The Most Beautiful Lakes in Austria

Austria is a holiday destination offering a wide variety of attractions. In addition to skiing and mountain climbing, the Alpine republic captivates many visitors every year with its wonderful lakes. With a total of 25,000 lakes, there is a perfect spot for both relaxation and adventure. From icy mountain lakes surrounded by breathtaking landscapes to idyllic bathing lakes with Caribbean-like water temperatures, there is something for every taste – and plenty of great activities for children too. Below is a list of the 10 most beautiful lakes in Austria to inspire your next getaway.

Grüner See – Styria

A true natural gem, Grüner See is located in the municipality of Tragöß-Sankt Katharein in Styria, about 60 km north of Graz. Surrounded by picturesque mountain landscapes, the lake glistens emerald green – but only when it appears as a body of water. The lake fills up with crystal-clear meltwater from the surrounding snow. In early summer, its water depth reaches up to 10 meters. However, by autumn, it slowly dries up again. While too cold for swimming, Grüner See is a stunning sight to behold, and the surrounding landscape is perfect for extensive hiking trips.

Attersee – Salzkammergut

Sailors especially love Attersee: The largest lake in Austria, with a length of about 19 km and a width of up to 3.3 km, offers plenty of space for long boat trips. Its crystal-clear, clean waters also attract many divers. If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach holiday, this is also the place to be. Several lakeside beaches offer amenities such as lounge chairs and umbrellas. Another plus for a pleasant holiday: In summer, the water temperature can reach up to 25°C. 

Attersee

Achensee – Tyrol

At 380 meters above the Inn Valley in Tyrol, Achensee is a very popular vacation destination. Surrounded by the Karwendel Mountains to the west and the Brandenberger Alps to the east, the lake is famous for its clean water, which is almost drinkable. If you're looking for relaxation, you will definitely find it here. The surrounding mountains with their alpine pastures and meadows offer attractive hiking or climbing adventures. Water sports enthusiasts will also be happy with options such as surfing, kiting, diving, and sailing. Five beach resorts or swimming areas are available for visitors.

Neusiedler See – Burgenland

The Neusiedler See, located at the border with Hungary, is a nature paradise and a major attraction. The Burgenland steppe lake is surrounded by wild, romantic nature and is perfect for bird-watching excursions. Active vacationers will find a wide range of activities, including windsurfing, sailing, kitesurfing, horseback riding, Segway tours, eco-golf, hiking, and cycling. If you're planning a family holiday, you’ll find around 20 beaches or lakeside resorts where children can play while you relax. 

Neusiedler See

Wolfgangsee – Salzburg / Upper Austria

Mountain panoramas, Alpine hospitality, and cozy Austrian charm – this is what the region around Lake Wolfgang offers. With its deep blue waters and picturesque surroundings, the lake attracts many visitors to the Salzkammergut and Upper Austria every year. The tranquil villages around the lake, such as Strobl, St. Gilgen, and St. Wolfgang, provide peace and beauty, along with plenty of opportunities for a varied holiday. Whether it's classic water sports like sailing, surfing, and rowing or trendy activities like stand-up paddling, water skiing, wakeboarding, or parasailing – every day here can be an adventure. 

Wolfgangsee

Wörthersee – Carinthia

Water sports, boating, hiking, swimming – or simply enjoying the sun by the idyllic lake shore: Wörthersee offers everything for a diverse holiday. This azure blue lake, located between Villach and the Carinthian capital Klagenfurt, is one of the warmest Alpine lakes, with temperatures reaching up to 27°C in summer, perfect for a fun swimming experience. If you're traveling with children, there are various outdoor museums, zoos, and wildlife parks to explore. In elegant towns like Velden or Pörtschach, you can enjoy excellent shopping, bars, restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. 

Worthersee

Faaker See and Ossiacher See – Carinthia

Located near Wörthersee, both Faaker See and Ossiacher See are nature jewels that invite visitors to enjoy a relaxing beach holiday. The turquoise-blue Faaker See reaches temperatures of up to 27°C and enchants visitors with a small island, where a beach resort with a nostalgic bathhouse is located. You can also enjoy stunning views, clear waters, and fragrant mountain air at Ossiacher See and in the entire Villach region. A great tip for families with children is the Kanzelbahn cable car to the Gerlitzen Alpe, which offers exciting activities like high rope courses, tubing, and thermals ideal for paragliders.

Millstätter See – Carinthia

The second-largest lake in Carinthia, Millstätter See, enchants visitors with its clear water, beautiful blue tones, pleasant temperatures up to 28°C, and its lush landscape. If you’re planning a beach holiday, there are more than ten beach resorts to choose from. You’ll find large sunbathing areas, sandy beaches, and other amenities. A special feature of the lake is its microclimate, which ensures a lot of sunshine.

Gosauseen – Upper Austria

At the foot of the Dachstein massif, these three small lakes are fed by mountain streams, making the water cold but crystal-clear. Enjoy the pristine nature with hiking, biking, or climbing tours, and admire the magnificent mountain panoramas of Donnerkogel, Bischofsmütze, and Däumling. You can also rent a boat for a relaxed tour on the lake. Swimming is, of course, possible, and after a day of outdoor activities, several mountain huts or restaurants offer hearty meals.

Gosauseen

Weissensee – Carinthia

Crystal-clear, emerald green, and surrounded by an incredibly picturesque landscape, Weissensee sits at an elevation of 930 meters. Located in the Gailtal Alps, it offers absolute relaxation. Two-thirds of the lake’s shoreline is untouched and natural. The almost 12 km long mountain lake offers pleasant swimming temperatures of up to 24°C. Besides a range of water sports like water skiing and wakeboarding, the surrounding nature is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, rafting, and paragliding.