The best boat trips in Austria

We have been cruising the lakes to find the best boat trips in Austria. Passenger boats have been crisscrossing Austrian lakes for centuries. Initially, the boats served the communities on the lake shores, but since the 18^th century, it has also been on tourist cruises. Some lakes still have historic cruises with steam-driving boats, making the cruise a unique experience. Check out what we discovered on the waterways of Austria.

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Lake Millstatt (Millstättersee) in Carinthia

Located in the Alps, the lake is a popular retreat for Austrian families during the summer months. Lake Millstatt is 12 km long and narrow, 600 metres above see-level. Hence, the good-sized lake is perfect for exploring the region by water. Millstätter See Schifffahrt, the local boat company, visits eight ports around the lake, and you can choose from three cruises. You can combine various activities with a boat trip or relax onboard, taking in the scenery. Hike in the mountains on the eastern side of the lake, bike around the lake and make excursions by rowboat on the lake.

For more info: Millstätter See Schifffahrt

Lake Wörth (Wörthersee) in Carinthia

Tourism is not new on Lake Wörth, especially since boat trips have long been popular. From its beginning in 1853, it kicked off with an astonishing 30.000 passengers that year. It is easy to understand why after taking a cruise on the lake with the steamship “Thalia“. Of course, you do not have to take a whole round trip at once, but you can jump on and off as desired at ports such as; Klagenfurt, Reifnitz (access to Pyramidenkogel viewing tower), and of course, Velden, the up-scale resort with the casino. Nonetheless, Carinthia’s largest lake also offers other possibilities to enjoy the summer on the water. Either rent your boat or take a tour with some of the party boats that travel Wörthersee in the summer.

For more info: Wörthersee Schifffahrt

Lake Weissensee (Carinthia)

Weissensee is located in a nature park that has focused on nature tourism. The region around the lake is known for its 200 kilometres (124 mi) of hiking trails, and 150 kilometres (93 mi) of mountain bike routes. Travelling by boat to the 8 different landings around the lake offers access to a wide range of activities. Furthermore, just as on the other lakes, simply enjoying a cruise around the lake is worth the ticket price. The astonishing scenery is best experienced at cruising speed. Weissensee is located 930 meters (3051 ft) above sea level and is over 11 kilometres (6,85 mi) long. Despite its location in the middle of the Alps, water temperatures can reach 24 °C (75 °F) in late summer (August/September).

For more info: Weissensee Schifffahrt

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Lake Achen (Achensee) in Tyrol

Lake Achen is the largest lake in Tyrol and is located in the mountains at 929 m (3,048 ft) above sea level. Tourist boats have been cruising the lake since 1887. The boats call at six different landings around the lake. They are helpful for getting around to different places or for making a cruise around the entire lake. Moreover, the landing at Seespitz connects with the cog railway to Jenbach. A brilliant way to enjoy the Alps – is by steam train.

Nevertheless, the roundtrip on the lake is a brilliant way to enjoy the fantastic scenery surrounding the Achensee. You can choose to relax in the sun outside on the deck or shelter inside the salons if the weather is not cooperating. Moreover, all the boats have full-service restaurants, and during the high season (July – September), you should try a Friday evening cruise with dinner and live music.

For more info: Achenseeschiffahrt

Lake Hallstatt (Hallstättersee) in Upper Austria

The lake with the same name as the UNESCO World Heritage site Hallstatt offers scenic boat trips. You can choose between two cruises, the northbound (80 minutes) and the southbound (50 minutes), or you can jump on and off at will. Moreover, the boats are practical for reaching starting points for hikes along the lake. Many also cross to the opposite side of the lake and hike back to the point of origin. At approximately 8.55 km² (3.30 sq. mi), this is not one of the largest lakes in Austria, but it certainly has one of the most impressive sceneries along its shores. Consequently, the Hallstättersee offers you one of the best boat trips in Austria.

For more info: Hallstättersee Schifffahrt

Mondsee (Moon Lake) in Oberösterreich / Salzburgerland

Austria’s 5th largest lake is part of the Salzkammergut lake district. Two shipping companies offer cruises on the lake, leaving from the small town of Mondsee, on the lake’s northern shore. Boat tours take about 1-2 hours, and cruises are available all year (as long as the lake is not frozen). The 11-kilometre-long lake is 14.2 km² (5.5 sq mi) large and sits amid a mountainous landscape. Furthermore, it is the warmest lake in Salzkammergut and offers bathing areas and different watersports. Mondsee is only about a 20-minute drive from Salzburg on the A1 motorway and is a popular day-trip destination. Mondsee is one of Austria’s last privately owned lakes and is up for sale for about 16 million euros.

 For more info:
Mondsee Schifffahrt Hemetsberger

Schifffahrt Meindl

Lake Constance (Bodensee) in Vorarlberg

Austria borders Lake Constance’s easternmost end. Most of the lake is shared by Switzerland and Germany. Bregenz, the state capital of Vorarlberg, is also Austria’s main port on the lake. From here, you can take anything from short harbour cruises to ships that call at ports in both neighbouring countries. This gives Bregenz a certain flair with its busy port and seaside promenade. We enjoyed a boat trip to the German town Lindau, which is about one hour away across the bay. As you leave or approach the Austrian shoreline, yAs a result, you get a different perspective of the Alps. Nonetheless, except for part of the Swiss side, most of Lake Constance’s regions are low-lying. Nevertheless, the sheer size of the Bodensee makes you feel more like an ocean than a lake.

 For more info: Vorarlberg Lines

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