The regional capital Linz lies approximately 90 km (56 mi) to the north, nearest towns are Gmunden and Bad Ischl.

In 1943, the SS established Ebensee concentration camp (codename "Zement") near the town, a planned emergency location for the Peenemünde research centre after the RAF Operation Hydra attack.

Seats in the municipal assembly (Gemeinderat) as of 2021 elections: Ebensee is surrounded by three picturesque lakes, the Traunsee, the Offensee and the Langbathsee.

The Traunsee is large enough to be used for boating, while the other two lakes are smaller, surrounded by mountains, and used only for bathing; both are protected natural areas.

Other tourist attractions include the Gasselhöhle show cave and a small skiing area with about ten lifts.