Culture / History

How did "Schwarzindien" (a district in the municipality of St. Lorenz) get its name?

Over 130 years ago, guests came to Mondsee to bathe and relax in what was then known as the "Doktor-Bad", which is why the youngsters frolicking around had to be kept away from the baths. The youngsters "migrated" to the lakeside in St. Lorenz and spent a lot of time in nature and in the sun. When they came back to the summer guests in the Doktor-Bad all tanned up, they joked "You native Black Indians". We also have the long version of the history of the name Schwarzindien on our website.

How did the Mondsee get its name?

There are several stories surrounding the naming of Lake Mondsee.

Place name lore derives it from the personal name Mano (Lake of Mano). Others follow the possible mythological roots of the name. It is believed that the settlers may have worshipped a moon god. Rather unlikely is the assumption that the Mondsee got its name because of its almost lunar shape.

The legend of the founding of Mondsee Monastery tells a different story: Bavarian Duke Odilo is said to have been surprised by the night while hunting in the area. The rising full moon, which was reflected in the lake, saved him from falling. In gratitude, he had a monastery built on Lake Mondsee.

The name first appearsin writing when the monastery was founded in 748, as Maninseo, or in Latin Lunaelacus (Luna=moon; Lacus=lake). Time changed the form and spelling, Maense became Meinse, Maninse, Moninsee, Moensee, Mannsee, Monnsee and finally Mondsee.

When is St Michael's Basilica open?

The basilica is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

In what style is St Michael's Basilica built?

Abbot Benedict had the present late Gothic church built in the 15th century. In the 17th century, the early baroque high altar, which is up to 18 metres high, was created by the Salzburg sculptor Hans Waldburger. Under Abbot Coelestin, the church interior was greatly altered, for example, low baroque chapels with groined vaults were built in the northern and southern aisles.

Where were scenes for "The Sound of Music" filmed in Mondsee?

The wedding scene was filmed in St Michael's Basilica.

Where is the Mondsee Jedermann performed?

The Mondsee Jedermann is performed on the open-air stage in the Karlsgarten Mondsee, in case of bad weather the event takes place in the Sala Schloss Mondsee.

Where can I buy tickets for the Jedermann performances?

Tickets are available from Reisen Feichtinger at Franz Kreuzbergerstraße 9, 5310 Mondsee or by telephone on +43 6232 3170. Tickets can also be ordered online.

Are there guided tours in Mondsee?

Guided tours can be booked with our certified tourist guides. We have compiled a list of all tourist guides for you.

Please enquire with our team at the tourist office whether guided tours are organised during your stay: Tel. +43 (0) 6232 2270 or by e-mail at info@mondsee.at

Are the museums also open in winter?

The museums in Mondsee are unfortunately closed during the winter months (27 October to 30 April inclusive), but can also be visited by groups outside of opening hours (reservation required!)