10 Things to Do in Gmunden for a Relaxing Lake Trip

Austrian Veganderlust contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. For more info, see the Disclosure Policy.

Gmunden isn’t a place you visit to rush from one attraction to the next. And honestly, that’s exactly what I liked about it.

Sitting right on the shore of beautiful Lake Traunsee, this small Austrian town is perfect for a slower day of strolling along the waterfront, wandering through the old town, cooling off in the lake, and buying some unique ceramics.

I’ve visited Gmunden in both summer and autumn, and my favourite moments were often the simplest ones, like finding a quiet spot to swim or sitting by the lake with views of the surrounding mountains.

In this guide, I’ll share my favourite things to do in Gmunden, which paid attractions I think are actually worth your money, and a few practical tips for planning your visit.

Table of Contents

1. Visit Schloss Ort

Tina in sunglasses standing on a long wooden bridge over a bright blue lake with both arms raised. The bridge leads directly to a white lakeside castle with a tall onion domed tower and mountains beyond.

Schloss Ort is Gmunden‘s most famous landmark, sitting on a tiny island in Lake Traunsee. Many Austrians still recognise it from the old TV series Schlosshotel Orth, although the castle was never actually a hotel.

You can walk across to the island and see the castle from outside for free. Entry costs €5 and includes the courtyard and a small museum about the castle’s history.

Personally, I don’t think the museum is worth the entrance fee. A lot of the information was only in German, with English translations being quite inconsistent. I’d only pay if you want to get some pretty pictures of the courtyard.

Walk Through Schlosspark

Don’t leave without walking through Schlosspark next door. It’s a lovely place for a stroll and there are several spots where you can access Lake Traunsee for a quick swim.

The water stays shallow for quite a while, but it’s still a great place to cool off on a hot summer day.

2. Stroll Along the Lakeside Promenade

Wide lakeside promenade in Gmunden with green benches overlooking Lake Traunsee. Schloss Ort appears across the blue water with layers of mountains beyond it.

Shaded outdoor cafe terrace beneath large leafy trees overlooking Lake Traunsee. Tables and chairs face the blue lake with forested mountains rising across the water.

One of my favourite things to do in Gmunden is also one of the simplest: walk along the lakeside promenade.

There are plenty of benches and even a few swinging seats where you can stop and enjoy the views across Lake Traunsee. On a sunny day, this was easily one of my favourite parts of Gmunden and you can even go for a swim.

Don’t just stick to the waterfront though. Take a few detours through the smaller streets of the old town as you walk. Gmunden is small enough that you can simply wander without much of a plan.

3. Go Swimming in Lake Traunsee

Exceptionally clear shallow water along the shore of Lake Traunsee with the pebbled lakebed visible beneath the surface. The blue lake stretches toward dramatic mountain ridges in the distance.

Sailboats floating on the clear blue water of Lake Traunsee with Schloss Ort and its long wooden bridge in the distance. Steep green mountains rise behind the castle under a cloudless blue sky.

If you visit Gmunden in summer, definitely make time for a swim in Lake Traunsee. There are several free places to get into the water.

My favourite spots were the small wooden platforms along the lakeside promenade. When I visited, they were surprisingly quiet and I even had one completely to myself.

Another good free option is Badeplatz Segelschule Gmunden, where there’s some space to lie in the shade and the water gets deeper quite quickly. Just be aware that there are plenty of boats nearby.

The free swimming area at Gmunden Seebahnhof was quite busy during my visit in July. If I wanted to spend several hours swimming and relaxing, I’d personally pay for the Strandbad instead. For a quick dip, however, the free spots are perfect.

4. Walk Through Kurpark and See the Rathaus

Colorful flower beds surrounding a pale blue fountain in a landscaped garden in Gmunden. Historic pastel buildings and a church tower rise behind the garden under a clear blue sky.

Ornate green and white Rathaus in Gmunden with a clock and rows of purple flowers decorating its windows and balconies. Text across the facade reads "RATHAUS SEIT 1574."

While walking along the promenade, you’ll pass Kurpark, a lovely little garden filled with colourful flowers. Look out for the fountain and sculpture that remembers Gmunden’s long connection with salt.

Continue to the square in front of the Rathaus (Town Hall). The building itself is worth seeing, but try to visit on the hour when you can hear its bells chime.

There’s also a rather unusual modern sculpture of a moss-covered boy in the square. It’s certainly one of the more unexpected things you’ll come across in Gmunden.

5. Take the Grünberg Cable Car

The green Grünberg cable car glides above a densely forested hillside, offering panoramic views of Gmunden, Austria, with its buildings clustered around Lake Traunsee. — I visited on a foggy autumn day

This aerial photo shows the Salzkammergut Tree Top Walk and spiral viewing tower surrounded by dense forest, overlooking Lake Traunsee in Upper Austria. The wooden walkway winds through the trees, leading to the tower that offers panoramic views of the mountains, lake, and countryside below. — I visited on a foggy autumn day

For some of the best views over Lake Traunsee, take the cable car up Grünberg. At the top, you’ll find hiking trails and the treetop walkway.

I went in autumn on a slightly rainy and very foggy day. The mist over the lake looked quite mystical and we practically had the place to ourselves, but I’d still choose a clear day if I went again. The views are a big part of the experience.

