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Lake

Mondsee

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The Mondsee basin at first light seen from the Schafberg, mist lying along the water, the town of Mondsee on the far shore and the sunlit Drachenwand rising on the left.

Snapshot

A crescent-shaped lake 27 km east of Salzburg, at the gateway to the Salzkammergut. One of the warmest major alpine lakes. UNESCO pile dwellings. The Basilika Mondsee frames the eastern shore.

The Story

A crescent-shaped lake, its name meaning “moon lake,” lying at the gateway to the Salzkammergut, about 27 km east of Salzburg. One of the warmest of the major alpine lakes, regularly reaching 27 degrees Celsius in summer, and consequently one of the most popular for swimming, paddling, and lakeside walks. The Basilika Mondsee is visible from the eastern shoreline.

The surrounding landscape is gentler than that of the deeper fjord lakes to the south, broad meadows and low hills giving the setting an open, welcoming quality. The lake shores also contain prehistoric pile dwellings, part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing. An easy and rewarding half-day from Salzburg.

Visiting

Freely accessible year-round. Strandbad on the eastern shore near Mondsee town (small summer fee). Free shoreline access at several points. Water reaches around 27 degrees Celsius from June through September. Kayak, SUP, and pedal boat rental available at the lakefront. Approximately 30 minutes from Salzburg via the A1 motorway (exit Mondsee). Bus 140 also connects. Pair with a visit to the Basilika Mondsee.