Crystal clear water, Alpine peaks, and tranquil places far from tourist crowds – these are the Austrian lakes, Europe’s most beautiful hidden treasures. While you’ll be jostling among thousands of visitors on crowded Mediterranean beaches, here you’ll enjoy peace in untouched nature. We’ve compiled 10 tips for the best places at the Austrian lakes, including inspiration for excursions in the surrounding area.
Summary for those who Don’t Have Time to Read the Whole Article
If you’re planning a holiday at the Austrian lakes, here’s the most important information in a nutshell:
- Best time to visit: May to September, water temperature up to 28°C
- Most beautiful lakes: Hallstättersee, Achensee, Wolfgangsee, Zellersee, and Wörthersee
- Accommodation tips: Pension Cafe zum Mühlbach or The House Zell am See
- Ideal for families: Zell am See with beaches and playgrounds, Wolfgangsee with shallow water
- Cultural highlights: Hallstatt with UNESCO monuments and salt mines
- Best water sports: windsurfing on Achensee, yachting on Wörthersee, paddleboarding on Attersee
Read also: 23 tips on what to see in Salzburg
When to Go to the Austrian Lakes
The Austrian lakes are beautiful all year round, but each season has its specifics. Summer is, of course, the most popular – from June to August, water temperatures in lower altitudes reach a pleasant 20-25°C, and some lakes like Wörthersee even warm up to 28°C thanks to thermal springs at the bottom. During this time, you can fully enjoy all water activities, beaches are open, and hotels and restaurants have extended opening hours.
However, late spring and early autumn are ideal – May, September, and October. In these months, the weather is still pleasant, air temperatures are around 20-25°C, and the water is still warm from summer. Plus, you’ll avoid tourist crowds and enjoy a calmer atmosphere. May is also beautiful thanks to blooming meadows and fresh greenery.
Autumn has its charm in the form of colorful forests reflecting on the lake surface. Winter brings a romantic atmosphere of snow-capped peaks, and some higher-altitude lakes even freeze over.
Where to Stay at the Austrian Lakes
The choice of accommodation depends on the type of holiday you are planning. For family stays with children, we recommend hotels directly on the lake shore with their own beach and playgrounds. Zell am See offers a number of such facilities with lake and mountain views. For example, The House Zell am See.
For active travelers, mountain hotels and guesthouses with their own wellness facilities, sports equipment rental, and organized excursions are ideal. In the Achensee area, you’ll find many such facilities focused on hiking, cycling, and water sports. Check out Arthur’s Hotel.
10 Tips for the Best Places at the Austrian Lakes
Are you planning a holiday to the Austrian lakes? Then we have 10 tips for the best places at the Austrian lakes for you.
Hallstättersee
Hallstatt is a place that every visitor will remember forever. This picturesque town with only 800 inhabitants lies on the shore of Hallstättersee like a backdrop from the most beautiful Austrian film. Its history dates back to prehistoric times – salt mines have been operating here for thousands of years and are among the oldest in the world. UNESCO inscribed the entire area on its list due to the exceptional combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
A walk through the town is like a journey through time. Narrow streets lined with historic houses lead to the main square with the Evangelical Church, whose tower has become a symbol of Hallstatt. Nearby stands the Catholic Church of the Assumption of Mary with its famous charnel house, where painted skulls of former inhabitants are displayed, a tradition dating back to the 12th century.
Achensee
Tyrol’s largest natural lake is called the “Alpine Fjord”, and it’s no wonder. Azure water surrounded by almost vertical rock faces creates an atmosphere you’d more likely associate with Scandinavia. Achensee is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Consistent wind conditions make it one of the best places for windsurfing and kitesurfing in Central Europe.
Families with children will appreciate the beach on the southern edge of the lake with shallow water entry, a sandy bottom, and a children’s playground. Vintage vehicle enthusiasts shouldn’t miss a ride on the cogwheel steam train from Jenbach to the lake shore. The surrounding mountains offer hundreds of kilometers of marked hiking trails of varying difficulty, from lakeside strolls to challenging ascents to surrounding peaks with panoramic views.
Wolfgangsee
Wolfgangsee, named after Saint Wolfgang, is one of the most romantic Austrian lakes. Its shores are adorned by the legendary towns of St. Wolfgang with its pilgrimage church, St. Gilgen – Mozart’s mother’s birthplace, and Strobl with the charming atmosphere of a seaside resort. The lake is divided by a peninsula into two parts connected by a narrow strait, creating interesting scenery for boat trips.
The crystal-clear water reaches a pleasant 24°C in summer and is ideal not only for swimming but also for all water sports. You can rent a kayak, paddleboard, or sailboat, or take a ride on one of the nostalgic steamships. The surrounding landscape invites hiking – a popular ascent is to Schafberg, from where one of the most beautiful views of the entire Salzkammergut region can be enjoyed.
Zellersee
Lake Zell is located in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park and offers a unique combination of a mountain lake with a backdrop of eternal snows and glaciers. The town of Zell am See is an ideal starting point for exploring the surroundings – from lakeside strolls to challenging high-altitude hiking and excursions to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier.
Among the perfectly maintained beaches with lawns and playgrounds, Seespitz beach stands out, offering water sports equipment rental. Golf enthusiasts will find two eighteen-hole courses nearby with lake and mountain views. In the winter months, Zell am See transforms into a skiing paradise with direct access to the glacier, so you can ski practically all year round.
Wörthersee
Carinthia’s largest lake is the warmest Alpine lake of all, thanks to its underground thermal springs. Water temperatures reach up to 28°C in summer, making it an ideal place for swimming and water fun. Long sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and luxurious resorts with renowned wellness centers make it the Austrian version of the French or Italian Riviera.
Klagenfurt, on the northern shore of the lake, offers a rich cultural program, shopping, and nightlife. For active pursuits, there’s an extensive network of cycling paths around the entire lake, golf courses with panoramic views, and climbing opportunities in the surrounding Carinthian Alps. The Pyramidenkogel observation tower, the world’s tallest wooden observation tower, provides breathtaking views of the entire lake and the surrounding mountains.
Attersee
Austria’s largest inland lake is home to the cleanest drinking water in Central Europe. Attersee attracts not only with its size but primarily with its crystal-clear water, ideal for diving. Underwater visibility often exceeds 20 meters, allowing you to admire the rich underwater life and geological formations on the lakebed.
The shores of the lake are lined with a number of picturesque spa towns. Attersee, on the western shore, offers a historic center with villas from the early 20th century and quality beach services. Steinbach am Attersee is known as the birthplace of composer Gustav Mahler, where you can visit his composing hut today. Water sports have a long tradition at Attersee; international regattas and windsurfing championships are held here annually.
Grundlsee
Styria’s largest lake is called the “Styrian Sea” due to its size and crystal-clear water, so pure it’s reportedly drinkable. Fourteen kilometers of perfectly maintained beaches, mostly freely accessible, provide ample space even on the busiest days. Water temperatures reach a pleasant 25°C in summer, making Grundlsee an ideal place for a family holiday.
The area is a paradise for fishermen. The lake is home to perch, pike, and trout, which require truly high-quality water. Local restaurants therefore serve excellent fish specialties directly from the lake. The surrounding landscape invites long walks and cycling trips along marked trails leading through the untouched nature of Salzkammergut.
Traunsee
Traunsee in the Salzkammergut region is known as the largest lake in the region, where salt was historically mined. Today, the lake is a popular destination for tourists seeking refreshment on hot days. The water reaches a pleasant 20°C and offers ideal conditions for windsurfing, yachting, and diving. The romantic atmosphere is enhanced by cruises on traditional paddle steamers.
The town of Gmunden on the northern shore impresses with its town hall with a carillon and the famous Ort Castle, which appears to float on the lake’s surface. On the southern edge of the lake, you can take a cable car up to the Feuerkogel peak with panoramic views of the entire area. The village of Traunkirchen, with its parish church on a rock, resembles a majestic castle towering over the lake.
Millstätter See
Millstätter See is one of the warmest lakes in Carinthia, with summer water temperatures reaching up to 26°C. Millstatt Abbey on the northern shore of the lake is the cultural center of the area, with a rich history dating back to the 11th century. Classical music concerts and cultural festivals are regularly held here in the beautiful setting of the historic monastery.
The lake offers excellent conditions for all water sports and has several well-equipped beaches with rental facilities. Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby Nockberge National Park, which offers hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and unique Alpine flora. The surrounding mountains provide excellent conditions for paragliding with landings directly on the lake shore.
Lunzer See
Lunzer See in Lower Austria is a natural lake surrounded by steep hills and dense forests. The clean mountain environment and relative tranquility make it an ideal place for true relaxation away from the city bustle. Three diving platforms provide an adrenaline rush, while a large meadow serves as a natural beach for peaceful relaxation.
The Lunz am See area is the center of the Seetal tourist region (valley of three lakes) with a dense network of hiking trails. A circular route nearly 20 kilometers long leads visitors around all three lakes in almost untouched nature. In the evening, you can attend one of the concerts or theater performances held on a floating stage directly on the lake.
Tips for Excursions and Activities
We’ve compiled tips for excursions and activities around the Austrian lakes for you. You can book them via GetYourGuide.
Cogwheel Railway and Cable Cars
The Austrian lakes offer unique opportunities for excursions to the surrounding mountains using historic means of transport. The Achensee-Bahn steam railway is Austria’s oldest cogwheel railway and offers a ride from the valley to the lake shore. During the 45-minute journey, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Alpine landscape and discover how our ancestors traveled.
The Dachstein-Krippenstein cable cars from Hallstatt will take you up to an altitude of almost 2000 meters, where you can visit ice caves, walk along suspension bridges, or enjoy panoramic views from the Five Fingers viewpoint. In the winter months, these cable cars are a gateway to winter sports, while in summer they serve tourists and lovers of high-altitude nature.
Cycling on Lake Trails
The Austrian lakes are connected by a network of cycling paths, allowing you to discover more places during one holiday. The most popular is the Salzkammergut-Radweg, which connects most of the lakes in the region and offers both asphalt paths for recreational cyclists and more challenging mountain sections for experienced bikers. The total length of the trail exceeds 350 kilometers.
The Attersee-Radweg is an easier circuit around Austria’s largest lake, also suitable for families with children. The route is mostly flat with gentle ascents and provides beautiful lake views along its entire length. You can rent e-bikes and enjoy a comfortable trip with the option of stopping in picturesque towns along the shore.
Boat Trips and Maritime Traditions
Steamships on the Austrian lakes are not just a tourist attraction but a true historical tradition. On Wolfgangsee, historic 19th-century paddle steamers still sail, taking you around the most beautiful spots on the lake. During the cruise, you’ll hear interesting stories about the region’s history and can enjoy Austrian specialties on board.
On Wörthersee, luxurious excursion boats offer evening cruises with gastronomic experiences and live music. You can also rent a smaller motorboat and explore the lake according to your own plan. Calmer alternatives include kayaks and paddleboards, which allow you to reach less accessible coves and enjoy the lake in complete tranquility.
Thermal Spas and Wellness
Many Austrian lakes have quality wellness centers and thermal spas nearby, utilizing natural geothermal resources. Bad Ischl, near Wolfgangsee, is famous for its imperial baths, where Austro-Hungarian aristocracy used to relax. Today, it offers modern wellness services in a historic setting.
Around Millstätter See, you’ll find several thermal springs with healing effects on the musculoskeletal system and stress conditions. The combination of warm baths with the lake’s cool mountain water creates an ideal regeneration program for body and mind. Many hotels offer wellness packages combining accommodation with unlimited access to the thermal spas.
FAQ
What is the water temperature in Austrian lakes in summer?
Water temperature varies according to altitude and lake size. The warmest are lower-lying larger lakes like Wörthersee (up to 28°C) and Attersee (22-25°C). Mountain lakes like Achensee reach around 20°C, which is still pleasant for swimming. The coldest are high-altitude lakes above 1000 meters, where the temperature does not exceed 15°C even in summer.
Do I need a vignette in Austria?
Yes, for driving on Austrian motorways and expressways, you need a vignette. A ten-day vignette costs €11.50 and a one-day vignette costs €8.60. You can buy it online with immediate validity or at petrol stations near the border. Without a vignette, you face a fine of up to €300.
Where can I find the most beautiful beaches at the Austrian lakes?
The most beautiful natural beaches can be found at Grundlsee (14 km of maintained shores), Attersee (long sandy beaches), and Millstätter See (tranquil coves). For families with children, the beaches at Zell am See with shallow entry and playgrounds are ideal. Wörthersee offers the most luxurious beach clubs with full services.
Can I camp at the Austrian lakes?
Wild camping is prohibited in Austria, but you’ll find many official campsites directly on the lake shores. The most popular campsites are Seecamping Berghof at Ossiacher See or Camping Hell at Millstätter See. Most campsites offer tent, caravan, and mobile home rentals with full amenities.
What water sports can I do on the Austrian lakes?
On all larger lakes, you can swim, paddleboard, yacht, and fish (with a license). Achensee and Attersee are ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to windy conditions. Diving is best at Attersee and Traunsee with excellent visibility. Many lakes offer water sports schools for beginners.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
