Mondsee

Mondsee is the gateway to the Salzkammergut for many tourists and Salzburgers alike. Mondsee means "Moon Lake," a name whose origins are the subject of some debate. Some say this body of water (11 km [7 mi] long and 2 km wide), which vaguely resembles a crescent moon, was named after a prehistoric lunar deity, although the Mondsee Monastery had its own story about a Bavarian duke being saved from falling into the lake water by a full moon that showed him a safe passage, after which he vowed to found a monastery. The water is warmer than that of any of the other high-altitude lakes, which makes it a good place for swimming, sailing, and windsurfing (head to the tourist office at Dr-Franz-Müller-Strasse 3, near the town bus stop, for all the info). In addition, Mondsee has some of the best dining the Salzkammergut has to offer.