Lake Grundlsee

Lake Grundlsee is the largest lake in Styria, Austria, and a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It is located in the Ausseerland region, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Dead Mountains.

The lake covers an area of 4.22 km² and has a maximum depth of 103 meters. It is fed by several streams, including the Toplitz, which drains the nearby Toplitzsee, a mysterious lake that is rumored to hide Nazi treasures and secrets. The lake’s outlet is the Grundlseer Traun, one of the three source rivers of the Traun, which flows into the Danube.

Lake Grundlsee is situated in the municipality of Grundlsee, which consists of five villages: Bräuhof, Gößl, Archkogl, Mosern, and Untertressen. The municipality has a population of about 1,200 and belongs to the district of Liezen in the state of Styria. The local dialect is Ausseerisch, a variant of the Bavarian language that reflects the historical and cultural ties with the neighboring Salzkammergut region.

The history of Lake Grundlsee and its surroundings dates back to the prehistoric times, when the area was inhabited by the Illyrians and the Celts. Later, the Romans established a road network and a salt trade that connected the region with the rest of the empire. In the Middle Ages, the lake was part of the Duchy of Styria and the Principality of Salzburg, and was influenced by the mining and salt industries. In the 19th century, the lake became a popular destination for the aristocracy and the artists, who were attracted by its natural beauty and cultural charm. Today, the lake is a protected area and a tourist attraction that preserves its traditional and authentic character.

Lake Grundlsee offers a variety of activities for all seasons and tastes. In the summer, you can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, diving, or sunbathing on the lake’s shores. You can also explore the lake’s islands, such as the romantic Kammerinsel, or take a boat trip to the Toplitzsee, where you can visit the historic Fischerhütte and the Kammersee, the smallest and deepest lake in Austria. If you are feeling adventurous, you can hike, bike, or climb the surrounding mountains, such as the Elm, the Hochkasten, or the Röthelstein, and admire the stunning views of the lake and the valley. You can also visit the nearby attractions, such as the Altaussee salt mine, the Loser ski resort, or the Styrian Heimatwerk, a museum and shop that showcases the local handicrafts and costumes.

In the winter, you can experience the magic of the lake under the snow and ice. You can ski, snowboard, or cross-country ski on the slopes and trails of the Loser or the Tauplitz. You can also try ice skating, curling, or sledding on the frozen lake or the nearby meadows. You can also join the traditional events, such as the Krampuslauf, the Perchtenlauf, or the Glöcklerlauf, which feature colorful costumes, masks, and bells that ward off the evil spirits of the winter.

Lake Grundlsee is not only a place of nature and adventure, but also a place of culture and tradition. You can discover the rich heritage and the customs of the Ausseerland by visiting the local museums, churches, and monuments. You can also enjoy the music, the literature, and the art of the region, which have inspired many famous artists, such as Gustav Mahler, Hugo von Hofmannsthal, or Friedrich Torberg. You can also taste the delicious cuisine and the specialties of the lake, such as the Reinanke, a freshwater fish that is served with potatoes and parsley, or the Ausseer Krapfen, a pastry filled with jam or cheese.

Lake Grundlsee is a jewel of the Styrian Salzkammergut that invites you to discover its beauty, its diversity, and its charm. It is a lake that will enchant you with its stories, its legends, and its secrets.