No Interest from Upper Austria in Purchasing Mondsee

The Mondsee, which is the fourth largest body of water in Austria, will remain under private ownership, as confirmed by the regional government. This announcement comes amid recent discussions and speculation about potential acquisition by the state.

Upper Austria's Governor, Thomas Stelzer, clarified that the regional government has no plans to pursue the purchase of the Mondsee, noting that the current owner, Anna Mathyl, has no intentions of selling or partially selling the lake. This statement was made in response to inquiries from Rudi Hemetsberger, a member of the Green Party.

Recent rumors had circulated following the cancellation of various lease agreements for buoys, piers, and huts anchored in the lake by the owner. However, Stelzer indicated that a meeting had taken place on August 8 with the owner's legal representative, during which future management strategies for the Mondsee were discussed.

It has been reported that the rental fees for buoys on the Mondsee are expected to be adjusted to align with those charged by the Austrian Federal Forests at nearby Salzkammergut lakes. Previously, the annual cost for a buoy on the Mondsee ranged between 350 and 380 euros, while the Federal Forests charge between 450 and 490 euros for similar services.

For Hemetsberger, who previously served as the executive director of the Salzburg Greens and is now the mayor of Attersee, the current situation regarding the Mondsee appears to be settled for the time being. Nevertheless, he emphasized the importance of monitoring developments, highlighting the lake's significance to the Salzkammergut region and its relevance extending into Salzburg.