The old town centre Chlumeckyplatz is a pleasant place for a stroll. This square features a Plague Column and notably the Kammerhof, which was the salt mine regulator's impressive Gothic and Renaissance mansion, with marble doorways and window frames, as well as cartouches with cable mouldings. It houses the local museum (Kammerhofmuseum). The nearby Hoferhaus has retained interesting 16C wall paintings.

Visitors strolling in the Imperial villa's magnificent landscaped garden can see the charming little marble palace (Marmorschlössl) that Elisabeth was so fond of. This teahouse had, in a way, become her Trianon. It now houses a Photography Museum (Photomuseum).

Built on a small island linked to the mainland by a landing stage, Ort Castle is Gmunden's favourite postcard image. The onion-domed tower doorway leads into the charming courtyard, lined on two sides by arcaded galleries in the style of the 16C. Archduke Johann Salvator, Prince of Tuscany, purchased the estate in 1878 and took the name of Ort, but was later forced to flee Austria after Franz Joseph had deprived him of his nationality because of his political views.

This former Summer residence was built from 1613 to 1616, by archbishop Marcus Sitticus, in an Italian villa style. The trompe-l'oeil virtuosity in the Music Room and Octagon, as well as garden fountains will surprise you more than you think (beware of the spray !). From caves to fountains, you then gain access to the Mechanical Theatre, where 113 figures come to life thanks to water power. There are zoological gardens with vast enclosures nearby.