15.01.2023.
This post about Austrian lakes contains links which could help me to earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. Thank you for reading and supporting Under Flowery Sky.
The scenic beauty of the Austria hides the plenty of reasons to visit. Its numerous lakes entice with the dreamy colours and intertwine in the Alpine charm. The abundance of Austrian lakes shine like diamonds and invite you to return.
Whether you’re seeking the fascinating views, enjoying the winter wonderland or summer breeze your reward is so fruitful. The picturesque idyll unveils the relaxing moments and sportive spirit, just like Austrians do. If you’re in the doubt which Austrian lakes to discover, let this guide bring you inspiration and awake new call. Collaborating with amazing travel bloggers frames the wonderful panorama for your next road trip in Austria.
Wolfgangsee, contributed by myself
Wolfgangsee is your ultimate choice to visit as a day trip from Salzburg and it will simply delight you. Bursting with the picturesque views from the top of the Zwölferhorn mountain, the four lakes stretch at the palm of your hand.
Taking a boat ride is a fantastic opportunity to discover lovely towns such as St. Wolfgang or Strobl. Experiencing the lake in such a way opens up the symphony of the Austrian marvels in a deeper level.
St. Gilgen is an excellent basis to explore the nearby lakes in their charming treasure. Don’t hesitate to visit Fuschlsee and Attersee, which offer the stunning hikes and exquisite beauty.
About the hikes, how to reach & where to stay
The pretty St. Gilgen praises the memory of Mozart and it’s a fantastic starting point to explore the lake. It’s only 40 minutes bus ride from Salzburg and gives you the opportunity for incredible hikes. One of the most popular is the Zwölferhorn mountain, that you can also reach by the cable car.
The adventure to reach Schafberg mountain involves a in cogwheel train, which gives a fantastic trace of history. Being such a steep ride, you’ll finally absorb the divine panorama of the surrounding mountains and lakes.
To truly experience the wonders of Wolfgangsee enjoy couple of days in wonderful Hotel Radetzky.
Mondsee, contributed by myself
The gorgeous lake Mondsee is a popular Austrian destination due to the movie The Sound of Music. It’s a fantastic idea to visit the village Mondsee as a day trip from Salzburg being only 30 minutes away. In the picturesque ambiance of the Alpine charm you can observe the swans at the lake promenade.
Relaxing in the colourful streets of the historical center offers the simple pleasure of a pretty town. The elegant interior of the Braun Cafe is your delightful choice and makes Mondsee more attractive. Basilica Saint Michael gives praise to the movie Sound of the Music, which represents a heritage of the mid-700s.
The summer months bring plenty of events and concerts and Mondsee Jedermann is the most traditional one. Doing a boat trip is a fantastic way to experience the places like the Love Island or the rock formation Kienbergwand.
About the hikes & where to stay
Mondsee offers various hikes for every taste giving you the chance to enjoy incredible viewpoints. The Drachenwald mountain cover the challenging trails and the most wonderful views, while St. Lorenz unveils the charming family hikes.
Staying few days in Mondsee gives you a chance to absorb its wonders in the comprehensive picture. Jugendgästehaus Mondsee offers a cozy and budget-friendly place while enjoying tha charm of the lake town. Iris Porsche Hotel and Restaurant unveils a higher level of comfort giving focus to the details and affordable prices.
Altausseersee in Styria, contributed by Viktoria Urbanek from Chronic Wanderlust
The serene landscapes in the heart of the Austrian alps make the Altausseersee in Styria truly one of a kind. It definitely is one of the most stunning places to ever visit my home country. Ideally you’d be arriving with your (rental) car since public transportation is not too big of a thing in this particular area. Altausseersee is best experiences early in the morning and you’ll get the chance to have it all to yourself. Maybe some swans and ducks will join in as you walk along the accessible trail surrounding the lake.
Did you know that the restaurant Jagdhaus Seewiese at the far end is the very same one that you can spot in the James Bond movie Spectre? Definitely look at the pictures from the set in the hallway and enjoy the sun on the terrasse along with some typical Austrian delicacies.
When to visit & where to stay
If I had to pick a specific time of the year, visit Altausseersee during the autumn season. You’ll be wowed by the bright colors trying to compete among themselves.
