What landlocked Austria lacks in oceanic coastline, it makes up in great measure with its abundance of outstanding lakes. We have picked out 10 lakeside highlights from the vast choice of beautiful lakes.
With the mountains and lakes, castles and villages, historic towns and idyllic villages, Austria is bar none when it comes to the variety of holiday features. While the mountains are the main attraction in Austria, summer or winter, we would like to put the spotlight on the country’s wonderful lakes. Swimming, bathing, boat trips, water sports, or simply a hike along the shores are some of the many lakeside highlights. You can have it all. Moreover, not having to worry about huge waves and dangerous currents, is another big bonus. The list of lovely lakes in Austria could be at least much longer. However, we’ve tried to find 10 different lakes spread out over the country. All with their unique characteristics and in random order.
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1. Bodensee (Lake Constance)
Bregenz occupies most of the Austrian shoreline on the Bodensee. The lakeside town’s main feature is the promenade, between the port and the Festival area. It’s a great place to bask in the sun, romantic evening strolls, or just sit down at a café and contemplate life.
Check out our article >>
Bregenz – Seaside fun in the Alps
2. Achensee
Nostalgic steam train trips, cruising the lake, or hiking in alpine nature. A gem among the lakeside highlights is Achensee (Lake Achen) in Tyrol – much more than a picture-perfect alpine paradise. With its turquoise blue water and steep cliffs, the northwestern shore almost reminds us of a greek island.
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Over the Mountain, Across the Achensee
3. Wörthersee
The almost 17-kilometer-long lake in Carinthia is one of Austria’s warmest lakes and often reaches 25 °C. Wörthersee is Austria’s answer to the French Riviera. You find a posh casino in Velden, and it’s a popular playground for the rich and famous in Austria. Nonetheless, there is plenty of place for people with a normal income as well, who want to enjoy a lakeside vacation.
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Water sport vacation at the Wörthersee
4. Weissensee
Weissensee is beautifully situated in a valley in southeastern Carinthia. The alpine lake is one of Austria’s cleanest with drinking water quality. There are awesome hiking and biking trails all around the lake. Enjoy bathing, and fishing on our cruise on the lake in summer. Winter time the lake usually freezes over and becomes a huge ice-skating rink.
See for yourself at Weissensee Tourism
5. Millstättersee
The Millstätter See (Lake Millstatt) in Carinthia, southern Austria is a summer paradise. Watersports, biking, hiking, or simply relaxing seaside, you can have it all. We recommend: taking your kids out on the lake and accompanying a professional fisher taking up fishing nets or going for a guided rowing boat trip.
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Summer paradise Lake Millstatt
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6. Mondsee
The Mondsee in Upper Austria is easily accessible from the main motorway between Vienna and Salzburg, A2. On the waterfront, you can rent electric- or sailboats. Not a sailor! Hour-long guided boat tours around Mondsee run all day from the same place. The village by the same name at the northern lakeshore is nice and is home to a large Abbey.
For more info, check the website of Mondsee Tourism.
7. Neusiedlersee (Lake Neusiedl)
Austria’s largest lake, the Neusiedler See is located 40 minutes by car from Vienna in the state of Burgenland. The southern end of the lake, roughly 20%, belongs to Hungary. Europe’s second-largest steppe lake is surrounded by the flattest landscape in Austria. Windsurfing is among the most popular watersports on the maximum 1,8-meter deep lake.
For more info, check the website from Neusiedler See Tourism.
8. Salzburger Seenland
Not far from the Mozart City Salzburg there is a lovely lake district. Four pretty lakes, the Wallersee, the Mattsee, the Grabensee, and the Obertrumersee, are embedded in the undulating countryside, amongst well-kept meadows and forests. Dotted around the lakes you find idyllic villages and hamlets that offer accommodation and other tourist services.
Discover the splendid Salzburg Lake District
9. Grundlsee
In northwestern Styria, you find the state’s largest lake, the Grundlsee. Around the lake, you find several pebble beaches and a section reserved for nudist bathers. At the far end of the lake, there are good hiking trails into the mountains. The Grundlsee is set amidst a stunning alpine landscape, just a 30-minute drive from the World Heritage site Hallstatt.
For more info, check out Ausseerland Tourism
10. Pillersee
Little Pillersee in Tyrol, not far from the biathlon arena in Hochfilzen, is a small “undiscovered” gem. In the flat lane around the lake, there is a walking and cycling path that is well suited for children or wheelchairs. There are several lawns by the water for swimming, and you can hire pedal boats and stand-up paddle boards.
For more info, see Kitzbüheler Alpen Tourismus