Are you planning a holiday and swimming at an Austrian lake? Here are our tips for the most beautiful lakes in Austria, including a map and practical information.
In this article about the most beautiful lakes in Austria, we have listed tips for each lake, what to do in the area, what the water temperature is in summer, or what to do in the area. what to watch out for.
Also included is a map that you can download and modify as needed. In the map you can find all the beaches I mentioned in the article and other attractions in the area.
The most beautiful lakes in Austria
1. Wolfgangsee
I can’t start any other way than with our favourite lake Wolfgangsee. It fulfils everything we expect from an Austrian lake – beautifully clear water that makes you feel like you’re at the seaside in Croatia, great hikes in the area and easy accessibility from the Czech Republic.
The average water temperature of the Wolfgangsee is 24 °C in summer. Around the lake there are several smaller, mostly grassy beaches, which are unpaid. There are also parking lots (often charged around 4-5 € per day) and toilets nearby.
At the larger beaches, you can also rent a boat or pedal boat and take a ride on the lake.
A beautiful beach can be found in St. Gilgen, for example – with a gradual entry into the water and completely free of charge. There is a landscaped promenade a short walk away, as well as in Strobl on the other side of the lake.
One of the most popular excursions around the lake is a tubing trip to the top of the Schafberg. The views on the way and at the top are breathtaking and worth every euro (even if the entrance fee is more expensive). On one side you will have a view of the Wolfgangsee and on the other side you will have a view of the Attersee and the Mondsee.
The Zwölferhorn, which is the easiest to reach by cable car, also offers spectacular views. From here you can then take one of the trails.
☞ Read more: We have written a detailed travel guide on things to do at Wolfgangsee.
Hotels Wolfgangsee 😴
These accommodations include a SommerCard, which gives you free admission to the tubing hill, lake ferries, and area attractions. All guests will receive their card on the day of arrival, along with a leaflet explaining what the card includes. A minimum stay of 3 days is required, shorter stays are available for a small fee.
2. Mondsee – the most beautiful lake in Austria
Have you seen the movie musical The Sound of Music? Then you will probably be familiar with Lake Mondsee. Several scenes were filmed here, including a wedding scene in St. Michael’s Basilica.
The main base is the town of Mondsee, where there is a paid swimming pool with attractions, a paddling pool for smaller children, a sandy and grassy beach and refreshments. You can easily spend a whole day here.
A landscaped promenade with wooden piers runs along the lake in Mondsee, where you can watch the sun rise behind the mountains.
Other public swimming pools can be found in Loibichl or Plomberg, where admission is even free. There is a road around the entire lake, where there are several small parking areas with toilets and access to the water. But it is not for a whole day stay by the water, because the entrance is a bit tricky.
In general, however, most of the beaches around Mondsee are paid or privately owned. The water temperature in the Mondsee ranges from 23-26°C in summer.
There are hiking trails around the lake from which you can enjoy views of Mondsee and the surrounding area. Alternatively, visit the ruins of Wartenfels Castle, which is easily accessible (about 10 minutes from the car park) and offers views of the surrounding countryside.
Mondsee is also a short drive from Wolfgangsee, making it a great base for excursions around both lakes.
3. Lake Atter
Another lake near Mondsee and Wolfgangsee is Lake Atter.
The Attersee is the largest lake in the Salzkammergut around Salzburg. The water temperature is usually around 20-25°C. The water is beautifully clear and, unlike the Mondsee, there are more opportunities to swim.
The large free beach is located in Litzlberg, where there is a grassy area and a spacious wooden pier with stairs that make it easy to get into the water. But you can also go from the shore, where there are small stones and a gradual entrance. There is a bistro, paddleboards for rent, toilets and a playground.
There are also well maintained beaches around the lake, for example in Attersee am Attersee, Seewalchen am Attersee (there is also a swimming pool here), Steinbach am Attersee (worse access to the water) or Weyregg am Attersee. In the last mentioned town you can find a free beach, which is ideal for families with small children (gradual entrance, large playground, paddling pool).
