summertime activities. You can paddleboard, swim, and operate boats in the crystal-clear lake. Numerous public beaches and bathing areas are great for picnics, playing, and tanning. Take a boat, kayak, or stand-up paddle board and cruise the lake at your own speed. Popular for fishing, Grundlsee offers trout, pike, perch, and carp.
Nightlife in Grundlsee
Popular option is the four-star Seehotel Grundlsee. Along with a restaurant overlooking the lake and mountains, it offers lovely rooms and a spa. A small bar with refreshments and nibbles is also available at the hotel, and occasionally live music is performed.
When it comes to having a livelier evening, many choose the American Bar in Liezen. Many beverage options, a dance floor, a DJ booth, and live bands and artists are features of these bars and clubs. Among other events, they organized comedy shows, singing evenings, and themed parties.
Still another option is the Hades Bar Lounge in Bad Goisern. Comfortable seats, a selection of beverages, and a modern and chic atmosphere characterize it. The lounge features dart board, pool table, and jukebox. Frequently, there is also live music and DJ sets.
If you’re up for a little more effort, Schladming’s well-known Cult Club features a VIP section, two levels of various music, and a bar. They organize unusual occasions as well, such theme parties and concerts.
Accommodations & Hotels In Grundlsee
A four-star hotel with many of facilities to guarantee a restful stay is the Narzissen Vital Resort Bad Aussee. With its wellness area offering expansive views of the mountains and lake, you may relax in the sauna, steam bath, indoor and outdoor pools, or with a variety of spa treatments and massages. In addition, the hotel offers contemporary, roomy accommodations with tasteful oak furnishings, flat-screen cable TVs, minibars and private bathrooms. For you to take in the breathtaking surrounds, some rooms even have balconies or terraces.
A further choice is the 4-star Seehotel Grundlsee, which is located right on the lake. This hotel has a private beach area where you may unwind and enjoy the sun together with amazing views. Wooden furnishings, flat-screen cable TVs, sitting areas, and private bathrooms are features of the warm and airy rooms. A few rooms include patios or balconies with views of the lake as well. Traditional Austrian food is served in the hotel’s restaurant, and drinks and nibbles are available in the bar.
Ferienhaus Archkogl is a six-guest holiday house if you would rather have a more sedate and autonomous stay. You’ll have every convenience of home with its three bedrooms, living room, fully furnished kitchen, and terrace overlooking the mountains. A garden, BBQ area, sauna, and free private parking are among amenities of the vacation house. You will have easy access to the nearby sights and activities being only a few kilometers from Grundlsee and Kulm.
Grundlsee - Info Card
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Grundlsee is a municipality in the Liezen District of Styria, Austria. It is located in the Ausseerland region of the Salzkammergut, at the foot of the Dead Mountains. |
| Elevation | The average elevation of Grundlsee is 732 m above sea level. |
| Population | The population of Grundlsee was 1,199 as of January 1, 2018. |
| Tourism office | The tourism office of Grundlsee is located at Mosern 146, 8993 Grundlsee. The phone number is +43 3622 86044 and the email address is info@grundlsee.at. |
| Postal code | The postal code of Grundlsee is 8993. |
| Phone prefix | The phone prefix of Grundlsee is +43 3622. |
| Area | The area of Grundlsee is 152.23 km², of which 75% are alpine wastelands. |
| Established | The first mention of Grundlsee dates back to 1180, when it was called Gruntelsee. |
| GDP | The GDP of Grundlsee is not available, but the GDP per capita of Styria was 36,900 euros in 2019. |
| Language | The official language of Grundlsee is German, but the local dialect is Ausseerisch, a variant of the Upper Austrian dialect. |
| License plate | The license plate of Grundlsee is LI, which stands for Liezen District. |
| Districts & Neighborhoods | Grundlsee consists of five villages: Archkogl, Bräuhof, Gößl, Mosern and Untertressen. |
| Weather & Climate | Grundlsee has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. The average annual temperature is 7.3 °C and the average annual precipitation is 1,467 mm. The warmest month is July with an average temperature of 16.6 °C and the coldest month is January with an average temperature of -2.5 °C. |
| Best Time To Visit | Whatever you wish to accomplish in Grundlsee will determine when you should visit. June through August are ideal months for swimming, camping, and bicycling because of the pleasant, bright weather. There is a lot of snow and stunning landscape throughout the winter months of December through February, which are ideal for skiing, sledding and ice skating. You may also visit to explore sights, attend cultural events, or simply relax in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November), when there are less people and more vibrant scenery. |
| Attractions & Landmarks | People can visit a lot of fascinating attractions and locations in Grundlsee. Among the well-known is the Grundlsee lake. Being the biggest lake in Styria, it is well-liked for water sports, boating, and fishing. Toplitzsee is an odd lake connected to the Nazi regime and said to have a hidden treasure. Largest and youngest lake in Ausseerland is Kammersee. Furthermore, the Traun River originates there. Beautiful Zimitz waterfall plunges 90 metres into Grundlsee lake. Life-sized wooden Madonna and a Baroque altar are features of the Gothic Grundlsee parish church. One can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and the Grundlsee lake from the Gößler Wall, a rock formation. Every three years, in May or June, there is the customary flower festival called Narzissenfest. Floats decked with narcissus flowers are paraded. |
