Traunsee, Lake in Gmunden, Austria

Traunsee is a lake in the Salzkammergut that runs 11.9 km from Gmunden in the north to Ebensee in the south, reaching a maximum width of 2.9 km and a depth of 191 m. Its 34 km shoreline is flat with shallow bays north of Traunkirchen, while the southeastern shore below the Traunstein drops to the water in steep rock walls. Schloss Ort stands on the lake's only island.

Traunsee's recorded history is tied to the salt trade of the Salzkammergut, for which the lake served as a transport route. From 1629 to 1969 the lake was regulated by wooden weirs (Seeklausen) that limited the Traun's inflow to about 100 cubic metres per second. Since the Gmunden power station opened in 1969, the water level has been held within a 20 cm range. Flood marks from 1594, 1897, 1899 and 1920 remain in the courtyard of Seeschloss Ort and on houses in Gmunden's old town.

The lake's name comes from the Traun, which enters at Ebensee in the south and leaves at Gmunden in the north. A local legend tells of a water horse called "Lungy" living in the waters, with records mentioning a mermaid riding on its back.

The shoreline offers designated swimming areas, boat rentals, and water sports facilities at multiple points along the water. Main access points are found in Gmunden and smaller towns surrounding the lake.

A local legend tells of a water horse living in the lake, with records mentioning a mermaid riding on the creature's back. Locals call it "Lungy", and photographs of it have reportedly been taken.