You can also find all the beaches mentioned and tips for excursions in the map at the end of the article.
For the best view of the lake, climb to the top of the Schoberstein (see opening photo).
Attersee is located near Lake Wolfgangsee. You can take a toboggan ride to the Schafberg, hike along one of the hiking trails with views of the lakes, or take a trip to Bad Ischl or Hallstatt.
Accommodation Attersee 😴
These accommodations include a SommerCard, which gives you discounts on nearby attractions. All guests will receive their card on the day of arrival, along with a leaflet explaining what the card includes. A minimum stay of 3 days is required, shorter stays are available for a small fee.
4. Zeller See
We are moving from the area of the Salzkammergut to the foothills of the High Tauern National Park. Here is the beautiful alpine lake Zeller See, whose water is at an ideal temperature for swimming in the summer months (up to 26 degrees Celsius).
There are several grassy beaches around the lake with refreshments, cabins and other facilities. On the eastern shore of the lake is Thumersbach Beach, where there is an outdoor swimming pool in front of the lake. There’s also an outdoor pool at Zell am See beach, a short walk from the centre, which also has a water slide and good facilities for families.
If you are looking for a location where you can enjoy swimming in crystal clear water and hiking in the high mountain terrain, Lake Zeller See is ideal. The lake area provides the perfect backdrop – there are beautiful parks full of flowers, a promenade and plenty of things to do in the surrounding area.
Head for adventure on Austria’s Kitzsteinhorn glacier, high above sea level at 3,202 metres, where you can ski all year round. Or enjoy the view from the Summit World 3000 lookout, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Alps.
Take a walk through the Sigmund Thun Klamm gorge, which runs along wooden bridges and footbridges along steep rock faces and offers views of wild water, waterfalls and deep pools.
One of the best hikes around Zeller See are the Wasserfallboden and Mooserboden dams at an altitude of 1,672-2,036 metres. You can get here by bus and the largest open inclined cable car in Europe.
☞ More information: Read our detailed travel guide to Zell am See and things to do.
Accommodation Zell am See 😴
These accommodations include a SommerCard, which gives you free access to cable cars, public transport and attractions in the area. All guests will receive their card automatically on arrival. Valid from 15 May to 31 October.
5. Achensee
Achensee is one of the most beautiful and popular lakes in Austria. We were captivated at first sight.
Unlike other Austrian lakes, Achensee is very accessible. The whole thing can be circumvented – from Pertisau south to around the entire eastern shore there is a well-maintained cycle path. Ideal for easy walks, stroller rides, etc. There are short branches from the trail leading directly to the water.
Around the lake there are refreshments, benches and loungers to sit on, a well-kept grassy area and plenty of paid parking nearby.
There is a beautiful beach in Pertisau, where there is also a playground and a restaurant. The water in Achensee is a few degrees cooler than in other lakes in Austria – usually around 19-22°C in summer. If you’re looking for a warmer alpine lake, look for example at Attersee, Wolfgangsee or Wörthersee (see below).
The west bank of the Pertisau can also be walked around – there are great views from here, but the path is gravelly and sloping so not suitable for smaller children.
Achensee is also a perfect destination for other activities – you can go on a boat trip or take the cable car to the Rofan massif or the opposite Karwendel. Marked and maintained trails lead from the upper cable car stations. How about getting on the steam cog railway that runs along the lake?
☞ More information: We have written a travel guide for Lake Achensee in Austria.
Hotels Achensee 😴
These accommodations include the Achensee Card, which gives you discounts on area attractions. All guests will receive their card automatically on arrival.
6. Wörthersee – the most beautiful lakes in Austria
Looking for an Austrian lake with pleasantly warm water? Wörthersee is one of the most popular recreational lakes in Austria, located in the south of Austria in Carinthia. Thanks to its location, the water temperature reaches up to 25°C in summer.
The lake is known for its lively atmosphere and azure blue water, which is ideal for swimming, windsurfing, water skiing and other water sports.
The beaches around the lake are mostly paid or private. The paid beaches really provide everything for a day by the water – they are grassy with plenty of shady spots and good access to the water.