Highly recommend staying at Die Wasnerin, a 4* Superior wellness hotel with boutique charm and incredible cuisine. They offer activities year-round like hiking, snow shoeing and picnics.Â
Gosausee, contributed by Angie Kunze from We’re Not in Kansas Anymore
No list of the most beautiful lakes in Austria would be complete without the addition of the stunning Gosausee. The dreamy mirrorlike lake reflects the surrounding mountains and is a shade of emerald green so intense that it must be seen in person to fully appreciate.Â
Plan the perfect trip to Gosausee with the addition of one of its many activities. In summer you can rent a boat and row your way across the glasslike water or bring along your swimsuit and take a refreshing dip! The most popular activity is the enchanting tree lined trail that circles the lake. If you have the time, consider exploring one or more of the other trails that branch off from the lake. These can be done by foot or if you prefer by bike!
How to reach & where to stay
Visitors can take the Gosaukamm Cable Car up for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscape. The iconic village of Hallstatt Austria is just a few kilometers away, so consider adding it to your itinerary.
What makes Gosausee such a great option is that it is so easily accessible. It can easily be reached by car or bus, which stops just steps from the lake.
Can’t get enough of this gorgeous lake? Consider booking a room at Gasthof Gosausee which sits right on the lake and offers rooms with balconies overlooking Gosausee! Â
Hallstätter See, contributed by Joanna from The World in My Pocket
Hallstätter See is one of the most beautiful lakes in Austria. Located in the Salzkammergut region, in the West of the country, the lake is most known for Hallstatt, a picturesque village on the shores on the lake. And if you are wondering if Hallstatt is worth visiting, despite being so popular with tourists, the answer is yes.
But Hallstätter See is so much more than the village of Hallstatt. The best way to explore Hallstätter See is by bike. There is a bike path going all around the eastern shore of the lake. Once you reach the train station, you can cross over the lake by boat, to reach Hallstatt. You can either bring your bike with you on the boat, or lock it at the train station.
What to see & where to stay
Another thing what Hallstätter See is famous for is the salt mine, Salzwelten. You can reach it by taking the funicular up the mountain, and then following the path, on a short 20-minute hike. Inside the mine you will find the longest underground toboggans, which you can slide on.
On the southern shore of the lake, there is the mighty Dachstein. Taking a series of cable cars, you can reach the glacier on the top, and experience the stairs to nowhere, the suspended bridge, and the five fingers suspended view point. This is a thrill for adrenaline lovers.
A good hotel near Hallstätter See is Landhotel Agathawirt. They offer free bikes to their guests, to explore the region whilst staying with them.
Green Lake, contributed by Martina from PlacesofJuma
The Green Lake (Grüner See) in the small village Tragöss in Styria is definitely one of the most picturesque lakes in all Austria. Its uniqueness lies in the striking emerald green water, which is created by the clear glacier water and the reflecting alpine meadows and forests. Especially in late spring, when the meltwater reaches the surface of the lake, the water level is at its highest and the lake is at its most fascinating. The underwater world of the lake is well known for its impressive clarity, and for this reason, it is also a popular place for scuba diving.
Hiking trails, how to reach & where to stay
There are many natural treasures to be discovered around the lake, including many different hiking trails to breathtaking viewpoints. The picturesque picnic spots right on the shore are a highlight, and there are countless photo opportunities for creating unforgettable memories. Furthermore, Green Lake is also a great place to visit in the winter for cross-country skiing.
Getting to the Green Lake is easy. The nearest airport is Graz Airport, and from there it is a scenic 90-minute drive to the village Tragöss. A rental car is recommended, as public transportation to this idyllic area is rare.
For an unforgettable stay near the Green Lake, there are several vacation homes and flats such as Haus Bergblick and HAUS RUSSOLD.
Zeller Lake, contributed by Kami from Kami And the Rest of the World
Located in the heart of the Salzburg Region, Zeller Lake is one of the most popular places to visit in Austria. And it gets all the attention for a reason! The place was a favorite holiday destination for European aristocracy already in the 19th century. It still is today, it attracts visitors from all over the world. The beautiful lake is surrounded by two different mountain ranges – Pinzgau Ridgeway with its green rolling slopes and rugged majestic Hohe Tauern. This diverse landscape and scenery makes Zeller Lake such a picturesque place, so easy to fall for.
