Traunkirchen: Swimming Island, Themed Trails and Cultural Heritage
Accommodation in Traunkirchen
Traunkirchen can be explored through several distinct attractions: historic themed trails, religious cultural heritage, a bathing area in the town centre and a Bronze and Iron Age lakeside settlement on the Traunkirchen Peninsula. When choosing accommodation in Traunkirchen, it helps to consider in advance whether your stay will mainly involve walks, sightseeing or time by the water.
Comparing Trails and Tours
The Abbacia Trunseo historical themed trail is free, easy and 2.0 kilometres long. Its ten stages start at the war memorial in the town square and lead to Klosterplatz. The Via Historica takes a different approach: 15 designed enamel panels accompany the route from the town centre around and up Johannesberg, through the Seetor to the parish church. Abbacia Trunseo is described as a short, clearly defined route, whereas the Via Historica focuses on the stops and historical themes along the way.
In addition, a well-marked network of trails provides access to a hiking area in Traunkirchen. Another described route is the Salzkammergut Cycle Route to Ebensee: it starts at the town square and is 4.5 kilometres long, with an easy difficulty rating. The distances help you compare the length of the routes; they do not indicate how long they take. For a tour to Hochsteinalm, a family-friendly forest road suitable for pushchairs offers occasional views over Lake Traunsee towards Traunstein. At Hochsteinalm, visitors can feed alpacas, goats and sheep. Check the current conditions for this activity before your trip.
Swimming Island and Lake Traunsee
The free-to-use swimming island lies at the foot of Johannesberg, right in the town centre. It is an artificial, kidney-shaped island, up to 10 metres wide and about 25 metres long. Together with two dams, it forms a ring of land around a swimming basin in the lake. Seasonal conditions may affect operations, so check the current situation before your visit.
For a different way to enjoy the water, a diving school in Traunkirchen offers the opportunity to dive in Lake Traunsee. If you are planning this activity, ask about current booking options in advance. Swimming at the island and diving in the lake are different options, depending on your interests.
Churches, Chapels and Local History
The Calvary is reached via four devotional chapels and includes the Salzkammergut’s oldest Calvary chapel, completed in 1699, with a Baroque Crucifixion group. Johannesberg Chapel also has a long history: it is first mentioned in a document in 1356, but its date of construction is not known for certain. The Jesuits from Passau took over the monastery in 1622. Following the second fire in 1632, Traunkirchen Parish Church was built in its present Baroque form.
The parish church is also home to the Fischerkanzel (Fisherman’s Pulpit). It was carved in 1753 by an unnamed artist and depicts the miracle of the abundant catch of fish. The annual Corpus Christi procession on the lake starts at the Seetor; dates and weather-dependent arrangements may vary. The traditional Antlaßsingen concludes with a morning penitential procession up to the Calvary, timed according to the Easter calendar. These traditions complement visits to the churches and chapels with religious events that take place every year.
The ARCHEKULT Archaeological Exhibition is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 14:00 to 18:00 from May to September. From October to April, it is open on Saturdays from 14:00 to 17:00. Check the schedule before travelling, as opening hours may change.
Getting Around by Shuttle and Train
Transfer options may also be important for your plans. Route 30/35 of the Salzkammergut Shuttle offers connections to OĂ–VV bus routes at Traunkirchen town square and other stops. At Traunkirchen station, you can transfer to Ă–BB railway services. Check timetables before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Gschwandt, Gmunden, Neukirchen, Sankt Konrad, Kogl, Bad Goisern Am Hallstättersee, Rindbach, Bad Ischl
For the overview of the wider region: Gmunden District.
