12 Most Beautiful Lakes in Austria, despite being a country without access to the sea, boasts of numerous breathtaking bodies of water. The lakes in Austria are a favorite among tourists and locals alike, offering picturesque waterfront views and opportunities to take a dip while surrounded by the majestic Alps. If you’re planning a trip to Austria, make sure to include a visit to one of these stunning lakes in your itinerary.
Gruner See [SEE MAP]
The Gruner See, located near the village of Tragöß, is commonly known as the Green Lake due to its vibrant green color. This name accurately reflects the lake’s appearance, as its waters are crystal clear and offer excellent visibility.
The lake’s unique hue is a result of the melted snow from the Karst Mountains, which also contributes to its chilly temperature even during the summer months. Despite the cold waters, the Gruner See is a captivating sight that attracts visitors. In fact, with the assistance of a knowledgeable local guide and the appropriate scuba diving gear, one can even explore the depths of the lake through scuba diving.
Weissensee
The Weissensee, also known as the White Lake, is located in the Gailtal Alps. This glacial lake is highly sought after by tourists due to its wide range of activities. One of the reasons for its popularity is the prohibition of private motor boats, which helps maintain a serene environment and thriving wildlife.
During the summer months, visitors have the opportunity to take pleasure boat rides, go canoeing, indulge in trout and perch fishing, and explore the surrounding shores through hiking trails. In the winter, the Weissensee transforms into a premier skiing destination, attracting winter sports enthusiasts. Additionally, certain sections of the lake are utilized for speed-skating competitions, adding to the excitement and diversity of activities available.
Faaker See
The water of Faaker See in Austria is renowned for its purity and drinkability, making it an exceptional body of water. The lake boasts excellent water quality and offers great visibility throughout. Visitors can enjoy several beaches by paying a small fee to swim, sunbathe, and unwind. Faaker See is also a popular venue for events, such as the annual European Bike Week, which is the biggest motorcycle rally in Europe. Fishing is a favorite activity, and during winter, ice skating is a thrilling experience when the lake freezes over.
Worthersee
If you’re looking for a breathtaking lake, make your way to Carinthia in Austria. The Wörthersee has been a popular summer destination for the Austrian aristocracy since the 19th century, attracting both locals and tourists to its shores. With some of the warmest waters in the country, the lake is an ideal spot for swimming during the summer months. To explore the area, you can rent a bicycle from the nearby town of Pörtschach or take a seasonal ferry to different parts of the lake.
Mondsee
Mondsee, a privately owned lake in Austria, is a breathtaking sanctuary that offers a peaceful respite from the chaos of daily life. This picturesque lake was even featured in a James Bond novel, solidifying its status as a scenic wonder. The surrounding area boasts stunning views of both the Northern Limestone Alps and the Northern Sandstone Alps, visible from various points along the shore. Additionally, the town of Mondsee, situated on the lake’s edge, provides a panoramic vista of the majestic Drachenwand, also known as the Dragon Wall.
Achensee
Achensee, also known as the Fjord of the Alps, is the largest lake in the Tyrol district of Austria. Its breathtaking beauty is attributed to its location at the foot of a mountain, but what truly sets it apart is the remarkable color and clarity of its water. The lake’s hues range from green to aquamarine, and in some areas, you can see as deep as 10 meters (30 feet). To fully appreciate the stunning scenery, visitors can engage in activities such as sailing and windsurfing on the lake, which is known for its windy conditions. Additionally, hiking at Bärenkopf Mountain offers panoramic views of the lake and its surroundings.
Wolfgangsee
The Salzkammergut, a popular tourist destination close to Salzburg, is renowned for its verdant scenery and numerous stunning lakes. Among these, the Wolfgangsee stands out as one of the most impressive. Legend has it that Saint Wolfgang, a figure from the 10th century, constructed a church near the lake’s edge over a millennium ago. For an unparalleled vantage point of the Wolfgangsee, take a ride on the Schafbergbahn railway to the summit of Schafberg mountain, where you can marvel at the breathtaking views of the lake below.
Zeller See
The Zellersee, a charming freshwater lake located in the Austrian Alps, is relatively small in size but boasts of its beauty. Its size makes it an ideal spot for year-round activities as it freezes during winter, providing a perfect opportunity for ice skating. During summer, visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, or kayaking in the crystal-clear water of the lake. The lake is named after the nearby town of Zell am See, which is home to a magnificent 16th-century castle and a remarkable Romanesque-style church. In winter, the frozen surface of Zellersee attracts a large number of locals who come to skate and enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake.
Hallstatter See
The region of Salzkammergut is home to numerous lakes, including the stunning Lake Hallstatt, also known as the Hallstatter See. This picturesque lake is nestled amidst majestic mountains, offering a breathtaking view. The charming town of Hallstatt, located on the banks of the lake, is renowned for its traditional Austrian architecture and delightful attractions. For those seeking a different experience, scuba diving lessons with a guide from Hallstatt can provide a unique perspective of the Hallstatter See, while hiking in the mountains is the best way to fully appreciate its beauty.
Plansee
Lake Plansee, located in the Tyrol region of Austria, is a vast expanse of water that is linked to another lake, known as Heiterwang, through a canal. This unique feature makes Plansee a favored destination for boating enthusiasts, as both lakes can be easily accessed via multiple rivers.
The lake offers an unparalleled experience for outdoor enthusiasts, with its miles of well-maintained pathways that are perfect for activities such as jogging, cycling, and inline skating. Surrounded by the majestic Lechtal Alps, visitors can also indulge in scuba diving or try their hand at fishing for trout and perch. Additionally, there are passenger ferries available for those who wish to traverse the lake and enjoy its scenic beauty.
Traunsee
The Traunsee, one of the lakes found in the Salzkammergut region, is renowned for its vastness and is a favored destination for outdoor enthusiasts. However, its claim to fame lies in the presence of a legendary aquatic creature known as the Lungy, which bears resemblance to the mythical Loch Ness Monster of Scotland.
Moreover, the shores of the Traunsee boast numerous captivating attractions, such as the charming villages of Altmünster and Traunkirchen, along with the awe-inspiring medieval castle, Schloss Ort.
Millstatter See is one of the 12 Most Beautiful Lakes in Austria
Located in the Carinthia region of Austria, the Millstatter See boasts a fjord-like appearance due to its steep shoreline. The Nock Mountains and the Drava Valley contribute to the stunning landscape, while the Hochgosch area to the south is covered in lush greenery. Thanks to the mountains, the lake is sheltered from harsh winter winds, making it perfect for swimming during the summer. Be sure to visit the village of Millstatt, where you can marvel at the well-preserved 11th century abbey.
