31.07.2023.
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An Austrian lake Mondsee enjoys popularity thanks to The Sound of Music, a movie filled with gracious images of nature. Being a pearl of the Austrian region Salzammergut, Mondsee has a lot to offer and delight. The cute village of Mondsee is a central point, easily reachable in 30 minutes from Salzburg. Bursting with lakes, Salzammergut sets a dreamy destination and ideal to choose also Wolfgangsee to your itinerary.
See also: Amazing lakes in Europe
The Baroque ambiance in Mondsee town gives highlight to St. Michael Church attracting many weddings. It was also a place where Maria and Captain von Trapp from the Sounds of Music got married.
The picturesque shine of Mondsee Lake inspires many locals to visit and outdoor enthusiasts. The water sports and hiking routes blend perfectly with the breathtaking Alpine scenery.
The Moon Lake (the German word Mond means „Moon“) deserves the brilliant atmosphere and let’s find out what to see here.
A bit of history
The prehistoric times carved a significant portion of history into the Alpine lakes. At the Austrian Lake Dwelling Museum at Mondsee, we can explore this ancient world full of archeological research. The Museum dives deeply into the existence of the large lakes in the Alps. The pile dwellings specifically take into focus the underwater world and include wood, textiles and plant remains.
Enjoying the UNESCO status of Cultural Heritage pile dwellings touches also the former Mondsee monastery. Mondsee monastery belongs to the 8th century as the oldest Benedictine monastery in Austria. It was once the highest political and cultural institution and nowadays hosts a hotel and a museum. Until 1985 it was set as a Castle thanks to Napoleon.
Town of Mondsee
Such a pretty and colourful town shines with typical Austrian architecture. The cheerful atmosphere of painted buildings hides lovely cafe bars and restaurants. It’s your chance to absorb the relaxing moments of the small town. This town bring fairy-tale alive, just like the cute German towns.
The cute and colourful, lovely Mondsee town and its caffe bars
As already mentioned, Basilika St. Michael is the highest attraction in the town due to the movie The Sound of Music. We can only see the church from the outside in the movie as the indoors were under renovation.
Schloss Hotel Mondsee with the Basilica St. Michael in the background, Mondsee
St. Michael Church & its interior, Mondsee
Lovely souvenirs at Mondsee
A little stroll through the shadowed alley leads to the lake, about 200 m from the town square.
The summer months are vibrant and full of events, particularly concerts. Mondsee Jedermann has a long tradition every summer since 1922, happening in the public park Karlsgarten. The Christmas Market in winter months is pretty attractive and gives you a chance to try local delicacies. Handmade crafts have the enticing magic of woodcarvings at its lovely streets.
Viewpoints
You don’t have to go far to find the perfect viewpoint. Mondsee in all its magic shines just 1h above from the shore. Unfortunately, you will have to follow the street up there as there’s not a forest path to the Ausichtplatz.
Mondsee viewpoint
Hiking
More than 150 km lead to the to fascinating scenery of Mondsee where Drachenwald mountain pours the focus. St. Lorenz is a treasure of the panoramic charms that cross the challenging ferrata. The idyllic nature around St. Lorenz bursts with some of Mondsee’s best views. Starting at the Gasthof Drachenwand, Thekla Chapel should be your next point of interest. Afterwards, you need to follow the „Drachenwand“ signs until the summit.
The Koloman church will inspire you with the historic treasure and splendid views, but a bit steepy way.
Family hikes
The family hikes around the Mondsee scatter the fantastic views also to the Irsee. Lebensroas floats in a tranquil atmosphere that will recharge the whole family.
The divine bliss of the alpine meadows shines above Zell Am Moss.
St. Lorenz is a fabulous source of leisurely walks, either through Almkogel or passing by Drachenwand in the background. Most of them are intermediate level in the enticing shine of the little chapels.
Helene Valley absorbs the romantic mood full of tranquility and convenience for children. Mondsee scatters like a painting before your eyes. At Kreuzstein waterfall starts the recharging path that will take you to Eisenauer Alm and its picturesque beauty.
Cruising at Mondsee
Experiencing the lake to the fullest is the advantage of cruising. Kienbergwand is known as a fantastic rock formation, which you can only see by boat. Renting a rowing or electric boat is your opportunity to blend with nature in a delightful perspective.
The Enchanting Forest and Love Island hide at the northwest of the lake surrounded by water lilies. It’s your unique chance to the gracious lake atmosphere that you cannot get overland.
Beaches of Mondsee
The Alpine scenery provides leisurely fun that gives perfectness to the summer days. Alpine Beach is situated close to the centre of Mondsee which gives shine to the turquoise waters.
The beach is very popular during the season where relaxing grass blends with the golden sand. It’s rich with various activities from the waterpark, sea kayaking or beach volleyball. You can expect to enjoy the delicacies from the onsite restaurant and rise up the mood in the beach clubs. Many facilities will serve your coziness such as showers, toilets, loungers and umbrellas. Even the waterslides are here for your amusement.
Mondsee lake, swans and boats
Amazing food offer at the Mondsee lake promenade
Strandbad Loibichl is only 5 km away which is more tranquil and wild. Surrounded by fabulous mountains, the beach includes various facilities.
Zell Am Moss beach is ideally equiped for younger children as it includes tree houses, nest swing, balancing ropes and more.
Where to stay & how to reach
Though there are not many budget options and the best solution would be to take a day trip from Salzburg. You can easily reach Mondsee by a bus 140. It stops at several stations across Salzburg, so you don’t need to walk to the main train station.
Jugendgaestehaus Mondsee is a cozy option with breakfast in the pure centre of Mondsee town.
Hotel Krone offers pretty rooms and delicious food.
Schlosshotel Mondsee will let you feel like royalty in the former Benedictine monastery with an awesome garden.
Pension Irligenhof is closest to the budget as it can be and holds an outdoor pool and lovely garden.
Panorama Hotel Gasthof Leidingerhof offers a relaxing stay within 2 km from the lake itself covering also the spa facilities.
Hotel Seehof is your excellent option for hiking as it’s located 1h away by foot above Mondsee.
Final thoughts
Being one of the most famous Austrian lakes, Mondsee will satisfy all your expectations. The charming and colourful, town Mondsee will pour its blissful atmosphere. It’s a cute place to buy a souvenir or just enjoy the ice cream.
The Sound of Music is an attractive invitation to visit Mondsee Lake and the common reason tourists come for. Covering Irsee nearby, this area is a treasure for outdoor lovers and a nice family escape too.
PIN IT FOR LATER:
What a beautiful place and so much to do. I always loved Austria. Pinned post to save to travel board for future reference! 🙂
Thanks for the recommendation! I’m saving it for next time when I’ll be around Salzburg. 🙂
Simply breathtaking! I’m definitely adding this to my bucket list of places I want to visit someday.
This is beautiful!! On the bucket list for the next time I am in Austria…..really enjoyed this, thanks so much for sharing!!
I can see why so many people would love to visit here; it has so much to offer — I would love to go. I have not any real travelling in such a long time I feel this would be a really good first place to go to to get me back into it. Wonderful!
Mondsee looks beautiful. You make me want to visit here. Thank you for sharing.