Happy TravellerWelcome to Traunstein (Central Bavarian: Traunstoa), a charming town situated in the heart of the Chiemgau region of south-eastern Bavaria, Germany. As the administrative center of the district of the same name, Traunstein is a hub for local government, retail, health services, transport, and education. But there’s much more to this town than just practicalities – Traunstein boasts a colorful history, stunning natural landscapes, and a proud cultural identity that beckons visitors from near and far. Join us as we explore the highlights of this fascinating Bavarian town and discover why Traunstein is a must-visit destination for any traveler.
Traunstein is situated approximately 11 km east of the Chiemsee between Munich and Salzburg, 15 km north of the Alps, and 30 km west of Salzburg, making it an accessible and convenient location for visitors. The town itself is steeped in history, with medieval defense constructions and settlements dating back to the 10th century. The town’s name, meaning ‘castle on the Traun,’ refers to the domicile of the Lord of de Truna, who built the original castle at the border of the city plateau, surrounded by the River Traun.
Traunstein has been part of the state of Bavaria since 1275, previously being a territory of Salzburg. In the 17th century, salt production brought significant wealth to the town, facilitated by the construction of a wooden brine pipeline from Bad Reichenhall. Although Traunstein was occupied by Austrian troops during the Spanish War of Succession in 1704, the town managed to be reconstructed after a disastrous fire destroyed much of the medieval townscape. Over the centuries, Traunstein developed into a thriving town, with notable residents such as Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI spending much of his early childhood and teenage years living in Traunstein and attending the St. Michael Seminary in the town.
Today, Traunstein is a lively and welcoming town, with plenty to see and do for visitors of all ages. The historic market square, with its bustling weekly market, is a highlight for those interested in local Bavarian culture and traditions. Local breweries also offer a taste of the region, with Traunstein being home to the famous Hofbräuhaus Traunstein brewery. The town’s outdoor sports facilities are popular with visitors and locals alike, with opportunities for hiking, cycling, skiing, and more in the stunning surrounding landscapes.
One particularly unique event in Traunstein is the Easter Monday horse parade, where elaborately decorated horses and their riders parade through the town center to the delight of onlookers. Traunstein’s connection to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is also celebrated, with a museum dedicated to his life and work located in the town.
For those interested in Traunstein’s history, the Lindlbrunnen fountain, built in 1526, is a testament to the town’s early water supply system. Visitors can also learn about the town’s past at the local Heimatmuseum, which showcases the history and culture of the Chiemgau region. The medieval plan of the town square has been preserved to a great extent, with the façades of buildings receiving a new facelift in the style of the current time.
Transport to Traunstein is convenient, with the Bundesautobahn 8 linking Munich and Salzburg running south of the town and the rail link between Munich and Salzburg established in 1860. Traunstein station remains a major rail intersection with long-distance intercity and local trains connecting to the Ruhpolding branch line making frequent stops. The station is served by Deutsche Bahns Intercity and EuroCity trains and Austrian Federal Railwayss Railjet trains. International airports are located in Munich (120 km, 74 mi) and Salzburg (35 km, 21 mi), with a regional aerodrome 21 km north consisting of Traunstein in Schönberg.
Traunstein is also twinned with five other cities: Gap, France; Haywards Heath, England, United Kingdom; Pinerolo, Italy; Wesseling, Germany; and Kinross, Scotland. The town has even made an appearance in popular culture, as the setting for the Austrian-German television crime drama series Der Pass.
From its rich history to its stunning natural landscapes, Traunstein has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in Bavarian culture, hiking in the Alps, or simply soaking up the welcoming atmosphere of this charming town, Traunstein is a must-visit destination for any traveler.
