Gmunden is a city at the foot of the Salzburg Alps, on Lake Traunsee. Its biggest ornament is the Ort castle standing on the island. It is also famous for the production of porcelain, and the lake promotes active recreation.
The history of Gmunden dates back to the 5th century, when a settlement existed here in the later centuries transformed into a stronghold. It was a commercial and defensive city, and from the second half of the 19th century it developed as a popular resort and health resort. Today it attracts tourists on one hand with nice historic buildings, and on the other with numerous opportunities to spend time outdoors.
The most important monument of the city is the Ort Castle standing on the island connected to the mainland with a wooden bridge. It was built in the 11th century, but over time it underwent many modernizations. From the 19th century, the castle was in the hands of the Habsburgs, and now it is the educational center of one of the ministries.
Gmunden has a very nice Old Town with a 16th-century town hall, on the tower of which a ceramic clock is installed to win melodies. There is also a 19th-century Villa Toscana built for Maria Antonietta, the Duchess of Tuscany, and the baroque church of the Epiphany.
A big attraction of the city is Lake Traunsee. There are several bathing areas designated here, and beaches on the banks. On the lake, you can swim on the Gisel steamboat, which was launched in 1871. Another interesting thing about the town is the 2.3 km tram line, which has been operating unchanged since 1894. It is also one of the steepest tram routes in the world.
Ceramics have been produced in Gmuden since the 19th century. The internationally renowned Gmundner Keramik manufacture is one of the city's attractions. You can visit it with a guide and buy its products in the shop.
