Fuschler Ache

The Fuschler Ache is a middle-range river in the Salzkammergut region. It starts in a protected moorland near Schloss Fuschl and drains Lake Fuschl through Thalgau and St. Lorenz into Lake Mondsee. The river’s course winds from west to north, cutting through a steep wooded gorge below Hof bei Salzburg. The Fuschler Ache is recognised as the most important tributary of Lake Mondsee. Its upper reaches flow swiftly through a protected water area, while downstream it passes through calm stretches regulated by old mill weirs. The river changes name to Griesler Ache near Thalgau after joining the Plainfelder and Fischbach streams. Its total length reaches about 22 kilometres despite the short straight-line distance between the two lakes. A walking path follows nearly the entire river, showing its changing character. In the upper sections the water races through a narrow gorge lined with trees. Further down, the river widens into quieter stretches where former mill sites and weirs remain. Near its mouth the water splits, part flowing through an old mill channel and part continuing as the main course past Drachenwand to reach Lake Mondsee at St. Lorenz and Gries.