Trautskirchen(Germany) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Traunstein, the top choice for lakeside views is Hotel Stadler, a boutique hotel nestled along the shores of Lake Traunsee. Its panoramic windows and private balconies offer uninterrupted vistas of the shimmering water and surrounding Alps, especially breathtaking at sunrise. The hotel blends traditional Bavarian architecture with modern comfort, featuring wood-panelled rooms and an on-site restaurant serving regional specialties like smoked trout and sour cream dumplings. For a more secluded stay, consider Haus am See, a family-run lakeside cottage with a private dock, ideal for quiet mornings with coffee and a book. Both properties provide free parking and easy access to hiking trails and boat rentals. The area’s pristine air and serene atmosphere make it perfect for wellness retreats.

The town center of Traunstein is the most convenient district for visitors, located just steps from Lake Traunsee, the historic St. Martin's Church, and the bustling Old Town Square. This area offers excellent access to restaurants, cafés, shops, and public transportation, including daily buses to Salzburg and Munich. Accommodations here range from charming guesthouses to upscale hotels, all within walking distance of major attractions. The streets are well-lit and safe, making it ideal for evening strolls. Additionally, many hotels provide complimentary shuttle services to nearby hiking trails and cultural sites. With its central location and vibrant atmosphere, the town center delivers both comfort and authenticity for travelers.

In Traunstein, don’t miss the weekly lakefront folk music concert held every Saturday afternoon at the Lake Traunsee Pier, where local musicians perform authentic Alpine folk songs using traditional instruments like the alphorn and accordion. Another highlight is the Traunsee Festival in August, featuring artisan markets, traditional costume parades, and open-air concerts under the stars. For art lovers, visit the Traunstein Art Museum, which showcases works by 19th-century Bavarian painters. Evenings are best spent at Wirtshaus Stadler, a centuries-old tavern offering hearty dishes like black bread with sauerkraut and locally brewed beer. Participating in these events offers deep insight into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Absolutely, Traunstein is highly family-friendly. The town features a spacious lakeside playground with swings, slides, and sandbox areas, plus a network of safe, shaded walking paths along the shore. Families can enjoy guided fishing tours and interactive boat rides on Lake Traunsee, complete with educational commentary on local fish species. Many hotels, including Hotel Stadler and Haus am See, offer family packages with extra beds, children’s menus, and activity kits—such as scavenger hunts and craft workshops. The Family Boat Pass allows unlimited short trips on the lake, perfect for kids to explore floating islands. Evening walks to the Lighthouse Square to watch the sunset create lasting memories for all ages.

Must-try dishes in Traunstein include smoked trout soup (Traunsee Fischsuppe), made with fresh lake-caught fish, herbs, and tomatoes—a delicate, savory broth that captures the essence of the region. Another staple is black rye bread with slow-cooked beef (Schwarzbrot mit Rinderbraten), served with homemade sauerkraut and mashed potatoes. Visit Wirtshaus Stadler or Haus am See Restaurant for authentic preparation. Don’t miss local honey wine (Mettwein) and almond marzipan, available at the Old Town Market. For a true taste of tradition, book a farmhouse dinner experience, where families prepare meals together using seasonal ingredients. These culinary experiences reflect the heart of Bavarian hospitality.

Traunstein is easily accessible via Salzburg Airport (70 km away), reachable by bus (ÖBB Bus) or rental car in about 1 hour. While there’s no train station, regular regional buses connect the town to Munich, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. Free parking is available near the town center, and many hotels offer shuttle services. The lakeside bike rental station provides e-bikes and mountain bikes for exploring the scenic Alpine Trail and circular routes around the lake. A Bavarian Travel Card grants free access to most local transport, saving money. Signage throughout the town is clear and multilingual, ensuring smooth navigation even for first-time visitors.

The glass bridge over Lake Traunsee is the ultimate photo spot in Traunstein, a 50-meter-long transparent walkway suspended above the water. At golden hour, sunlight refracts through the glass, creating dazzling rainbow effects on the surface. The adjacent island chapel with its stone statue of the Virgin Mary makes a striking foreground against the backdrop of misty mountains and calm waters. Nearby, the colorful timber-framed houses in the Old Town Square provide a classic Bavarian scene, perfect for wide-angle shots. Bring a tripod and polarizing filter to enhance reflections and reduce glare. During the Traunsee Festival, illuminated boats and light projections add dramatic flair for night photography enthusiasts.

Traunstein is defined by its stunning alpine lake landscape: Lake Traunsee, a glacial body of water surrounded by towering peaks of the Austrian Alps. The lake’s crystal-clear waters reflect the sky and mountains, changing hues with the seasons—emerald in summer, silvery in winter. Lush pine forests line the shoreline, home to wildlife like eagles and otters. Hikers can explore the Alpensteig Trail, a well-marked path leading to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the entire valley. Unique geological formations, such as the rocky islets (Felseninseln) in the lake, were shaped during the Ice Age and are accessible by boat. Early morning visits offer solitude and the chance to witness fog rising off the water—a truly magical sight.

For couples, Traunstein offers unforgettable romantic experiences. Take a private paddleboat tour at dawn or dusk, drifting silently across the glassy lake while enjoying each other’s company and the peaceful sounds of nature. Some hotels, like Haus am See, offer stargazing dinners on private terraces with candlelight, wine, and live piano music. The moonlit projection show at the old castle ruins adds a mystical touch. For a deeper connection, participate in a traditional Bavarian wedding reenactment, wearing folk costumes and sharing a ceremonial toast. These intimate moments, set against the backdrop of alpine beauty, create cherished memories for any couple.

Visit the Old Town Market every Friday morning for authentic local crafts: handmade wooden carvings, glass ornaments, and aromatic herbal candles from regional artisans. Handwerkerladen Traunsee specializes in limited-edition items like hand-painted ceramics and traditional embroidery. For sweet treats, stop by the Marzipan Workshop, where you can watch almond paste being shaped into intricate figures and purchase custom gift boxes. The Lakeside Boutique sells exclusive prints of local landscapes and handmade linen towels. All products carry the Bavarian Origin Certification (Bayerischer Ursprung), guaranteeing authenticity and quality. These gifts not only represent the region’s culture but also support local craftsmanship.