Lake Culture, the local way.

A boat with history.

The Plätte is as much a part of the Salzkammergut as the lake, the mountains and the salt itself. As early as the 16th century, these long wooden boats were used to transport salt from Hallstatt via the Traun and Lake Traunsee to Gmunden and further downstream.

Today, the Plätte is no longer a means of transport, but a cultural asset. A typical watercraft of the Salzkammergut lakes. For fishing, for sport, for special trips - and for moments when you can feel how closely this region is connected to the water.

You don't row sitting down in the English style, but standing from the side. Almost like the gondoliers in Venice. Only with a view of the Traunstein instead of the Grand Canal.

Local tradition. Big lake energy.

 

Wood, craft & a little magic.

A traditional plank is long, narrow and surprisingly elegant. It can measure up to twelve metres, built from spruce wood - ideally from a single tree. Well stored, cared for and protected, such a boat can live for up to 100 years.

The boats, such as those on the Traunsee, can accommodate up to ten people in addition to the rower. Plenty of room for stories, views, conversations - and for that one moment when everyone falls silent for a moment because the lake is simply stronger than any words.

What to expect.

The Plättenfahrt is not a classic boat tour. It is a piece of living Salzkammergut culture.

You glide across Lake Traunsee, look out over the mountains, learn more about the history of the Plätten and why Traunkirchen was a spiritual and cultural centre of the region for centuries. It's about waterways, salt, crafts, tradition - but also about today.

And because culture is at its best when it tastes good, we toast with Upper Austrian Pet Nat. Uncomplicated, regional, a little bit special. Just right for an afternoon by the lake.

Not a sightseeing tour. A story on water.

 

From Lake Traunsee to Venice.

Wolfgang Gröller showed in 2024 that the Plätte can do more than just look beautiful on Lake Traunsee. As the "Plätten-Taxi", he brought a piece of Salzkammergut culture to Venice and made the region internationally visible during the 60th Biennale di Venezia.

It makes sense: if the rowing technique is reminiscent of Venice, then the Plätte itself should appear there for once. From Lake Traunsee to the lagoon. From Traunkirchen to the Biennale. Tradition, but with a twist.

 

Your Post am See moment.

The Plättenfahrt is part of our Experience Calendar and combines exactly what Post am See is all about: Nature, culture, people, stories and a little surprise.

You don't have to know anything. Just hop on, watch, listen, toast - and let yourself drift.

Register at reception. Places limited.
See you on the lake.