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Peaceful Lake Suggestion in Austria

I’m planning a trip to Austria in September and I’m looking for a quiet, scenic lake to spend a few days. We will be spending almost a week in Vienna and then driving to Salzburg for 3-4 days, so someplace in between or not too much farther west from Salzburg. I’m looking for someplace that possibly has boat tours of the lake and/or some nearby walking/hiking trails. I would prefer something on the “less touristy” end of the spectrum. I have seen mention of Konigssee, Wolfgangsee, and Mondsee and wondering if any of those would fit the bill. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

Posted by
2731 posts

I suggest Gmunden at the Traunsee (Lake Traun). It is a somewhat bigger town, being the capital of the surrounding county, but provides boat access and tours across the lake, including the oldest steam ship from the 19th century still in operation.

There is a funicular (and hiking paths) up the local mountains for a wonderful view.

In the town there is an old pottery, known for its famous green-white design, as well as the funny "Museum of Sanitary Ceramics" (aka Toilet Museum).

By train you have easy access to, e.g., Bad Ischl, the town where emperor Franz Joseph I. spent his summer holidays for nearly his whole life, as well as to Hallstatt.

See "Top Attractions" here:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g229453-Activities-Gmunden_Upper_Austria.html

Posted by
6028 posts

I love the peaceful lake scene in Austria. Konigssee and Wolfgangsee are very beautiful, but tourists flock there, especially to Konigssee. With Wolfgangsee, I love the village of St. Gilgen as I find St. Wolfgang too much, too touristy (it is slowly becoming a Hallstatt replacement). I think Fuschlsee is absolutely stunning - the color of the water is unreal, but this is a very quiet place. Mondsee - I've never been, but I'm sure it is very quiet. I would also through Grundlsee into the mix. Beautiful old houses for rent, strolls around the lake - I have a friend who goes every nice weekend and it sounds like a dream. But, if I had to pick, I will always go for St. Gilgen on Wolfgangsee. The views across the lake to the mountains is stunning.

Posted by
11 posts

Grundlsee and do a boat trip on the Toplitzsee, to the small lake "Kammerersee" behind it which includes a small hike.

Grundlsee is for sure "less touristy" than other places.