Ebensee: 9 tips for what to do at Traunsee
Ebensee is located at the southern end of Austria’s Lake Traunsee and serves as an excellent base for combining trips for swimming, city walks, and exploring nearby mountain lakes. We’ve selected nine specific trips for you that can be put together into an active long weekend or comfortably spread out over a whole week of vacation.
Ebensee
Ebensee is a pleasant town in Upper Austria, right on the southern shore of Lake Traunsee. A cable car takes you up from the town to the Feuerkogel resort (around 1,600 m above sea level). The Traun River flows into Traunsee here, creating a bay with pleasant beaches. The municipality lies at approximately 443 m above sea level, has a surprisingly large area (about 194.7 km²), and under its administration you’ll find small mountain treasures like our favorite lakes Langbathseen and Offensee.
Accommodation in Ebensee
Accommodation in Ebensee is limited and the best hotels and apartments are usually booked for the summer season well in advance. If your chosen hotel is unavailable, I recommend looking in the surrounding area as well:
>> TOP 10 ACCOMMODATION IN EBENSEE AND SURROUNDINGS <<
Choose your accommodation in Ebensee according to the map:
Our verified and recommended accommodation in Ebensee, which has an excellent price/quality ratio. We also appreciate great breakfasts and restaurants for dinner. Suitable for families with children and couples. Hassle-free parking.
Landhotel Post Ebensee am Traunsee ***S
>> CHECK AVAILABILITY AND PRICE FOR YOUR STAY HERE
What to do at Traunsee, in Ebensee?
1. Swimming at Lake Traunsee in Ebensee
If you stay directly in Ebensee, I recommend the official natural swimming area at this part of Traunsee for swimming – Badeplatz Rindbach. You’ll enjoy the grassy beach where you can sunbathe, pleasant entry into the water, and a calmer atmosphere than at other towns around Lake Traunsee.
Keep in mind that Traunsee tends to have rather cool water even in summer, around 20-24°C (depending on current weather). However, we consider the lake ideal for paddleboards, kayaks, or windsurfing. We like to enhance our stay in Ebensee with a walk along the shore or an evening sit by the water.
2. Boat trip on Traunsee from Ebensee
Traunsee has regular scheduled boat service (seasonal) and on one ride you can explore several places without dealing with parking. In summer 2026, the timetable includes the route:
- Gmunden – Altmünster – Traunkirchen – Ebensee and back during the period May 24 – October 11, 2026, so you can plan a boat trip from Ebensee to other towns around Traunsee.
3. Trip to Traunkirchen
You’ve surely seen the picturesque little church on a rock above the lake sometime. This is exactly where this trip will take you. Traunkirchen is a pleasant place with a short promenade, views of the Traunstein massif, and an atmosphere typical of Lake Traunsee. We recommend combining it with swimming as well.
In Traunkirchen, we offer you Bräuwiese, which is a bit further from the historic center of Traunkirchen, as the official swimming spot. Based on how crowded it gets here on hot summer days, we dare say this is one of the most popular swimming areas at Traunsee.
4. Trip to the town of Gmunden
Gmunden is the largest and therefore also the busiest town at Traunsee. Ideally set aside a whole day for exploring the town, but you can see the main sights in half a day. If you’re looking for traditional cafés, a romantic waterfront, and city programs instead of pure nature, you’ll like it here. For swimming on hot days, you can head to the restaurant Fishmaster.
Also visit the iconic Ort Castle on a small island, which is connected to the shore by a bridge.
5. Cable car trip to Feuerkogel from Ebensee
Feuerkogel is another pleasant trip for those staying in Ebensee, without needing to start the car. Right in the town, you board the cable car that takes you up to around 1,600 m above sea level, and you can choose either a short panoramic walk or a longer hike according to your physical condition and weather.
For summer 2026, specific dates and operating hours are listed:
- daily May 9 – November 1, 2026, first ride at 8:30, and from 9:00 usually every 20 minutes (in peak summer season it extends into the evening).
6. Cable car trip to Grünberg
On the other side of the lake, from the town of Gmunden, another scenic cable car leads to Grünberg. We recommend going on a clear day when you can enjoy the viewing platform and the entire treetop walkway. The trip can be planned as a half-day excursion, but we recommend a full day. Besides the viewing trail, you can take a walk to the mountain lake Laudachsee, where you’ll also enjoy the local restaurant.
- A popular, practically year-round trip for locals too. In nice weather, expect crowds of tourists
Trip to Grünberg – Treetop Walkway
7. Trip to Lake Laudachsee
You can also set out to the mountain lake Laudachsee independently on foot. Personally, we do this trek from the paid parking lot, a bit above Gmunden. Expect a pleasant climb of around 400 m. Most of the route follows maintained paths, which you can shorten via forest trails. Follow the tourist signs that will lead you to Lake Laudachsee. However, you can also reach the aforementioned Grünberg.
- At the lake, plan lunch at the restaurant, or spread out your own snack on the meadow
8. Trip to the Langbathseen lakes
One of our favorite trips in Upper Austria is the trail around the mountain lakes Langbathseen. These two natural treasures are hidden in the mountains and forests above Ebensee, and besides by car, you can also get there by bike. In summer season, watch out for local traffic. The lakes are a popular excursion destination.
The parking lot has been paid since last year. I recommend downloading a parking app in case the local machine doesn’t work.
Swimming is also possible at the Langbathseen lakes. The trail around Vorderer Langbathsee is easy and you won’t have problems with an outdoor stroller or wagon on most of the trail either. To Hinterer Langbathsee, expect a gentle climb on a gravel road.
- Langbathseen Lakes: 2 treasures hidden in a natural paradise
- 5 tips for the most beautiful mountain lakes in Upper Austria
9. Trip to the mountain lake Offensee
This trip tip will again be appreciated by everyone. An easy walk around the fairy-tale lake Offensee will surprise you with its breathtaking mountain backdrops. In summer, you can also swim here pleasantly. The lake lies in the mountains, a short distance from Ebensee, and those who are physically fit and need to rack up uphill kilometers can get here by bike.
A restaurant is open at the lake during peak season and the trail is also suitable for outdoor strollers and wagons. Expect gravel or natural surfaces. On the other hand, full-day treks for demanding hikers also lead from the lake during summer season.
Continue from Austria to Italian or Slovenian lakes:
Trip to Lake Lago di Braies – where to park, stay and which trail goes around the lake
Weekend in Limone sul Garda – where to stay and what to do in the lemon town on Lake Garda
Bled, Slovenia: 7 trip tips you mustn’t miss at the lake
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