Gmunden is a charming excursion from Haus Mirabelle, ca. 40 minutes drive of 50 minutes in the train. (If you decide to go by train, you can take the tram from directly outside the station at Gmunden into the centre of the town). Gmunden is quaint and delightful – it is like going back in time. Its main feature is a small marina and Gmunden is famous for the Gmundener ceramics, which has distinctive green and white colourings. Gmunden is one of the most scenic places which I have visited in the Salzkammergut. In terms of sightseeing, there is not an awful lot to see, but take in the view at the harbour and enjoy one of the excellent cafes along the pier.
Closer to Bad Goisern, are the villages of Bad Aussee and Alt Aussee. One drives direction Lake Hallstatt to reach both of these places. Though Bad Aussee and Altsee are only about 30-40 minutes drive from Haus Mirabelle, the surrounding countryside already looks quite different from the Salzkammergut. Bad Aussee and Altsee are both in the county of Styria or ‘Steiermark’. Styria is well-regarded in Austria for its natural beauty, cuisine and folklore traditions. It is considered to be the ‘Austrian Tuscany’.
Delicious food and musical entertainment can be had at the Gasthaus Loser in Alt Aussee. The food is highly recommended, with traditionally Austrian food. There is smoked trout on Monday and Tuesday nights, with folk music played on Thursday nights. Even the landlord joins the local band in singing and plays the whistle! Locals dress up in traditional clothes, known as ‘Trachtenmode’ and it is quite a spectacle. Booking is essential and Gasthaus Loser provides a good insight into Austria life and culture.
Hey Joanna, I didn’t know that you have an additional blog to your HAUS Mirabelle website – awesome idea!
Greeting, Wolfgang