Best Lakes in Austria

Located in the Vorarlberg region near the town of Bludenz, Lunersee is surrounded by majestic peaks. The lake is also a starting point for numerous hiking trails, catering to both casual strollers and avid hikers. The surrounding area boasts charming alpine meadows, making it an ideal spot for picnics and photography.

Nestled in the village of Hallstatt in the Salzkammergut region, Hallstatter See is a glacial lake renowned for its crystal-clear waters, surrounded by towering mountains and quaint alpine architecture. Visitors often stroll along the lakeside promenade and take boat rides. The Hallstatt Skywalk, accessible by a funicular, offers panoramic vistas of the lake and village.

Lake Schlegeisspeicher, in the Austrian Alps, is a stunning reservoir located near the village of Ginzling in the Zillertal Valley. The area is a haven for hikers, with trails leading to vantage points offering breathtaking panoramas surrounding the massive dam wall. During the winter, the region transforms into a snow-covered wonderland, attracting winter sports enthusiasts.

Lake Grüner See, or the Green Lake, is tucked away in the Austrian Alps, near the village of Tragöß. What makes this lake extraordinary is its seasonal transformation. During the winter, it is a tranquil park with walking paths; however, as temperatures rise in spring, melted snow from the surrounding mountains floods the area, submerging trees, benches, and footbridges beneath crystal-clear water.

Lake Traunsee, in the Austrian Alps, is the deepest lake in Austria and the second-largest in the Salzkammergut region. Surrounded by picturesque villages like Gmunden, Altmünster, and Traunkirchen, the lake's crystal-clear waters reflect the stunning mountainous landscape. The lakeside towns offer cozy cafes, waterfront promenades, and opportunities to savor regional cuisine. 

Lake Millstätter See in Carinthia, Austria, is a captivating alpine lake renowned for its pristine beauty and recreational offerings. Surrounded by the striking Nock Mountains, the lake spans over 11 miles, making it Carinthia's second-largest lake. The lake is famous for its water sports, including sailing, windsurfing, and swimming along with hiking, and cycling. The picturesque town of Millstatt, perched on the lake's edge, boasts a historic Benedictine monastery and charming waterfront promenade.

Located about 30 kilometers east of Salzburg, Lake Mondsee is a freshwater body surrounded by rolling hills and framed by the majestic peaks of the Austrian Alps. It is famous for its crystal-clear waters and is a popular destination for water activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, hiking and several cycling trails.

Lake Hintersteiner See, in the Tyrolean Alps of Austria, is a pristine alpine lake lacated near the town of Scheffau am Wilden Kaiser. It is embraced by lush forests and the rugged Wilder Kaiser mountain range. The lake is surrounded by well-marked hiking trails, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Alps. Boating and fishing are also popular activities. It is also known for its idyllic picnic spots.

Situated in the Tyrol region, near the charming town of Alpbach, Lake Drachensee is lined by majestic mountains. Famous for its crystal-clear waters, Lake Drachensee invites visitors to partake in various activities. The serene atmosphere is ideal for leisurely walks around the lake, capturing the reflections of the surrounding peaks. 

Lake Zellersee is a captivating destination located in the alpine town of Zell am See. This picturesque lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, creating a breathtaking backdrop. The lake's promenade is perfect for leisurely strolls, offering panoramic views of the Alps. The surrounding hillsides transform into hiking and biking trails, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts. The frozen lake becomes a hub for ice skating and curling, while nearby ski resorts like Schmittenhöhe offer world-class skiing. 

Lake Achensee is a sparkling lake surrounded by majestic mountain peaks. Situated in the Tyrol region, it is often referred to as the "Tyrolean Sea" due to its size and stunning aquamarine waters. Renowned as the largest lake in Tyrol, it is famous for its crystal-clear waters, reflecting the surrounding mountains and providing a serene backdrop for various water activities. 

Located in the heart of the Tyrol region, near the town of Kitzbühel, this alpine lake is surrounded by lush green meadows and majestic mountains, creating a postcard-worthy panorama. The pristine waters offer opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding during the summer months, while the surrounding trails attract hikers and cyclists. In winter, the lake's frozen surface becomes a magical ice skating rink. 

Lake Wörthersee is a stunning freshwater lake located in the southern state of Carinthia. It is Austria's largest and most popular alpine lake. Famous for its idyllic landscapes, the lake attracts visitors with its charming towns, alpine vistas, and a mild climate. The lakeside promenades in towns like Velden and Pörtschach are perfect for leisurely strolls, while nearby hiking and cycling trails provide breathtaking views. 

Lake Seebensee is a stunning alpine lake situated in the Austrian Alps, specifically in the Tyrol region near the charming village of Ehrwald. Nestled amidst majestic mountain scenery, the lake is surrounded by the imposing peaks of the Mieminger Range. Visitors to Lake Seebensee engage in a variety of activities, including hiking, picnicking, and photography. 

Situated in the Tannheimer Tal region in Tyrol, Lake Vilsalpsee alpine gem is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, surrounded by majestic mountain peaks. A popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, the lake offers opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and photography. The surrounding meadows burst into a riot of wildflowers during the summer, creating a vibrant tapestry against the backdrop of the mountains.

Lake Plansee, nestled in the Austrian Alps, is a pristine alpine lake renowned for its stunning natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Situated in the Tyrol region, near the border with Germany, Lake Plansee is surrounded by towering peaks and dense forests. In the summer, the lake becomes a haven for water activities such as swimming, kayaking, hiking and fishing.During the winter, the region transforms into a snowy wonderland, drawing visitors for activities like ice skating and, weather permitting, ice fishing.

Lake Wolfgangsee is located in the Salzkammergut region, near the town of St. Wolfgang, the lake is surrounded by picturesque villages and framed by majestic mountains. Water enthusiasts can partake in swimming, sailing, and fishing, while hikers explore the idyllic trails along the lakeshore. The lake attracts several skaters and ice fishermen during winters.

Lake Haldensee, nestled in the Austrian Alps, is a pristine jewel situated near the town of Nesselwängle in the Tyrol region. The lake, fed by mountain springs, reflects the stunning landscape, creating a picturesque setting for visitors. Surrounded by alpine meadows, Lake Haldensee offers an idyllic setting for picnics, and the nearby trails cater to hiking enthusiasts of all levels. In the winter, the frozen lake transforms into a snowy wonderland, inviting ice skaters and winter sports enthusiasts.

Lake Weissensee, in Carinthia, is a serene jewel surrounded by the Gailtal Alps. Located near the town of Techendorf, it is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and the stunning alpine scenery that envelops it. Lake Weissensee becomes a haven for water activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating while in winters, it transforms into a natural ice-skating paradise.

Lake Faaker See, in the Austrian state of Carinthia, is a captivating alpine jewel surrounded by the picturesque landscape of the Eastern Alps. Located near the town of Villach, this crystal-clear lake is renowned for its stunning turquoise waters, lush forests and imposing mountain peaks. The lake and the surrounding area are considered perfect for swimming, sailing, other water activities, hiking and cycling.