With Summer in full flow here we were reminded of one of our favourite outings last year when we got out for a paddle on Traunsee, which handily for us is only a short distance from the Rosenhof. The Traunsee is one of the most dramatic lakes in the Salzkammergut region of Austria, and is also the deepest lake in Austria, but have no fear it is also pretty shallow near the shore. The lake is also one of the largest and does not feature a walking path nor a road all the way around so a kayak can be pretty handy to get to places no one else can!
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| Full paddle ahead! |
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| Out on the lake you find some funny objects floating about – here’s Catherine! |
We never even knew there was a waterfall into the lake until this trip, bonus!
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| Heading towards Ebensee from Gmunden is a good challenge for your arms! |
There are several beaches to paddle to and stop for a picnic, or if you’d rather enjoy some Austrian fare, there are many restaurants dotted around the lake that can be accessed via kayak. The views from many of these restaurants are stunning and worth a visit just for a drink to admire the view and give your arms a rest!
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| Robert discovers what Crocs are really for – buoyancy aids for your feet! |
Of course if you prefer to stay on the lake you can make your own views and there are plenty of sites to see looking back inland, such as Traunkirchen and its beautiful chapel perched atop a cliff, the See-Schloss near Gmunden, as well as the mighty Traunstein mountain which towers above the lake at just under 1700m.
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| Kayaking under the mighty Traunstein is special. |
As well as kayaking there are all manner of ways to get out on the lake from canoes, stand up paddle (SUP) boards, pedal boats, wind and kite surfing, to sail and electric boats. All are easy to hire from several locations around the lake and make for a great way to experience the beauty of the lake from a different angle.
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| Stop off at a restaurant or bar and soak in those views, and the Sun! |
For those who prefer a more sedate experience there are also boat tours of the lake including an extra special service on the Gisela – a steam powered paddle boat built in 1871 that has been lovingly restored to its original magnificence and is one of the oldest in the world. The Gisela is not used as the main service but instead operates every Sunday during July and August whilst the weather is fair.
If you’d like to see for yourself how the lake looks in person and would like some of our tips we would love to share them with you with a holiday at the Rosenhof! Please get in touch for more information and we look forward to hearing from you.