I was going to make this one of those informational, super helpful and cool Pinterest like posts. But we just didn’t spend enough time in Gmunden to really write about anything that could be considered a real day trip. But let’s just talk a bit about this magical little town by one of the largest and deepest lakes in Austria (maximum depth of Traunsee is 191 m! That’s equivalent to maybe a building of 50 floors!). My lovely friend also said that the water is probably made out of 90% drinkable water (but who knows if we can trust him jks ily if u are reading this), which sort of makes sense considering how close by the mountains are. Ah yes, nature can be so beautiful sometimes. I mean, I’m fascinated every single time I am at a lake where I can see right to the bottom of it (like you can in this lake), because the water is just that clear.
how to get there
honestly. no idea. my friend drove lol jks jks I’ll try and be helpful.
By car: it takes around 45 mins to 1 hour to get from Linz to Gmunden. If you are leaving from Salzburg it’ll probably also take about that much but you get a much more scenic route. Vienna is a bit further so it’ll take more than 2 hours.
By train: from Linz and Salzburg it should take about the same amount of time as the car; from Linz there won’t be any need to change trains but that’s unfortunately not the case for the other two cities. But the Austrian transportation system is definitely not bad, so you will surely find an easy way to get here!
By bike: (idk maybe you are one of those crazy people) my friends were able to bike from Wels to Gmunden in about 2 and half hours, which is honestly pretty impressive. It was more hilly than expected. And that’s about all I can tell you. It’s possible and apparently very, very nice. (Considering that you can just jump into the cold lake right after that bike tour.)
Apparently my special talent is to line up pigeons. So everyone out there saying that I am talentless can suck it up.
what to do
- take a walk. Just stroll along the lake. I honestly think that this should be your very first and most important reason to visit Gmunden. The landscape is so incredibly beautiful. It’s so crisp and clea. It’s as if those few steps you take along this pit of holy water will clear you of all your sins. Just kidding. It may, however, make you remember that life can be so beautiful and clear up the cluttered thoughts. The pedestrian path is so nicely made with benches for you to sit and rest on while you can simply watch the water and its mountain range behind. There is a small playground too made for kids, or people of my size. AH! and not to forget. Walk on that wooden bridge that leads to the castle (I believe this is what Gmunden is most famous for). Take your insta worthy photos and admire. (The view, not the photos is what I meant.)
- have some ice cream. If you are lucky enough to not go there during the darkest days of winter (although the town may of course be just as charming without the sun. but I haven’t seen it so bear with me) and the sun is out, have some. It helps you refresh (maybe mentally as well).
- If you aren’t an ice cream fan, there are plenty of cafes you can choose to stop at. all of which are along the lake, so I am sure you will not be able to miss out on that. Coffee sometimes really does taste good, on a good day.
- bring swimwear. Along the shore, there is some pool facilities, and even a little beach area I believe (if it is sufficiently warm enough ofc). You can of course also just jump into the water like my friends did after their 2 hour long bike journey. Refreshing for sure, but do not underestimate the coldness of the water.
- hop on the poseidon. lmao I don’t actually know where it takes you. We just saw that there was a ferry (or ship? what’s the difference. Plz teach me) named like this.
- and lastly. I am sure you don’t need me to tell you this, but just chill by the docks. enjoy the last bit of sun before winteer hits you hard in the face ;-;
I think I have never felt so much second hand embarresment as I did when we were on our way back home. Let me set the scene for you. My friend who was sitting on the passenger seat, was holding up a piece of paper with the phone number of our lovely female friend who was driving, with this arrow pointing at her with the caption in caps and humogous letters ‘S E X ?’. He was trying so hard to catch the attention of other drivers and I can’t even tell you how awkward and hilarious that was.
Just imagine you sitting in the car with your partner driving, and them seeing this sign as someone passes you on the left. I can’t I would either die due to lack of oxygen from laughing or just be really confused. really confused.
I don’t think I say this often enough. Well more like I don’t think there is an enough because it is so important to me. But I am so endlessly grateful to be given the opportunities that I have. And I am so endlessly grateful to be lucky enough to have found the people that I found here and who don’t mind being my friend (notice that I didn’t simply say ‘who have become my friends because i know yall hate me if ya could). Life can suck so much, honestly, but I am so glad to have days like this where I can be a bit happy and be so grateful to do all the things I get to do. So thank you!
