Lake Mondsee
Bathing, hiking and water sports with view of the Drachenwand
Introduction
Steep rock faces, wooded slopes, meadows and, in the middle of it all, Lake Mondsee in the Salzkammergut: the Drachenwand in particular shapes the scenery along the southern shore. A demanding via ferrata leads up it, opening up wide views over the lake. In summer, the day might begin with a jump into the water. Later you can head out by SUP or sailing boat, cycle around the lake or walk up into the mountains — or take things more slowly on a boat trip. In the town of Mondsee, the Basilica of St Michael adds a cultural note.
Another story lies beneath the surface: in 1872, the first prehistoric pile-dwelling site was discovered in Lake Mondsee. These stilt settlements once stood on the shoreline; today their remains lie underwater. The finds were so significant that they gave their name to a Neolithic culture — the Mondsee culture. The Mondsee pile dwellings have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2011. You can see the finds and learn about the people who once lived here at the Pile Dwelling Museum in the town of Mondsee.
Meet Lake Mondsee
Lidos and bathing spots
Bathing with your dog at Lake Mondsee: In Plomberg, there are two public access points to the lake where dogs are also allowed in the water. These small bathing spots are situated right on the shores of Lake Mondsee and are free to use.
Top Highlights on Lake Mondsee
The most beautiful places on Lake Mondsee
Food and drink on Lake Mondsee
Lake Mondsee is known for regional fish specialities such as whitefish and char. The region's kitchens focus on regional, seasonal produce – including game from local hunting in autumn. Tip: Mondseer cheese, a tangy washed-rind cheese that has been one of the region's culinary specialities since the 19th century.
Restaurant Maninseo at Hotel Seehof in Innerschwand
This gourmet restaurant, with a garden right on the shore, holds 2 Gault&Millau toques. Modern and classic dishes are prepared with regional, seasonal produce – served with a view of Lake Mondsee.
Seerestaurant Lackner in Tiefgraben
Whitefish and char landed fresh from Lake Mondsee each day meet produce from the Salzkammergut. The gourmet restaurant holds 2 Gault&Millau toques and serves right by the water. A speciality: dry-aged beef from local cattle, matured in-house.
apollo Aussichtsdeck in Mondsee
Right on the lake, you can have breakfast with a view over the water. The apollo Aussichtsdeck is one of the dining venues at apollo am Mondsee.
Events around Lake Mondsee
5 things you should know about Lake Mondsee
Accommodation
Nature reserves around Lake Mondsee
Mond- und Attersee Natura 2000 site: Lake Mondsee is part of the Mond- und Attersee European conservation area. Fish species found here include the Danube roach and the Danube bleak.
Mündung Fuschler Ache nature reserve: A designated nature reserve lies at the mouth of the Fuschler Ache, with bogs, stands of black alder and a stretch known as the 'Seerosenbucht' (water lily bay), where yellow water lilies grow. Beavers and various bird species live here too.
Eglsee: Lake Eglsee near Scharfling is surrounded by wet meadows and bogs. Orchids and cottongrass grow here, and dragonflies and amphibians are also found.