Miesweg Trail at Traunsee
The Miesweg Trail is a short but, in our opinion, very exciting trail on the eastern shore of Lake Traunsee, right below the Traunstein massif near Gmunden. We rank it among those trips where you don’t need a whole day; just 2–3 hours is plenty to enjoy it, even with stops. You can look forward to a forest path, rocky sections, wooden walkways over the water, unlit tunnels, lake views, and some slightly more adventurous sections secured with steel cables.
Miesweg Trail Traunsee
Please note:
Although the Miesweg trail is secured with cables, ladders, and bridges, we personally don’t recommend it for people with reduced physical mobility or small children. If you suffer from vertigo or feel uncomfortable in unlit tunnels (which can be solved with a headlamp), you should also avoid this trail. At the same time, we don’t recommend heading out on the trail in wet weather or if there is snow. High-quality trekking shoes should be a matter of course.
Miesweg Trail Traunsee
Accommodation at Traunsee
For this trip to the Miesweg trail below Traunstein, we are staying at Traunsee, and if you want to be close to the trail, we recommend choosing hotels and apartments in the town of Gmunden. If you’re planning a trip for weekends or holidays, it’s worth staying within walking distance of the trail.
Find accommodation at Traunsee on the map:
Our recommended accommodation
Seehotel im Weyer
We would recommend Seehotel im Weyer as the best compromise between location in Gmunden, lake views, good standards, and easy access to Miesweg. It is located at Traunsteinstraße 23, which is on the right side of town towards Traunstein and the trail, yet only about 10 minutes on foot from the center. It is a family-run hotel right by a public swimming area, featuring a breakfast buffet, a panoramic breakfast terrace, and views of Traunsee or the surrounding mountains.
Traumsee Lodge Gmunden 180° Seeblick am Traunstein
If you prefer staying in a private apartment, we personally liked Traumsee Lodge. It is a separate apartment in Gmunden for up to 4 people, with 1 bedroom, 2 beds, and 1 bathroom. The biggest advantage is definitely the location of the apartment. Accommodation on the eastern shore of Traunsee, behind Hois’n Wirt, with views of Traunsee and Traunstein. It has its own entrance, garden, terrace, fully equipped kitchen, and a parking space in front of the house.
The advantage of accommodations located right across the road from the lake is that they usually have their own access and sunbathing area by the water. If you’re heading here in the summer months, it’s definitely worth paying extra.
Traunsee
Miesweg Trail
The entire loop is approximately 2.3 kilometers long and takes about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on your pace and the number of photo stops. The elevation gain is around 216 meters, which doesn’t look very dramatic at first glance, but the terrain isn’t completely flat. You can expect stairs, gravel sections, forest paths, and narrower rocky passages.
Miesweg Trail Traunsee
Miesweg Trail Traunsee
The most beautiful part of the route runs just above the surface of Traunsee. Wooden walkways and paths clinging to the rock create the feeling that you’re moving right between the lake and the mountain. On one side, the blue-green surface of Traunsee opens up, while on the other, the rock walls of Traunstein rise. After rain or during snowmelt, a small waterfall may appear in the area, making the place even more special.
Where does the Miesweg trail start?
The starting point is the end of Traunsteinstraße at a place called Unterm Stein. It is located east of Gmunden, on the shore of Traunsee towards the base of Traunstein. This is also where hikers set off on more demanding routes to Traunstein, so it can be busy on nice days. Personally, we continued past the Miesweg trail up to Kleiner Schönberg.
Miesweg Trail Traunsee
Miesweg Trail Traunsee
From the parking lot, continue towards the Lainautal valley. The path goes through two unlit tunnels, so a headlamp or at least a mobile phone with a charged battery might come in handy. After the Lainaubrücke bridge, the most interesting part of the Miesweg itself begins, turning closer to the lake. It’s up to you which direction you go.
Miesweg Trail Traunsee
Miesweg Trail Traunsee
Miesweg Trail Traunsee
Personally, we headed onto the Miesweg by turning right just before the first tunnel and continued to the aforementioned mountain at the end of the trail. We then returned to the parking lot through the tunnels after the hike.