The cable car and treetop walkway aren’t cheap. If you’re happy to hike, you can walk up Grünberg instead and only pay to enter the treetop walkway.

Read my full guide to the Grünberg treetop walkway for practical tips and more about my experience.

6. Browse Gmundner Keramik

Giant white and green striped ceramic cup and saucer outside the Gmundner Keramik building. A large sign on the building reads "IMMATERIELLES KULTURERBE SEIT 2021" and "Das Flammen von Keramik."

Shelves of Gmundner Keramik pottery with white ceramic mugs and plates decorated in hand painted green stripes and looping patterns. Price labels show mugs at "€ 28.60" and plates at "€ 32.80."

Gmunden is famous for Gmundner Keramik, the distinctive handmade ceramics you’ll spot all over Austria. The craft is even recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

You can tour the manufactory, although I skipped the tour after reading mixed reviews. Instead, I visited the factory shop, where pieces are a little cheaper.

Don’t expect bargains though. Gmundner Keramik is expensive, but it’s also incredibly sturdy. Many Austrian families have pieces that have been passed down for generations, so it can make a special souvenir from Gmunden.

Personally, I actually preferred browsing Keramikladen, which sells ceramics from different producers.

7. Wander Through Gmunden’s Old Town

Narrow cobblestone street in Gmunden lined with pastel historic buildings and small shops. A yellow church tower with a green onion shaped dome rises between the buildings beneath a bright blue sky.

Don’t just stick to the main streets when exploring Gmunden. The old town is small, so take some time to wander through the quieter side streets and little alleys too.

There isn’t necessarily a major attraction waiting around every corner, but that’s part of Gmunden’s charm. I enjoyed simply walking around, looking at the colourful buildings and eventually making my way back towards the lake.

This is a town that’s much more enjoyable when you don’t rush through it with a sightseeing checklist.

7. Visit K-Hof Kammerhof Museum

If you’re interested in Gmunden’s history, you can also visit the K-Hof Kammerhof Museum. The exhibitions take you through the history of Gmunden and the Traunsee region, with a particular focus on the town’s long tradition of ceramics.

I planned to visit, but I spent so much time strolling around Gmunden that I missed the rather limited opening hours. The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm, so don’t make the same mistake I did and leave it until late afternoon.

9. Take a Boat Trip on Lake Traunsee

Another popular way to experience Lake Traunsee is from the water. You can take a boat trip from Gmunden and enjoy the surrounding mountains and lakeside scenery from a different perspective.

I didn’t take a boat trip during my visit, so I can’t personally say whether it’s worth the price. But if you’re staying overnight and have more time to enjoy the lake, it’s an option to consider.

10. Explore Lake Traunsee by Bike

If you want to see more of Lake Traunsee, rent a bike and explore beyond Gmunden’s town centre. Cycling gives you a chance to enjoy more of the lakeside scenery while covering much more ground than you would on foot.

I didn’t rent a bike during my visit, but I’d love to on my next trip as my parents showed my pictures of their bikes and it looked absolutely lovely.

How to Get to Gmunden

Gmunden is easy to reach by train, so you don’t need a car to visit. I travelled there by train myself and found it an easy day trip.

From Vienna, there are some direct trains from Wien Westbahnhof that take around 2 hours 15 minutes. There are more frequent connections with one change in Attnang-Puchheim, which take roughly the same amount of time.

From Salzburg, the journey takes around 1 hour 40 minutes with one change in Attnang-Puchheim.

Gmunden train station is about a 25 minute walk from the town centre. You can also take the tram, which takes around 10 minutes, although it doesn’t run particularly frequently.

Lake Traunsee stretching toward layered mountains beneath a cloudy sky. Tall ornamental grasses and vivid red foliage frame the waterfront view.

Is Gmunden Worth Visiting?

Yes, I think Gmunden is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you want to experience one of Austria’s beautiful lake towns.

Just don’t come to Gmunden expecting lots of museums and major attractions. For me, the best part of visiting is simply spending time by Lake Traunsee.

Walk along the waterfront, explore the small streets of the old town, stop for a coffee with a lake view and go for a swim if the weather is warm.

You can easily see the main sights in one day, which makes Gmunden a great day trip. However, I’d stay overnight if you want more time to relax by the lake rather than rushing through everything.

Gmunden is also a great stop on a longer trip through the Salzkammergut, one of my favourite regions in Austria for its mountains, lakes and ridiculously pretty little towns.

Where to Stay in Gmunden

If you want to stay overnight, Hotel Esplanade is a great affordable option right by Lake Traunsee. The rooms have a beautiful modern interior with lots of natural touches, and you can get fantastic views of the lake.

If you’d rather stay in your own apartment, Marktplatz-Residenz is a great option. The apartments are spacious and bright, and you even get a balcony to relax on.

🛏️ Book your hotel stay now!

Explore More of the Salzkammergut

Gmunden is just one of many beautiful places to visit in the Salzkammergut. If you have more time, I’d definitely turn your visit into a longer trip through the region.

You could visit famous Hallstatt, explore the imperial town of Bad Ischl, or spend some time in St. Wolfgang and around Wolfgangsee. With its mountains, lakes and small towns, the Salzkammergut is one of my favourite regions in Austria to explore.

Not sure where to go next? Check out my guide to the best places to visit in the Salzkammergut for more ideas for your trip.