Traunstein: Town Square, Salt History and Culture

In Traunstein, there’s plenty to discover, from the lively town square to traces of its salt and printing history. Art Nouveau façades, museums and Salinenpark each give the town a distinctive character. Families can explore Traunstein together with the Lindl quiz: children aged six and over can use it to set off on their own discovery tour with their parents.

Town Square, Architecture and Salt History

The town square is the vibrant heart of Traunstein. Jacklturm, Lindlbrunnen and St. Oswald’s Parish Church are three of its most distinctive sights. A historic town walk also passes the Kulturforum Klosterkirche before continuing to Salinenkapelle, the saltworks houses and Salinenpark. Lourdeskapelle offers a quieter contrast: a place for reflection amid the bustle of the town.

Salinenkapelle is considered the largest chapel in Germany. In Salinenpark, which opened in 2019 to mark the 400th anniversary of the saltworks town of Traunstein, exhibits and information panels tell the story of the brine pipeline from Bad Reichenhall to Traunstein. This makes it possible to discover the history of salt at several locations around the town. The building at Bahnhofstraße 16 also offers a glimpse of the architecture: it is based on an award-winning design by architects and master builders Josef and Sebastian Polz. Art Nouveau façades are particularly prominent in the villa district at Wochinger Spitz, especially on Leonrodstraße, Hausenstraße and St.-Oswald-Straße.

Museums, Crafts and Traditions

The privately run Printing Museum is part of the Traunsteiner Tagblatt, which has been in operation since 1855, and brings the history of printing from Gutenberg to the present day to life. Among the permanent exhibition’s special pieces is the “Senefelder Stangenpresse,” created in 1851 and also known as the “Galgenpresse.” It was used to print from stone. Groups can visit the private museum by prior arrangement.

The Heimathaus also preserves different aspects of the town’s history. It houses a town and toy museum with exhibits on civic culture, sacred art and the history of the saltworks. The Brewery Museum near Jacklturm is part of Hofbräuhaus Traunstein. The brewery museum experience includes a beer tasting and a pretzel for every participant in the Maximilianstüberl; it’s best to check current booking and operating details in advance.

The Traunstein Sword Dance is part of the Georgiritt procession. Its origins date back to the 16th century, and it symbolizes the victory of spring over winter. For anyone interested in the town’s cultural heritage, it offers a traditional counterpart to the buildings and museum exhibits, with a meaning that can be understood through its seasonal symbolism.

Town Life and Active Exploration

The cultural center in the town park opened in 1977 in a former bread crumb factory. Today, it includes the town library, rooms used by the adult education center and a hall for concerts and exhibitions. Families with children can explore Traunstein in a different way with the Lindl quiz. Ask the Tourist Information office about current availability.

If you enjoy spending time outdoors, there are various ways to get active. Four cross-country ski trails within the Traunstein town limits differ in length and elevation profile; snow and trail conditions vary with the season. There are also signposted themed cycling routes leading to Traunstein. These options offer different experiences: you can compare the trails by length and elevation profile, while the cycling routes make Traunstein a destination.

A Wider Perspective: Traunstein District

Traunstein district also offers a broader view of the landscape. It is home to Lake Chiemsee and Lake Waginger See, as well as more than 170 alpine pastures and peaks of up to 2,000 metres in the Chiemgau Alps. In the district, the Seeoner Seen are designated as a nature reserve, while Lake Waginger See and Lake Tachinger See are designated as a protected landscape area. These regional landscapes are distinct from the town square and the cultural attractions within the town.

Choose the Right Accommodation for Your Trip

When looking for accommodation in Traunstein, first consider what you’d like your stay to focus on: the town’s history and architecture, a museum visit, or activities such as cross-country skiing and cycling. The town’s sights and themes give you specific points to consider. If you’re travelling with children, you could also include the Lindl quiz in your plans and ask the Tourist Information office about current availability in advance.

Discover More Destinations

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