Although the corona pandemic still has the world firmly in its grip, there are many countries that are gradually easing the lockdown and slowly reopening their borders to tourists. With Pentecost just around the corner, many people are longing for a little break and would like to go somewhere for a few days. How about a nice vacation in Austria, for example? The Alpine republic is known as a land of mountains and attracts millions of visitors with its extraordinary landscape. Imposing peaks, hilly vineyards, idyllic mountain villages and beautiful cities such as Vienna, Salzburg and Graz – the neighboring country has a lot to offer and is without a doubt worth a visit. However, many people don’t know that there are more than 25,000 lakes in Austria that are ideal for swimming. Of course, that’s a lot and you can’t visit them all at once. That’s why in this article we have put together the most beautiful lakes in Austria that you could visit in summer!
Vacation in Austria: Lake Constance in Vorarlberg
Lake Constance is without a doubt a European holiday classic and attracts many tourists to its shores all year round. Lake Constance actually consists of two lakes, the Untersee and the Obersee, and is located in the so-called “triangle” between Austria, Germany and Switzerland. From leisurely swimming in the crystal clear water to extensive diving tours to kitesurfing and surfing – the region certainly has a lot to offer and is a real paradise for all water sports enthusiasts. Grandiose restaurants where you can enjoy regional cuisine and beautiful accommodations invite you to linger. The many nature reserves along the lake and the Rhine are ideal for a relaxing hike and offer you numerous activities for your next vacation in Austria. If you stay overnight in Bregenz, then you should definitely visit the Bregenz harbor on Lake Constance. There are the so-called “sunset seating steps” from which you can experience the wonderful sunset.
Lake Hallstatt is definitely worth a visit
Hallstatt has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is undoubtedly one of the most famous and beautiful places in Austria. Nestled between the three towns of Hallstatt, Obertraun and Bad Goisern and the Sarstein, Lake Hallstatt will enchant you with its breathtakingly beautiful nature, peace and seclusion! The shallow shores and crystal clear water are ideal not only for swimming, but also for diving and numerous boat tours. The surrounding area and the lake are the perfect place for all nature lovers who want to take a vacation in Austria. From rare plants to numerous species of fish, amphibians and water birds – you can find everything your heart desires there! Another highlight that you cannot miss are the hikes with wonderful views of the surrounding mountain landscape. All culture and history enthusiasts should definitely visit the market town of Hallstatt. There is a famous salt mine, where you can learn a lot about the 7,000-year history of mining, and a world-famous historic town center.
Lake Wolfgang: Holiday in the heart of the Salzkammergut
Located in Salzburg and Upper Austria, Lake Wolfgangsee is one of the most famous and beautiful lakes in Austria that you could visit in summer. The late former Chancellor Helmut Kohl, who spent 30 years on vacation with his family in Austria, already appreciated its beauty. Its absolutely enchanting location between the mighty mountains and dense lands makes Lake Wolfgang one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Alps. It impresses with excellent water quality and the average water temperature of 24 degrees in summer offers optimal conditions for activities such as diving, fishing and sailing. Visitors who love hiking can also spend an unforgettable day hiking in the heart of nature. In addition, the public beaches and outdoor swimming pools with their cozy lakeside terraces ensure plenty of relaxation and peace.
Spend your vacation in Austria at Lake Wörthersee
Lake Wörthersee is around 17 kilometers long and lies in the border triangle of Austria, Italy and Slovenia. The water temperature can rise up to 28 degrees in summer and is therefore perfect for swimming. Lake Wörthersee is so vast that it offers the perfect conditions for all sailors, water skiers and divers. If you like, you can also take a motorboat taxi across the lake and from there admire the villas, which are built in the style of the famous “Wörthersee architecture”. Due to its wonderful, idyllic location and pleasant climate, Carinthia’s largest lake is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Austria and is worth a visit. The possibility of meeting celebrities on the street is also quite high, as Lake Wörthersee is one of the country’s star hotspots, especially in summer. If you ever tire of swimming, you can explore the surrounding region by bike or on a hike.