If you’re travelling with children, check out the beaches in Velden, Schiefling, Pörtschach am Wörthersee, Reifnitz and especially Klagenfurt, which is the most popular on the Wörthersee. Links can be found in the map at the end of the article.
After you’ve enjoyed your swim, take a stroll along the beautifully landscaped promenades. These are located in Velden, Klagenfurt, Reifnitz or Pörtschach am Wörthersee.
The surrounding area of Wörthersee is hilly, with hidden viewpoints in the forests and kilometres of hiking trails. Some places, such as the Pyramidenkogel lookout tower, offer views of the high Alpine peaks. Or visit the Minimundus, a park of miniature world monuments in Klagenfurt.
☞ Here is our detailed travel guide to Lake Wörthersee.
Accommodation Wörthersee 😴
These accommodations include the Wörthersee Plus Card, which gives you free admission or discounts to area attractions. All guests will receive their card on the day of arrival, along with a leaflet explaining what the card includes. The card is valid from the beginning of April to the beginning of November.
7. Lake Neusiedl
We move from the Alps to the Austrian-Hungarian border, where Lake Neusiedl is located. It is one of the largest lakes in Austria, despite the fact that one third of its area lies on Hungarian territory.
It is also one of the warmest lakes in Austria. Lake Neusiedl is extremely shallow – the average depth is only around 1 to 1.5 metres. Thanks to this shallowness, the water in the lake heats up quickly, so that in summer the water temperature reaches up to 28°C.
Unlike the Alpine lakes, the water in Lake Neusiedl is murky. This turbidity is caused by the shallowness of the lake and the bottom full of clay and organic sediments. There are extensive reeds around the lake, which also contribute to the turbidity.
On the other hand, the water is clean and the stay here is perfect for families with smaller children. Beaches can be found in every town around the lake. If you’re looking for a great day out, you’ll love the beach in Mörbisch.
In addition to the warm water, the lake attracts its rich ecosystem, including many species of birds, which has made Lake Neusiedl a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The local microclimate provides perfect conditions for growing grapes and the whole area is famous for its sweet wines.
The lake surroundings are ideal for easy walks and cycling. While you’re here, don’t miss a trip to the Podersdorf Lighthouse (see photo above). Especially at sunset it is beautiful. Nearby, on the western shore of the lake, the Familypark Neusiedlersee is an amusement park ideal for the whole family.
☞ Lake Neusiedl is just a short distance from Hungary. Read also the best thermal baths in Hungary or get inspired by the most beautiful places to see in Hungary.
Accommodation Lake Neusiedl 😴
8. Lake Halstatt
Lake Halstatt is ideal for those who want to enjoy the atmosphere of a picturesque town and breathtaking views.
The lake is located in the Salzkammergut and is surrounded by the peaks of the Dachstein Mountains. The entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The focal point is the town of Hallstatt, after which the lake is named.
Beaches can be found in Obertraun, Untersee or Hallstatt. The beaches are grassy, with seating and a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.
If you walk around the town along the lake, you will come across beautiful viewpoints. The cable car (you can also walk) takes you to the “Welterbeblick” Skywalk with a bridge, from where you have a wonderful view of Hallstatt and the surrounding area.
A short distance from the viewpoint is the Hallstatt Salt Mine. It will take you about an hour and a half to see it. It’s a great museum for children and adults alike, which will take you through the history of the local salt mine – take a train ride, ride on the wooden slides or watch various projections and videos.
☞ More information: We have written a detailed travel guide on things to do around the Dachstein mountains (Hallstatt, Krippenstein, Hoher Dachstein).
Accommodation Halstatt Lake 😴
9. Plansee
Lake Plansee is the second largest lake in Tyrol and the ideal place for those who want to combine swimming with hiking. It can be found near the village of Reutte in the Ammergau Alps. It is fed by the Heiterwangersee lake, which lies just a little higher up.
The Plansee does not offer as many public swimming pools and beaches as other lakes. On the other hand, it is quieter, less touristy and with breathtaking views of the imposing Alpine peaks. Due to its location, the water is a bit cooler – in summer it usually ranges between 17 and 21°C.