Trail difficulty
The Miesweg trail is officially listed as a medium-difficulty route, although it’s not a physically demanding trip in terms of fitness. It’s not so much about the length of the trail, but rather the terrain. The trail is not suitable for strollers, small children without hiking experience, or people who are uncomfortable with narrow paths above a slope.
It’s important that you are sure-footed, have sturdy shoes, and at least a basic tolerance for heights. Some sections are secured with a steel cable, but you still need to be careful, especially after rain. If you’re traveling with children, it’s more suitable for older school kids who can walk independently on uneven terrain and follow adult instructions. Consider for yourself whether you’ve ever taken your children on a similarly challenging trail and if it’s safe for them.
Miesweg Trail Traunsee
Miesweg Trail Traunsee
When to go to Miesweg
The trail is listed as accessible year-round, but the best period is from spring to autumn. In summer, you’ll appreciate the shade of the forest and the proximity of the lake; in spring and autumn, the surroundings tend to be quieter and the views have a beautiful atmosphere. In winter or after rain, the path can be slippery, so it’s worth checking current conditions and not underestimating your footwear.
It’s ideal to head out in the morning or outside of the main weekend peak. The area below Traunstein is popular and parking spaces can fill up quickly. We were last here during our May holiday and we walked most of the trail practically alone. We only met a few people in one direction or the other. We encountered many more tourists during the subsequent hike.
{%CAPTION%}
Miesweg Trail Traunsee
Parking and transport
You can park at the turnaround at the end of Traunsteinstraße, in the Unterm Stein area. Parking is often limited and time restrictions may apply on weekends or holidays. Therefore, it’s good to allow extra time and arrive early. Parking right at the end is paid (and quite expensive). Before the parking lot itself, there is short-term parking for 3 hours (valid on weekends and holidays – parking disc required).
A short walk from the parking lot and the start of the trail is also a stop for the local boat service. If you’re staying in another part of Traunsee, I definitely recommend combining the trip with a boat ride. Not only will you save on parking, but you’ll also have an extra experience.
A practical alternative is public transport or the seasonal tourist shuttle from Gmunden. This is especially useful in high season when driving to Traunstein is busy. If you plan to combine Miesweg with a walk around Gmunden or a cruise on Traunsee, public transport can be more convenient than looking for parking. Or just stay directly in Gmunden.
The trail can also be reached without a car: the Traunstein-Shuttle / Route 10 runs between Klosterplatz Gmunden and Umkehrparkplatz / In der Klamm. In the season from April 1 to October 31, it is listed as operating from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, otherwise year-round from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. We were told that transport needs to be booked at least an hour in advance, but check directly with your accommodation – this may change.
You might also be interested in:
- Ebensee: 9 tips for things to do at Traunsee
- 5 tips for lakes in Upper Austria (not only) for summer vacation
- Gmunden: Trip to Ort Castle
- Lake Offensee: A Trip for Every Season
What to take with you
You don’t need special mountain equipment for Miesweg, but sturdy shoes are essential. Water, a light jacket, a phone with a charged battery, and a light/headlamp for the tunnels in case of poor visibility are also useful. In summer, don’t forget sunscreen and a hat, as some sections by the lake can be exposed to the sun.
In summer, don’t forget to pack your swimsuit. There are several spots where you can take a refreshing dip or just set up a picnic with a nice view of Traunsee.
Miesweg Trail Traunsee
Miesweg Trail Traunsee
Is it worth going to Miesweg?
Yes, if you like short routes with exciting terrain. The Miesweg trail isn’t a full-day trip, but it’s excellent as a stop at Traunsee. Look forward to a clear lake, dramatic mountains, a bit of adventure, and beautiful views on a relatively small route.
For visitors to Gmunden and Traunsee in general, Miesweg is one of the most interesting short trips. All you need is at least two hours of time, good shoes, and the desire to walk through a breathtaking spot in the Austrian nature.
Miesweg Trail Traunsee
Miesweg Trail Traunsee – Tunnels
Did you like today’s tip for a trip to the Miesweg trail at Traunsee? You’ll make us happy by following us on Instagram: @rakouska_jezera. Have you gone on a trip to the Austrian lakes? Tag us in your experiences too: #rakouskajezera
Save this trip tip on Pinterest too, so you can easily find it next time:
