Are you looking for a breathtaking vacation that combines natural beauty and outdoor adventure? Look no further than Austria’s stunning lakes. You’ll find 12 of the best lakes in Austria, each offering a unique experience that will leave you in awe.
From the crystal-clear waters of Achensee to the snow-capped peaks of Lake Hallstatt, these lakes are perfect for any season.
In the summer, you can swim, dive, or hike along the shoreline. In the winter, you can hit the slopes or cozy up in a rustic hut with some home-style cooking.
So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey through Austria’s most beautiful lakes.
Best Lakes In Austria
1. Achensee
You can’t miss out on Achensee – with crystal-clear waters and unique boat options, it’s the perfect destination for a memorable summer vacation.
This stunning lake boasts excellent water quality and visibility up to 10 meters deep, making it one of Austria’s best lakes for swimming. Whether you’re looking to relax on the shore or dive into the refreshing waters, Achensee has something for everyone.
In addition to swimming, Achensee offers modern steamer boats, murder mystery dinner cruises, and Christkindl boats during the holiday season. These boat options provide a unique way to explore the lake and take in the stunning alpine scenery.
With so much to see and do, Achensee is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an unforgettable summer vacation.
2. Mondsee
If you’re a fan of The Sound of Music, you’ll love Mondsee. This relatively large lake near Salzburg offers a wide variety of water-related activities, including diving boards, giant slides, windsurfing, and canoeing.
But what really draws visitors to Mondsee is the little church on the shore where The Sound of Music’s Captain Von Trapp and Maria got married. You can visit the church and even attend a wedding there, or simply enjoy the picturesque setting and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Aside from its pop culture fame, Mondsee is a great place to spend a day in the water. The lake is relatively shallow and warm, making it perfect for swimming and other water sports. If you’re feeling adventurous, try jumping off one of the diving boards or taking a ride down the giant slide.
And if you’re looking for a more relaxing day, simply soak up the sun on the shore or take a leisurely paddle around the lake. Whatever your preference, Mondsee is a must-visit destination for any fan of Austrian lakes.
3. Lake Hallstatt
Get ready to explore the stunning Lake Hallstatt, with its crystal-clear waters and a depth of 125 meters, perfect for swimming, scuba diving, and boating, all while surrounded by the picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hallstatt.
This lake is one of the most visited in Austria, attracting tourists from all over the world who come to marvel at its beauty and take part in the many water-related activities on offer.
With its clear waters fed by numerous mountain streams, Lake Hallstatt is popular for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing. You can rent a boat or take a swim in the cool waters, or even try scuba diving to explore the depths of the lake.
And when you’re ready to relax, simply sit back and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the charming town of Hallstatt. This is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a truly unforgettable experience in Austria.
4. Plansee
Let’s explore the majestic blue and greenish beauty of Plansee, the second-largest natural lake in Tyrol, perfect for swimmers and divers.
The clear waters of Plansee are a sight to behold, with its stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains and lush greenery.
The lake’s tranquil surroundings make it an ideal spot for a peaceful swim or a relaxing dive.
The water is so clear that you can see the bottom even at its deepest points, making it a popular destination for scuba divers.
Plansee’s shoreline is dotted with rustic huts that offer local specialties and home-style cooking.
The lake also boasts several hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Visitors can rent boats and paddle around the lake, or simply bask in the sun on the pebbled beaches.
Plansee is truly a hidden gem in Austria that’s definitely worth exploring.
5. Zellersee
Experience the crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain backdrop of Zellersee. It’s perfect for a day of windsurfing, kitesurfing, or simply lounging on the shores. The lake is fed by numerous mountain streams, ensuring the water remains clean and clear.
It is one of the best lakes in Austria for swimming, with a variety of water sports available for those seeking a more active day on the water. Zellersee is also a popular destination for sailing enthusiasts, with its consistent winds providing ideal conditions for the sport.
The shores are dotted with picturesque towns and villages, offering plenty of opportunities for exploring the local culture and cuisine. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-fueled day on the water or a relaxing afternoon in a beautiful setting, Zellersee is the perfect destination for your next Austrian adventure.
6. Attersee
You’ll love exploring Attersee, one of the largest lakes in Austria, with its Mediterranean-style villas, steep slopes, and seaside resorts. This beautiful lake attracts tourists from around the world for its excellent swimming, sailing, and kitesurfing.
The clear waters are fed by numerous mountain streams, making it a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts. The Schafberg mountain and the Höllengebirge karst range towards the south make Attersee ideal for sailing and kitesurfing.
You can also explore the shorelines, which have vast flowering meadows and picturesque market towns and quaint villages like Altmünster and Traunkirchen and Ebensee. If you’re looking for a perfect destination for your next summer vacation, Attersee is definitely worth a visit.
7. Gosausee
Get ready to explore the stunning set of three lakes at Gosausee! Surrounded by jagged mountains and the Dachstein Glacier rising behind it, this lake is perfect for swimming, boat rentals, stand-up paddleboarding, and diving. The clear turquoise waters are inviting, and the surrounding scenery is breathtakingly beautiful.
Take a stroll around the lake, rent a boat, or simply relax and enjoy the view from one of the many lakeside cafes. For those seeking a bit of adventure, Gosausee offers a fixed-rope climbing route set up directly over the lake. This route provides stunning views over the Dachstein and the Gosau glacier.
The lake is also popular for its diving opportunities, with underwater bridges, trees, and even a bench to explore. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adrenaline-pumping activities, Gosausee has something for everyone.
8. Grüner See
Are you ready to dive into the deep emerald-green waters of Grüner See and witness the stunning underwater bridges, trees, and bench?
This lake, surrounded by the Hochschwab Mountains and thick bluish forests, is a popular spot for divers who come to explore its distinctive color and unique underwater landscape.
In spring, the lake gets deeper and more vibrant, making it an even more attractive destination for divers and nature lovers.
As you dive into the crystal-clear waters of Grüner See, you’ll be amazed by the grass and foliage underneath, shining their bright green through the clear waters.
The lake is a sight to behold, with its deep emerald-green color and the jagged mountains of the Hochschwab range making for a dramatic backdrop.
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner, Grüner See is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the beauty of Austria’s lakes.
9. Traunsee
If you’re looking for a stunning lake surrounded by majestic mountains and picturesque market towns, Traunsee is the perfect spot for you. As Austria’s deepest lake, it’s a popular diving spot with crystal-clear waters that offer excellent visibility.
The shorelines boast vast meadows and quaint villages like Altmünster, Traunkirchen, and Ebensee, making it an ideal place to take a leisurely stroll or bike ride. But Traunsee isn’t just for diving and sightseeing.
It’s also famous for its ideal wind conditions, perfect for sailing and windsurfing. In May and June, major boat races are hosted here, and sailing courses are offered for beginners.
And if you’re looking for a unique photo opportunity, Schloss Ort, a medieval fortress built on its own little island, is Traunsee’s favorite postcard image.
With so much to see and do, Traunsee is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Austria.
10. Weissensee
You’ll be amazed by the turquoise-blue waters of Weissensee, surrounded by stunning mountains and a beach area in the Stockenboi township, making it a favorite spot for swimming, diving, and cliff jumping.
The water temperature can reach up to 25 degrees Celsius in summer, and it’s so clean that you can safely drink it.
The Weissensee Nature Park surrounding the lake offers over 200 kilometers of marked paths for hiking, biking, and Nordic walking.
Not only is Weissensee a popular destination in the summer, but it’s just as spectacular in the winter when it transforms into a spectacular ice rink.
The lake is frozen solid, and visitors can skate, play hockey, ice fish, and even take a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh across the ice.
The winter landscape surrounding the lake is breathtaking, and there are plenty of cozy huts to warm up in and enjoy local specialties while taking in the stunning views.
11. Wolfgangsee
As you explore the 13-kilometer-long Wolfgangsee, divided by the die Enge peninsula and surrounded by tucked-away resorts, you’ll discover a prime destination for diving with a depth visibility of 10 meters and plenty to discover underwater.
The turquoise-blue waters are so clear that you can see schools of fish swimming beneath you. The lake is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, making it a popular spot for nature lovers.
Besides diving, Wolfgangsee offers a variety of water-related activities, such as swimming, boating, and fishing. You can rent a boat and explore the lake at your own pace or take a ride on the cogwheel Schafberg Railway to the top of 1,783-meter-tall Schafberg mountain for breathtaking views.
After a day of water activities, unwind in one of the many lakeside restaurants and enjoy the delicious local cuisine. Wolfgangsee truly offers something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination in Austria.
12. Faaker See
Experience the crystal-clear waters and stunning surroundings of Faaker See, located in the southern region of Austria.
This lake boasts the cleanest water of any lake in Austria, making it a prime destination for swimming with water temperatures reaching up to 26 degrees Celsius in the summer.
The turquoise-blue waters are so clear that you can see the bottom up to 12 meters deep, making it perfect for snorkeling and diving.
Surrounded by the beautiful Gailtal Alps, Faaker See offers plenty of hiking and biking trails, including the nearby Mount Mittagskogel.
The shore is home to numerous hotels and restaurants, making it easy to spend a whole day enjoying all that the lake has to offer.
Throughout the year, the lake becomes a hub for a number of events, including the European Bike Week in September and beautiful advent markets in December.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful day by the water or a fun-filled day of activities, Faaker See has something for everyone.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the 12 best lakes in Austria.
From the crystal-clear waters of Achensee and Mondsee to the picturesque Lake Hallstatt and Plansee, there’s no shortage of stunning natural beauty to explore.
And the fun doesn’t stop when the weather turns cold – lakes like Zellersee and Traunsee offer winter activities like ice skating and skiing.
No matter what time of year you visit, there’s something for everyone at these Austrian lakes.
So pack your bags, grab your swimsuit or skis, and get ready to experience the best of what Austria has to offer.