The best way to enjoy the views is either from the boat – you can choose from panorama tours, regular boat service, or boat rentals – or from one of the surrounding mountains. Braves ones can try paragliding which can be such an exciting way to admire Zeller Lake and its surroundings.
About the town, how to reach & where to stay
The main town at Zeller Lake – Zell am See, is where you will find many fine restaurants and places to stay. There’s also a nice yet small old town you can wander around. The area of Zeller Lake is great for active holidays as it’s a perfect hub for hiking or skiing. With so many amazing things to do in Zell am See and around you will surely not be bored!
You can also walk around the lake, the whole loop is 11km. In the summertime, you can swim in the lake as the water has a pleasant 23°C degree; you can also try some water sports.
Getting to Zell am See is fairly easy as the town is well-connected by train, with trains from Salzburg every hour as well as a few direct connections to main cities in Austria. There are plenty of accommodation options in the town, such as Hotel Grüner Baum, located right in the center of Zell am See.
Seebensee Lake and Drachensee Lake, contributed by Diana from the Globetrotting Detective
Two of Austria’s most breathtaking and dreamiest lakes are Seebensee Lake and Drachensee Lake. They are situated in the southern part of the Austrian state of Tyrol. As they are very close to each other, we have to talk about the two lakes together.
Not only the lakes will take your breath away but the hiking routes leading to them. The evergreen pine trees, dramatic mountains, gorgeous highland cattle, goats and cows, and Tyrolian mountain huts on the way look so perfect in their natural setting. You will feel that you see paintings all around you.
About the hikes & where to stay
The best starting point of this epic hike to these two natural beauties is from the top station of the Erwahlder Almbahn cable car station at 1,508 m (4,940 ft).
Seebensee Lake is lying at an altitude of 1,657 m (5,436 ft) and Lake Drachensee is higher up at an altitude of 1,874 m (6,148 ft).Â
The hike to Seebensee Lake is 6 km one way and takes about 2 hours. Then, you need to hike another 30-45 minutes to get to Drachensee Lake.
For the best view of Drachensee Lake, walk to the Coberger Hut. Then, for the most breathtaking vista of Seebensee Lake, you need to hike a bit higher from the hut.
You can stay in a hotel close by in Ehrwald in Austria or Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Germany. But your best plan is to organize a 2-day hike to enjoy the lakes and stay in the lovely alpine hut: Coburger Hütte.
Attersee, contributed by Doris from Doris Gone Diving
Attersee, located within the breathtaking Salzkammergut region of Austria, offers the perfect mix of mountains, lake, and cultural offers. It is renowned for its crystal-clear waters that reflect the surrounding mountains, creating a breathtaking sight. But the lake has more to offer than just beautiful views.
The mountain landscape surrounding Attersee invites locals and tourists to explore the region during hikes that promise stunning views over the lake. One of the most popular hiking trails is the Attersee-Panorama trail, which takes you over 4.7 km on the mountain Höllengebirge while offering a unique panorama.
Attersee is a popular spot for water sports such as swimming, sailing, stand-up paddling, kayaking, and scuba diving. The lake is home to prehistoric stilt houses that have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and attract scuba divers from all over Europe.
The stunning villas at Attersee
The atmosphere at Attersee is very relaxed. Villas, which were once inhabited by artists around 1900 as summer retreats are testaments to a glorious past. The Artists’ Trail around Attersee takes you past these prominent houses, where Gustav Mahler, Friedrich Gulda, or Gustav Klimt drew inspiration from the beauty of nature at Attersee for their art.
How to reach & where to stay
Attersee is connected to the A1 motorway and a convenient 1.5 to 2-hour drive away from both Vienna and Salzburg.
If you plan to visit Attersee have a look at the Attersee Chalets offering modern accommodation with a breathtaking view over the lake.
PIN IT FOR LATER:
Gorgeous!! I’ve always wanted to visit Austria. Amazing pictures
Oh, my goodness, these lakes are incredibly beautiful. I love being in nature and all of the places you have listed here look like they would be amazing way to just take in the beauty of this area. I would love to visit them all!