The road runs along the northern shore of the lake. Here and there are smaller areas to stop from where you can also go for a swim. But it’s not for a full day by the water. There is good access to the water at both ends of the lake – the beaches are grassy and partly gravelly.
The surroundings of the Plansee are ideal for hiking and excursions. One of the biggest attractions around the Plansee is the Highline 179 suspension bridge, which can be found in Reutte just a short distance from the lake. It connects the ruins of Ehrenberg and Claudia Fortress.
The bridge is located at a height of 114 metres and is 406 metres long. Thanks to this, it earned its entry into the Guinness Book of Records as the longest suspension bridge in Tibetan style.
Or visit the cascading waterfalls of Stuiben, where you can also take a dip. A short walk from the lake is the cable car to the top of the Hahnenkamm, where there is a panoramic restaurant, a playground and hiking trails.
☞ More information: Read tips for things to do in Tyrol, Austria.
10. Grundlsee
If Achensee is called the Tyrolean Sea, Grundlsee is the Styrian Sea. It is in fact the largest lake in Styria, located in the picturesque eastern Alps in Austria.
The area around the lake is grassy, with plenty of places to sit, spread out a towel and go for a swim in the lake (there’s usually a small paid parking lot, too). If you’re looking for a swimming spot with facilities, Gößl has a nice beach with a playground and refreshments.
The water temperature ranges from 19 to 23°C in summer.
The Grundlsee is perfect for easy hiking and cycling, as there is a well-maintained cycle path around the lake. It is flanked by restaurants with open terraces and views of the lake surrounded by green mountains.
For the best view of the lake, drive up to the Tressensteinwarte lookout tower – there is a small village with paid parking. Already on the way, you will be greeted by magnificent views. From here you can go to the already mentioned lookout tower (free of charge) or along one of the hiking trails in the area.
Accommodation Grundlsee 😴
These accommodations include a SommerCard, which gives you free entry or discounts to area attractions. All guests will receive their card on the day of arrival, along with a leaflet explaining what the card includes. A minimum stay of 3 days is required, shorter stays are available for a small fee.
11. Lake Constance
When ranking the most beautiful lakes in Austria, we cannot forget Lake Constance.
Lake Constance is one of the largest lakes in Europe and lies on the border between Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Although the Austrian part of the lake is the smallest, there are still many interesting things to see.
The main lakeside resort is Bregenz, a picturesque town known for its art and history. If you come here in the summer, don’t miss the Bregenzer Festspiele music and theatre festival, which takes place on the world’s largest floating stage.
There is a public swimming pool right in Bregenz – besides the lake, you can also swim in the outdoor pools, there are attractions and paddling pools for smaller children. Even better facilities for families with children are provided by the private beach in the town of Hard not far away.
The best views of the lake can be enjoyed from the top of the Pfänder, which can be reached in a few minutes by cable car.
The most beautiful lakes in Austria – map
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map with tips on the most beautiful lakes in Austria. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places I mention in the guide to the Austrian lakes. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.
This was our list of the most beautiful lakes in Austria. Do you have a question? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. Have a safe journey!
More information about Austria
AUSTRIA: Here are the most beautiful places in Austria.
VIENNA: See tips on things to do in Vienna (including entrance fees and opening times) and an itinerary of how to spend 3 days in Vienna. In the article Vienna with kids we share tips on how to enjoy Vienna with the whole family.
AUSTRIAN ALPS: Get inspired by our tips on things to do in the Austrian Alps (hiking routes, excursions).
Or head straight to Tyrol or Lake Wolfgangsee. Other popular destinations in the Austrian Alps are the Dachstein mountain range or the beautiful Lake Achensee. Zell am See is also a great holiday destination.
If you want to enjoy the beautiful untouched nature, take a look at things to do in the High Tauern.
Get inspired by the things to do in Carinthia or enjoy a holiday at one of the lakes in Carinthia. Here is a detailed guide to Lake Wörthersee.
