The Story of the Town
Gmünd is located in the southeastern part of the Ankogel Group mountains, which belong to the Hohe Tauern range. The old town is situated in the heart of the Liesertal valley, near the Malta valley, and the Lieserbach river flows through it.
The town was founded in the 13th century AD by the Archbishop of Salzburg. The archbishop established the town to help protect the trade routes that passed through this area. In the heart of the town, a fortified castle was built on a hill 768 meters above sea level. The castle withstood many attacks by Hungarian and Turkish armies that invaded the region, and parts of it were destroyed.
Between 1502 and 1506, the castle was restored and transformed into a small but impressive Renaissance-style palace, which served as the residence for the nobility who ruled the area. In 1690, parts of the palace were destroyed by a major earthquake that also damaged parts of the old town. The palace was restored again, but in 1886, a fire broke out and destroyed it completely. It was not renovated afterward and remains in ruins to this day.
Today, there is a restaurant in the area of the old castle ruins, as well as a summer stage where music performances are held during the warmer months.
What can you do in Gmünd?
A visit to Gmünd is enjoyable even if you just wander through the old town. The old town square (Hauptplatz) is surrounded by beautiful houses and cafes, and the ancient streets are very pleasant.
Another attraction in Gmünd is the Divided Church (Geteilte Kirche), which was built on both sides of the road. It is a single structure with one half on one side of the road and the other half on the opposite side.
Further down, we have also listed two more attractions to visit while you are in Gmünd.
Additional Information for Visiting the Town of Gmünd
The Official Website of Gmünd
Address: Gmünd, Carinthia
Map:
Ferdinand Porsche Automuseum
Car enthusiasts will delight in the historical museum of the luxury motor company, Porsche. The museum features antique models from the renowned company, as well as documents and photos from the early years of the company and its founder, Ferdinand Porsche.
The location of the museum is no coincidence. After World War II, Porsche and his team moved from Stuttgart, Germany, to the village of Karnerau, which is right next to Gmünd.
This is how the Porsche Museum looks like
Additional Essential Information for Visiting the Museum
Opening Hours:
- May 16th to October 15th: from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Entrance Fee:
- Adult: €11
- Child (6-14): €5
Official Website
Address: Riesertratte 4a, 9853 Gmünd
Map:
The old castle of Gmünd
Perched on a hill above the historic town of Gmünd is the Old Castle (Alte Burg), a striking medieval ruin and one of the region’s most iconic landmarks. Its earliest documented mention dates back to 1292.
The castle has endured its share of trials: in 1487, it fell after a lengthy seven-year siege by Hungarian forces. Between 1502 and 1506 it was rebuilt under Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach, featuring distinctive serpentine-framed windows and vaulted architecture. In the early 17th century, the west wing was expanded by Count Rudolf von Raitenau.
Over time, natural disasters and fire took their toll — an earthquake struck in 1690, and a devastating fire in 1886 left much of the structure in ruins. In 1950, the town of Gmünd acquired the ruin, and since then it has been lovingly preserved and repurposed.
Today, the Alte Burg is a lively cultural hub: its restored ramparts and towers host concerts, readings, art exhibitions, and theatre performances. There’s also a restaurant within the ruins, where visitors can enjoy food with a breathtaking view over the surrounding Alps and the Lieser Valley. Please note: The restaurant is closed at the moment due to the search for a new owner. However, you can visit the exterior of the Alte Burg Gmünd at any time!
Official Website
Address: Burgwiese 1, 9853 Gmünd in Kärnten
Map:
