--- title: Natural Jewels Mondsee and Irrsee url: "https://mondsee.salzkammergut.at/nachhaltigkeit/naturerlebnis-naturschutzgebiete/artikel/detail/5078/naturjuwele.html" description: "The Irrsee is completely protected, but also the Mondsee enjoys a status that is particularly worth protecting. That is why we can experience unique nature experiences in #Mondsee #Irrsee." image: "https://mondsee.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/f/3/csm_Naturjuwel_55ea5db250.jpg" date: 2022-07-19 modified: 2026-03-13 --- # Natural Jewels Mondsee and Irrsee Mondsee and Irrsee: Our natural jewels ====================================== The two lakes Mondsee and Irrsee enjoy a status which is particularly worth protecting. Nature thanks this protection with unique natural experiences. Around 50 years ago, people in the habitat of Mondsee and Irrsee realized that their **cultural and natural landscapes** are a real treasure. The Irrsee and its adjoining riverside areas have been raised to become the **oldest nature reserve in the Salzkammergut** today. Since many years, lake Mondsee is also an official **European nature reserve**. The people who live on the shores of the lakes are more aware than ever of the natural resources for which they are responsible. This attitude enabled a protection of true natural jewels and intact habitats for flora and fauna. Copyright öffnen © Naturjuwel MondSeeLand ©www.mondsee.at Copyright schließen [ ![Blick von einem Boot über den Mondsee und eine Wiese zur Drachenwand](https://mondsee.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/f/3/csm_Naturjuwel_b3d2367906.jpg "Naturjuwel MondSeeLand ©www.mondsee.at") ](https://mondsee.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin//user_upload/mondsee/Responsive_Design/Ganzjaehrig/Natur/Red._Artikel-750x422/Naturjuwel.jpg "Naturjuwel MondSeeLand ©www.mondsee.at") **Natural diversity** Take your time and explore the many small mosaic-stones of an intact habitat. Through careful observation, you have the opportunity to get to know special animals and plants of our region. Did you know that the well-known Cafe Frauenschuh in the center of Mondsee is named after a rare orchid species that is still found here? **Strict protection** Many animals and plants, but also habitats, such as orchards, are endangered in their existence. Some animals, such as the "Perlfisch" *(Rutilus meidingerii)*, a species of ray-finned fish, and the "Seelaube" *(Alburnus mento)*, only occur in a few Salzkammergut lakes. The spectacular spawning of the "Perlfisch" takes place in April. The best observation points are the tributaries of lake Mondsee, like e.g. the Zeller Ache. Another endangered species, the Eurasian curlew *(Numenius arquata)* is still breeding around lake Irrsee. His mating flights are accompanied by typical flute tones and are initiating spring in our habitat. **Intact togetherness** Of course, Mondsee and Irrsee are available to its residents and their guests for leisure use. Smaller restrictions, such as a motor boat ban for private individuals, guarantee that our unique landscape will be preserved for the next generations. Our lakes can be experienced most ecologically by bike, on foot, by electric boat or rowboat. ### Service **Salzkammergut Tourism, Destination Mondsee-Irrsee** Dr. Franz Müller Str. 3 5310 Mondsee Telefon [+43 6132 26909 600](tel:+43613226909600) E-Mail Web [mondsee.salzkammergut.at/en](https://mondsee.salzkammergut.at/en)