Austria is maybe not the first destination that comes into your mind if you are going on a beach holiday. Nonetheless, the alpine country has plenty of lovely and surprisingly warm lakes.
Even though Austria does not have a centimetre of shoreline toward the sea, it is no problem to enjoy a wonderful beach holiday in the Alpine countryside. Many of Austria’s lakes warm up quickly during the summer and reach water temperatures of 27-29 °C. Furthermore, the water quality in the majority of lakes in Austria is superb, with drinking water quality. Hence, even large lakes are often crystal clear. Local governments take pride in offering their citizens public beach facilities, which often are available to tourists as well. In addition, many hotels have private beaches or at least access to the lake.
1. Strandbad Mattsee
The Mattsee is one of four lakes in the Salzburger Lake District and has a large park area with a beach at the southwestern end of the 3,6 km² (889 ac) lake. There is a large grassed area and partly shaded where you can set up for your day at the beach. Onsite there is also a restaurant and lockers. You are only a 5-minute walk away from the lovely village Mattsee, where you find a good range of accommodation, restaurants, supermarkets, shops and banks.
Where is it on Google Maps
Water temperature: 21 – 28 °C in June – September
Suited for: Families, sunbathing, windsurfing, nature watching
Accommodation: Salzburg Lake District (Our recommendations from Booking.com)
Related articles: Discover the splendid Salzburg Lake District
2. Millstätter See
The public bathhouse in Millstatt town offers a wide range of wellness activities in addition to lake access, a pool and a restaurant. You could easily spend the entire day here. Moreover, the surroundings are absolutely stunning.
Where is it on Google Maps
Water temperature: 21 – 25 °C in June – September
Suited for: Families, sunbathing, spa
Accommodation: Millstätter See (Our recommendations from Booking.com)
Website: Badehaus Millstätter See
Related articles: Summer paradise Lake Millstatt
3. Wörthersee
The almost 17-kilometre-long lake in Carinthia is one of Austria’s warmest lakes, often reaches a water temperature of around 26 °C during the summer. You only find a few publicly available beaches around the Wörthersee. Hence, the easiest thing is to stay in a hotel with a beach. Nonetheless, in Klagenfurt, you have one of the largest public seaside resorts in Austria.
Where is it on Google Maps
Water temperature: 23 – 27 °C in June – September
Suited for: Families, sunbathing, watersports, sailing, scuba diving
Accommodation: Wörthersee (Our recommendations from Booking.com)
Related articles: Water sport vacation at the Wörthersee
4. Weissensee
The Alpine Lake Weissensee is beautifully located in a valley in southwestern Carinthia and is one of Austria’s cleanest lakes maintain drinking water quality. Most of the lakeside activities happen at the western end, where you also find the villages and hotels. The landscape in the eastern part is steep and there are no villages or roads. Except for the beach Strandbad Stockenboi at the easternmost shoreline. Most places along the lake’s shoreline are reachable by the local ferryboat. You can also rent sail-, rowing and electric boats to cruise the lake and find your own cove for a swim.
Where is it on Google Maps
Water temperature: 18 – 24 °C in June – September
Suited for: Families, sunbathing, sailing, fishing
Accommodation: Weissensee (Our recommendations from Booking.com)
For more info: Weissensee Tourism
5. Erlaufsee
Erlaufsee is not big, but you can swim, paddle, scuba dive etc. in idyllic surroundings. After enjoying a day at the beach you find plenty of restaurants and sights in the nearby village Mariazell.
Where is it on Google Maps
Water temperature: 19 – 21 °C in June – September
Suited for: Families, sunbathing, watersports, sailing, scuba diving
Accommodation: Hochsteiermark (Our recommendations from Booking.com)
Related articles: Mariazell – Hiking, cycling and beach holiday in Austria
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6. Klopeiner See
Klopeiner See is one of the warmest lakes in Europe. The idyllic little lake in southern Carinthia, is a family-friendly lake resort, offering crystal clear water, different sports- and water-related activities and a wide range of accommodations.
Where is it on Google Maps
Water temperature: 21 – 25 °C in June – September
Suited for: Families, sunbathing, non-motorised watersports, scuba diving
Accommodation: Klopeinersee (Our recommendations from Booking.com)
For more info: Lake Klopeiner Tourism
7. Seebad Riegersburg
Austria also has some lovely artificial lakes, and Seebad Riegersburg is a popular place for the locals to cool off on hot summer days. Next to the village Riegersburg is named after the astonishing medieval castle that towers above it, you have plenty of things to do when you are done with the beach.
Where is it on Google Maps
Water temperature: 23 – 28 °C in June – September
Suited for: Families and sunbathing
Accommodation: Eastern Styria (Our recommendations from Booking.com)
For more info: South-eastern Styria Tourism
8. Attersee
Jump into the clear water for a refreshing swim, at this public beach resort at Unterach am Attersee. This is just one of many bathing places around the 19 km long Attersee. Austria’s largest lake is located in the middle of the Salzkammergut lake district and offers a wide range of activities in and around the lake.
Where is it on Google Maps
Water temperature: 19 – 25 °C in June – September
Suited for: Families, sunbathing, watersports, sailing, scuba diving
Accommodation: Attersee (Our recommendations from Booking.com)
For more info: Attersee – Attergau Tourism
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