Traunkirchen
Traunkirchen, perched on the western shore of Lake Traunsee, originally developed as a fishing village whose houses grouped around the 11th-century Benedictine nunnery. The former nunnery chapel is now Traunkirchen's parish church, which is renowned for its famous Fishermen's Pulpit. This impressive wooden pulpit was carved in 1753 and is breathtakingly ornate, with vivid detail and colours. It depicts the miracle of the fishes, with the apostles standing in a tub-shaped boat and hauling in their fish-laden nets. This was no doubt popular with the congregation, the vast majority of whom made their living from the lake. Today the attractive hamlet is popular with visitors, thanks to its clutch of authentic fishermen's cottages and twisting cobbled streets. It is also brilliantly placed for exploring Trausee, the stunning fjord-like lake with its rippling, almost turquoise waters.
Among Traunsee's highlights are a number of large rocky crags that lap at the eastern shore, the tallest of which is the imposing Traunstein. At 5,548 feet (1691 metres), Traunstein dominates the local skyline, and is often called the "guardian of the Salzkammergut". Thanks to the charm of these rugged grey mountains, and the pretty resorts dotted along the shore, Traunsee is an immensely popular destination.