Gmunden: Our first experience in an open door home in Austria

by - 4/07/2023

 

After driving all the way from Vienna via Durnstein and Wachau valley, we were headed towards Gmunden, where we had booked an Air B n B for 2 nights. Gmunden is a small, picturesque town in Salzkammurgut, Austria. When we reached the destined home, we found a note on the door. It had instructions regarding the rules and all and the most important thing that the door was open for us to enter; and most of the homes in this town had an open door policy. It was a first for us and had left us wondering how safe this little town would be. By the time we settled, it had started to darken and we decided to just stroll along the bylanes of the sleepy town.






Gmunden has a huge lake Traunsee, which has crystal clear blue water. It is around 12 kms long, 3 kms wide and the fact that it is 191 metres deep, makes it the deepest and the most voluminous lake in entire Austria. Traunsee was just a five minute walk away from our homestay. We went to visit it the first thing in the morning; even before breakfast. The fact that it's so vast and deep makes it ideal for aquatic activities. There are multiple docks on the lake; and lots of yachts and boats could be seen anchored there. One of my very lofty fantasies in life is to own a yacht, where I could sail the entire day, day after day, sipping juice and doing nothing. 

Gmunden is not a very small town; given the number of inhabitants is around 13,000. I mean Durnstein has around 900 only, remember? The town centre or Rathaus is right beside the Traunsee and there was a farmer's market that morning. We saw some really large dried mushrooms (something novel for us) and a bountiful load of fresh fruits and vegetables, oils and wines. We bought croissants and juice for a picnic breakfast along the lake. It was September and at eight in the morning, it was windy and chilly as hell (as per North Indian standards) but was a breakfast to remember.

One of the must visit tourist spots in Gmunden is the SeeSchloss Ort which is a castle by Traunsee. It had been built in around 12 th century and has had several royal residents since then. Built on a tiny island in the Northern part of Traunsee, the castle is accessible through a wooden boardwalk from the mainland. 

The best part of an open door policy we felt is the non requirement of carrying keys while going out. I mean who else feels keeping keys as a mammoth responsibility? We for sure! Neither there is any added mental pressure of double checking whether we have locked the door or not nor the heaviness of the purse because of keys. We were driving; hence we already had a responsibility of the car keys. And the best part? There is absolutely no threat of theft! I would love to reside is such a safe place (Delhi is definitely not :D) What about you?

This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z 2023 

This blog post is part of the blog challenge Blogaberry Dazzle hosted by Cindy DSilva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Bohemian Bibliophile.

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19 comments

  1. Those sunflowers are gorgeous looking <3

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  2. Wow the images are looking so beautiful and it seems you had a great time while your visit. I did not heard about open door policy before but loved the idea that you do not need to take keys while going out. will check out this option here in USA for exploring that experience in upcoming summer vacation.

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  3. This open door concept is a new to me. I haven't visited the place but from your post i really got enchanted that such concept too exists. It really feels great that I can read such beautiful concept from your post and know more on the very place.

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  4. The name only sounds like a tongue twister. Your pics always take me on one forhyku make me salivate after looki this awesome.

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  5. Such a beautiful location. I'd love a ride in the yacht. And to enjoy a walk by the lake shore, and to see the castle.

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  6. Beauty ! Everything castle, lake and sunflowers. No door concept is exist here in India too. Shnishignapur is the name of the place where no door exist. I am curious to get to know these places.

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  7. Travelling is fun and for me its also a source of knowledge which enlightens me with the information about different place, culture and people. The open door policy sounds very interesting to me and earlier I heard of a village in India where there is no door in any house. In both cases I just loved the concept. I will love to call you a specialist travel blogger because there is something or other interesting I get to read from your blog which satisfy the thirst of a travel lover like me.

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  8. In India also there are many such small villages which follow this policy. Initially even shani shingrapur had this trust factor which unfortunately now does not exist. Such a beautiful experience it is to live without the fear of theft or otherwise. Your pictures look beautiful.

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  9. Lovely pics as always. I remember visiting Dwarka years back and there was a no door policy there too. Times sure have changed.

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  10. When I went to shirdi this winter, I was told that the Shani temple village was such but I don't think they have it anymore. I guess some village in Manipur has the open door system. Anyway, what a quaint n pretty place this is Mandira and your pics are so beautiful too.
    I hope your dream of owning a yacht comes true🤞... kaveri.

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  11. Your pics look straight out of a movie. So picturesque and beautiful. Your posts make me want to leave everything I'm doing and catch a flight to these beautiful destinations. Hopefully soon :-)

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  12. What an interesting concept. The place looks stunning- had never even heard of it before. I envy the adventures you must've had there!

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  13. Simply love all your posts. What beautiful pics and detailed information about the places you visit. Lovely!!

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  14. The images look stunning, and it appears that you had a wonderful time during your visit to that breathtaking location. The idea of an open door policy is new to me, but I find it intriguing that you don't need to carry keys when leaving. I would love to take a ride on the yacht as well.

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  15. A place where you dont need to take the stress of carrying the keys or losing them. That is a wonderful post and thanks for writing.

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  16. Such an interesting place to visit! I honestly haven't heard about this and thinking about how even in safe cities to live in like Singapore, we still have our gates and doors locked at all times. Must say it reflects the people who resides there. Such a clever idea. Hope those tourists who come won't let this concept be changed (if you know what I mean) - MommyWithAGoal

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  17. I am amazed at the places that you have been to. Though I too love visiting new places I haven't travelled as much and most have been Asian countries exception of Spain. Keep posting and giving us virtual tour.

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  18. Gmunden is so picturesque. Loved the pics. The smaller towns are often more charming than the tourist packed cities. India too has places with open door policy but they are few and far between.

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  19. Another place I had never heard of earlier! Thanks for introducing us to these little gems.
    Noor

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