14 Most Stunning Lakes in Austria You Have to See
Austria is full of beautiful lakes — from small, hidden mountain lakes to wide turquoise waters covering a few hectares.
From east to west, from north to south, every Austrian state has beautiful lakes that invite you to explore and relax. So, choosing the very best ones isn’t that easy!
While this list is by no means complete and could go on and on, here are 14 of (what I think are) the most beautiful lakes in Austria that are definitely worth visiting!
From crystal-clear waters and charming lakeside villages to peaceful spots away from the crowds, each lake has its own special vibe and natural beauty.
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1. Hallstätter See (Upper Austria)
Hallstätter See looks like it belongs on a postcard. Tall mountains surround the lake that lies in the Salzkammergut region in Upper Austria, and the small village of Hallstatt sits right at the water’s edge, making it one of Austria’s most beautiful villages.
Most people go straight to the main waterfront, but if you walk along the lakeside path or take a boat, you can find quieter areas with just as beautiful views.
In summer, the small public beach in Obertraun is great for swimming, and renting a paddleboard is a fun way to explore the lake. In autumn, the forests turn golden, and even winter is special when snow covers the rooftops of Hallstatt.
TIP: Take the ferry from Hallstatt Markt to the train station across the lake. It’s a short ride, but seeing Hallstatt from the water is unforgettable — and much less crowded than the main photo spots.
Check out:
A Perfect Day Trip to Hallstatt & Gmunden
25 Most Beautiful Hallstatt Photos to Inspire Your Trip
2. Wolfgangsee (Salzburg/Upper Austria)
Wolfgangsee is another stunning lake located in the Salzkammergut region, on the border between Salzburg and Upper Austria.
The turquoise water is surrounded by mountains, and the lakeside towns of St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen, and Strobl are full of charm with cozy cafés and colorful promenades.
In summer, swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding are all popular, and hikers can take the Schafberg cog railway or explore the trails for spectacular views.
Autumn is perfect for peaceful walks along the shore, and winter brings a magical feel when the towns are decorated with lights and the famous Wolfgangseer Advent takes place.
TIP: Take the Zwölferhorn cable car from St. Gilgen. The view from the top is breathtaking, and the quieter trails are perfect for a peaceful hike.
3. Achensee (Tyrol)
Achensee is Tyrol’s largest lake, and its deep turquoise water is surrounded by the Karwendel and Rofan mountains.
The lakeside towns of Pertisau, Maurach, and Achenkirch are small but charming, with plenty of cafés, restaurants, and spots to relax by the water.
It’s a great place for hiking, biking, or taking a boat ride to explore the lake from a different perspective.
In summer, the water is perfect for swimming, sailing, or paddleboarding, while winter turns the area into a peaceful snowy retreat with frozen lake edges and quiet trails.
TIP: Take the Achensee ship from one end of the lake to the other. The ride is relaxing, and you get some of the best views without walking too much.
4. Wörthersee (Carinthia)
Wörthersee is the biggest lake in sunny Carinthia and one of the warmest alpine lakes, surrounded by gentle hills and charming towns like Velden, Pörtschach, and Klagenfurt.
The lake is perfect for swimming, sailing, and paddleboarding in summer, and the long promenades make it great for relaxing walks.
Velden has a casino and a lively lakeside with cafés and shops, while Pörtschach is quieter and perfect for a peaceful afternoon by the water.
You can also rent a boat to explore the lake and discover hidden beaches that aren’t too crowded. In autumn, the surrounding forests turn golden, making it perfect for cycling or hiking.
TIP: Visit the Pyramidenkogel lookout tower near the lake. It’s the tallest wooden observation tower in the world, and the views of Wörthersee and the surrounding mountains are incredible.
5. Weissensee (Carinthia)
Weissensee is one of Austria’s most beautiful and untouched lakes, hidden away in the mountains of Carinthia. Its crystal-clear turquoise water and calm surroundings make it a real escape from busy tourist spots.
There are no big towns here, just small villages and endless nature. In summer, the water can reach around 24°C, perfect for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, or renting a small electric boat.
Hiking and cycling trails around the lake give you amazing views, and in winter, Weissensee transforms into one of Europe’s largest natural ice rinks, attracting skaters from all over.
TIP: Walk the lakeside trail from Techendorf to Naggl. It’s an easy, scenic route with plenty of peaceful spots to stop and enjoy the view.
6. Plansee (Tyrol)
Plansee is a stunning alpine lake in Tyrol, surrounded by forested mountains and connected to the smaller Heiterwanger See by a narrow canal.
Its deep blue water looks beautiful in any season, and the clear visibility makes it a favorite spot for scuba diving. In summer, you can swim, rent pedal boats, or try windsurfing, as the lake often gets a nice breeze.
The cycling and hiking trails around Plansee are easy to follow and offer great photo spots. If you enjoy scenic drives, the road along the shore is one of the prettiest in the region.
TIP: Bring snorkeling gear or even just a diving mask — the water is so clear you can often see fish and the rocky bottom, especially near the quieter western shore.
7. Gosauseen (Upper Austria)
The Gosauseen are actually three lakes — Vorderer, Gosaulacke, and Hinterer Gosausee — hidden in the Dachstein mountains of Upper Austria.
The most famous is the Vorderer Gosausee, with its crystal-clear water and a picture-perfect view of the Dachstein Glacier at the far end.
A flat walking path circles the lake, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the scenery. If you have more time, you can hike further to the smaller Hinterer Gosausee for a quieter, wilder setting.
In summer, the lakes are a great spot for a picnic, and in autumn, the colorful forests make the views even more beautiful.