Lake Neusiedl
Lake Neusiedl is something very special in many ways: it is the westernmost steppe lake in Europe and therefore another UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second largest lake in Austria. It is actually on the border between Hungary and Austria, with most of it belonging to Austria. Due to the mild climate, the water can warm up to 30 degrees in the summer months, but can also cool down very quickly. With an average depth of around 1.8 meters, Lake Neusiedl is not only suitable for swimming, but also offers optimal wind conditions for kite surfers, surfers and sailors. The lake is only an hour’s drive from Vienna, making it the ideal place for your next vacation in Austria. Its location in the foothills of the Alps ensures that you can admire unique flora and fauna around it.
Attersee for the perfect holiday in Austria for water sports fans
The Attersee is located in the Upper Austrian Salzkammergut and is the largest lake that is located entirely within Austrian territory. With a depth of around 169 meters, it is also the third deepest lake in Austria. The Attersee is the largest lake in a chain of lakes in the Salzkammergut, which also includes the Mondsee, the Fuschlsee and the Irrsee. In the surrounding area there are also Lake Hallstatt, Lake Wolfgang and Lake Wallersee – a real water paradise! The Attersee is best known for its turquoise water and is considered one of the clearest lakes in the country. The visibility of up to 25 meters and the abundance of fish ensure a unique and unforgettable experience for divers. Because Lake Attersee is so vast, it is also a popular choice for a vacation in Austria among sailors and motorboat fans. And good news for all dog owners: Lake Attersee is one of the few lakes where you are allowed to swim with your four-legged friend – but there are special dog beaches.
Weißensee is one of the most beautiful lakes in Austria
If you want to spend a quiet and relaxing holiday in Austria, then you will find it in Carinthia. The Weißensee is considered the cleanest lake in Carinthia and impresses with its impressive beauty and clarity. With its excellent location in the Gaital Alps and the gentle yet impressive mountains that surround it, Weißensee is the perfect place for anyone who wants to relax in nature. In some parts, green, flat meadows characterize the landscape, while in other places it looks like a fjord. In addition, the Weißensee has been declared a nature park and sustainable tourism plays a very important role. Around two thirds of the shore is undeveloped and most bays and places can only be reached on foot. The lake offers numerous attractions and is now known as one of the most popular water sports hotspots in Austria. This means that all action water sports enthusiasts can go water skiing undisturbed or even take part in rafting or canyoning on the rivers that surround Lake Weißensee.
Klopeiner See
The Klopeiner See in southern Carinthia is not only one of the most beautiful lakes in Austria, but is also considered the warmest lake in Europe with a water temperature of 30 degrees in summer! In addition, the water is of high drinking quality and the numerous hours of sunshine make for a pleasant Ulraub in Austria. The area around Lake Klopein is an excellent combination of water and land and a popular travel destination for both water fans and hikers. In addition to surfing, swimming and sailing, the lake is a popular area for diving and the visibility depth of 15 meters allows you to see the beautiful underwater world. A special highlight, however, is the promenade, which is the only continuous lakeside promenade in Austria. And if you don’t want to miss out on your workout during your vacation, you can visit the outdoor fitness studio “Fitness Beach” on the lakeshore.
The world-famous Fuschlsee for a relaxing holiday in Austria
Right at the entrance to the Salzkammergut and only 20 kilometers from Salzburg, you will find the beautiful Fuschlsee. It is characterized by above-average water quality and is one of the best-known and most beautiful lakes in the state of Salzburg. Crystal clear, sparkling deep green and over 4 kilometers long – Lake Fuschl enchants with its fantastically beautiful surroundings and ensures an unforgettable holiday in Austria. The sandy beaches combined with the turquoise water are a real eye-catcher and attract millions of tourists every year. The great diversity of flowers, water birds and insects makes the hearts of all nature lovers beat faster.
The Green Lake is a real natural phenomenon
The Green Lake near Tragöß is undoubtedly one of the most unique and beautiful places in Austria. Although it is not a lake in the strictest sense, the Green Lake has earned a place in our article thanks to its extraordinary fascination. The water there is actually a deep green while reflecting the surrounding mountains. What makes Green Lake so special? In winter the water almost completely disappears and every year after the snow melts in spring the lake fills up again with crystal clear water. This transforms it from a mountain meadow into a lake up to ten meters deep. However, the area around the green lake is a strict nature reserve and due to the special landscape, swimming and diving are prohibited. But the sight of the emerald green water is breathtaking enough to simply enjoy the natural wonders to the fullest.