TIP: Visit early in the morning when the lake is calm — the reflection of the Dachstein Glacier in the still water is absolutely breathtaking.
8. Zeller See (Salzburg)
Zeller See lies in the heart of the Pinzgau region in Salzburg, surrounded by the mountains of the Hohe Tauern National Park.
The lakeside town of Zell am See is lively year-round, with cafés, shops, and a beautiful promenade right by the water.
In summer, the lake warms up to around 23°C, making it perfect for swimming, sailing, or stand-up paddleboarding.
The cycling path around the lake offers stunning views, and you can also take a boat tour to enjoy the scenery from the water.
Winter is just as special — the nearby Schmittenhöhe ski area is only minutes from the shore, and the snow-covered mountains reflected in the lake are postcard-perfect.
TIP: Walk to the Elisabeth Park viewpoint in Zell am See for a peaceful spot with one of the best panoramic views over the lake and surrounding peaks.
9. Traunsee (Upper Austria)
Traunsee is the deepest lake in Austria, reaching over 190 meters, and sits in the Salzkammergut region of Upper Austria. It’s surrounded by impressive mountains, with the striking Traunstein peak dominating the view.
The lakeside towns of Gmunden, Altmünster, and Ebensee each have their own charm — Gmunden is famous for its ceramics and the fairytale-like Ort Castle that sits on a tiny island.
The water stays cooler than in many other Austrian lakes, but it’s still great for sailing, windsurfing, or taking a boat tour.
Hiking trails around the lake offer incredible viewpoints, and in autumn, the colors against the deep blue water are stunning.
TIP: Walk a section of the Miesweg along Traunsee. It’s peaceful, scenic, and you’ll discover quiet spots and great views away from the crowds.
10. Grüner See (Styria)
Grüner See, or Green Lake, is one of Austria’s most magical spots, located near the town of Tragöß in Styria.
Its crystal-clear water comes from melting snow from the surrounding Hochschwab mountains, giving it a bright emerald color in spring and early summer.
In late spring, the lake floods the surrounding park, submerging benches, trees, and walking paths — making it a unique spot for divers and snorkelers.
The water stays cool even in summer, perfect for a refreshing dip after a hike. Hiking trails around the lake and nearby mountains offer peaceful walks with stunning views of the turquoise water and lush meadows.
TIP: Visit in late spring or early summer for the full “underwater park” effect. And if you like diving or snorkeling, bring your gear to see the benches and trees partially submerged.
11. Mondsee (Upper Austria)
Mondsee is a charming lake in Upper Austria, not far from Salzburg. Its clear blue water and gentle shores make it perfect for swimming, sailing, or simply relaxing on a sunny day.
The lakeside town of Mondsee is famous for its historic basilica and cozy cafés where you can enjoy a coffee with a view of the lake.
The surrounding hills and forests offer plenty of hiking and cycling trails, and you can even rent a boat to explore the lake from the water.
In summer, the lake is lively with swimmers, paddleboarders, and sailors, while spring and autumn are more peaceful, perfect for a quiet walk along the shore.
TIP: Take a walk or cycle around the lake — the full loop is about 14 km and offers beautiful views of the water and surrounding countryside.
12. Attersee (Upper Austria)
Attersee is the largest lake entirely in Austria and a favorite for both locals and visitors. The water is clear and perfect for swimming, sailing, or windsurfing, and the surrounding mountains make it a scenic spot for hiking and cycling.
The lakeside villages, like Unterach and Weyregg, are charming with small cafés and restaurants where you can sit right at the lake.
In summer, the lake is lively with water sports, while spring and autumn offer peaceful walks along the shore or quiet spots for a picnic.
The lake is also famous among artists, as the clear water and stunning views have inspired painters like Gustav Klimt.
TIP: Rent a paddleboard or small boat and explore the hidden corners of Attersee. Stop at a quiet bay to swim or just relax on the shore.
13. Langbathseen (Upper Austria)
The Langbathseen are actually two connected lakes — the Vorderer and Hinterer Langbathsee — tucked away in the mountains near Ebensee in Upper Austria.
Surrounded by forested slopes, they feel peaceful and a bit hidden, making them perfect for a quiet day in nature.
The Vorderer Langbathsee is more accessible, with a small beach area for swimming and a lovely walking path along the shore, while the Hinterer Langbathsee is smaller, more secluded, and reachable via a short hike.
In summer, the Vorderer Langbathsee is perfect for a refreshing swim or for renting a rowboat or paddleboard, while in winter, the lakes sometimes freeze completely.
TIP: Hike the trail from Vorderer to Hinterer Langbathsee — it’s short but scenic, and the second lake feels like a hidden secret.
14. Fuschlsee (Salzburg)
Last but not least, Fuschlsee is a small but stunning lake in the Salzburg region, surrounded by forests and gentle hills.
The small village of Fuschl am See sits at the northern shore with a few cafés and restaurants, perfect for a relaxing break by the water.
In summer, the lake is great for swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding, and the walking and cycling paths around the lake are lovely for exploring. In winter, the area feels very peaceful and calm, with snow-covered hills and crisp air.
TIP: Walk or cycle the full loop around Fuschlsee — it’s about 12 km and gives you a mix of forest paths, lakeside views, and small beaches to dip your feet in.
Check out:
16 Best & Most Famous Landmarks in Austria
50 Interesting Facts About Austria You Didn’t Know
12 Most Beautiful Towns & Villages in Austria (by a Local)
A Perfect Day Trip to Hallstatt & Gmunden
The 15 Most Beautiful Palaces & Castles in Austria
50 Interesting Facts About Austria You Didn’t Know
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