Are you ready for a super fun trip in 2025? Austria is a place full of beautiful, clean lakes. It’s like a watery paradise for people who love nature and playing outside!
Every lake in this lovely country gives you a special treat. Some have quiet, clear water for a calm swim. Others are busy and fun with lots of things to do.
In this easy-to-read guide, we will look at 15 amazing lakes in Austria. We will give you simple tips to make your lake adventure truly great. You will find the perfect spot, whether you want to relax or have an adventure!
Best Lakes in Austria
1. The Fairy Tale Lake: Hallstätter See
- Where it is: Near the famous village of Hallstatt.
- Easy Fact: This whole area is so special, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site!
This lake is breathtaking. Its clear water mirrors the tall mountains and the small, beautiful village of Hallstatt. The village has old houses and ancient salt mines. You can visit these mines to learn about a long, long history—over 7,000 years!
Fun Things to Do: Take a boat ride to see the village from the water. You can also visit the Dachstein Ice Cave, a natural gallery of amazing ice art. The best time to visit is from spring to early autumn.
2. Zeller See
- Where it is: Next to the nice town of Zell am See in the Alps.
- Easy Fact: It is so clean, you can drink the water! (But maybe stick to bottled water to be safe).
Zeller See is like a shiny jewel in the Alps. In summer, it is a lively spot for water games. You can swim, sail, and play many sports in the cool water. It’s also great for easy walks and picnics.In winter, the mountains nearby have some of Austria’s best ski slopes. The lake itself sometimes freezes solid, turning into a winter wonderland for skating! This lake is fun in every season.
3. Wolfgangsee
- Where it is: Close to the famous city of Salzburg.
- Easy Fact: You can take a very old steam train up a mountain near here for an amazing view!
This lake has a perfect mix of nature and culture. Nice towns like St. Gilgen are right on the water. You can walk through the small streets and try tasty Austrian food.The water is clear and great for swimming and boating in summer. There are easy and hard hiking paths all around the lake. You will see green hills and forests with amazing views of the lake and the Alps.
4. Achensee
- Where it is: In the Tyrol region (the western part of Austria).
- Easy Fact: It is the largest lake in Tyrol. The wind here is perfect!
Achensee is known for its beautiful turquoise-blue water next to tall Alps. It is a top spot for water adventures. The big, clear waters are great for windsurfing and sailing. The good wind makes it exciting for new and expert sailors.Around the lake, the mountains have many hiking trails. You can walk through forests and meadows and see wild animals. Summer is the best time to visit to enjoy the warm days and cool lake water.
Related: Best Places To Visit in Austria
5. Mondsee
- Where it is: In the Austrian Lake District (Salzkammergut).
- Easy Fact: The water here is known to be very warm, making it great for swimming!
Mondsee (Moon Lake) is a wonderful lake. It is a favorite for families because the water is so warm. The lake is also full of history. The Mondsee Abbey, a very old building from the 8th century, is a must-see.The shores are great for water sports, like boating and swimming. Summer is the perfect time to visit, to enjoy the warm swims and the historical sites.
6. Wörthersee
- Where it is: In the southern state of Carinthia.
- Easy Fact: It is one of the warmest of the big Alpine lakes, reaching over 25°C (77°F) in summer.
Wörthersee is a top summer spot. It has warm, beautiful blue-green water. The shores are full of fun beach bars and cafes. It’s great for relaxing in the sun and having fun.You can try exciting water sports like jet skiing. This lake is very lively in summer with many events. If you like action and warm water, this is the place to be!
7. Faaker See
- Where it is: In the southern state of Carinthia.
- Easy Fact: The colour is so bright because of the tiny particles of limestone in the water.
Faaker See is famous for its bright turquoise-blue water. It looks like a tropical island lake! There is a cute little island in the middle with a small church, which makes the view even better.The calm water is perfect for swimming. You can also go canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Cycling around the lake is fun, too, with great views all around. Summer is the best time for all these activities.
8. Weissensee
- Where it is: In the southern state of Carinthia.
- Easy Fact: It is the highest swimming lake in the Alps.
Weissensee has super clear, clean water and is surrounded by stunning mountains. It’s a quiet place for nature lovers who want to escape the crowds.In summer, it’s great for swimming and relaxing. In winter, Weissensee turns into Europe’s largest natural ice-skating rink! Skating here on the huge frozen lake is a very special experience. You can also try winter fishing.
9. Grüner See
- Where it is: In the state of Styria.
- Easy Fact: In summer, the lake is almost gone! It only appears when the snow melts in spring.
Grüner See (Green Lake) is a true natural wonder because of its bright emerald-green water. It is surrounded by green fields and forests. This lake changes size a lot. It gets full of water when the mountain snow melts in spring.Important Note for 2025: Swimming and diving are not allowed here anymore to protect the lake’s special nature. But you can still hike around it and take amazing photos of the magical green water!
10. Millstätter See
- Where it is: In the state of Carinthia.
- Easy Fact: It is so clean, you can see very far down into the deep water.
Millstätter See is known for its clear, deep water. It is set among gentle hills and forests, making it a calm place to visit. You can go kayaking on the quiet water and find hidden spots on the shore.The area is also rich in culture, with the old Millstatt Abbey to visit. You can walk through its history and see old art. Summer is the best time for boating and hiking here.
11. Traunsee
- Where it is: In the Salzkammergut region.
- Easy Fact: It is the deepest lake in all of Austria!
Traunsee is a huge, deep lake surrounded by giant mountains, like the impressive Traunstein. This view is very dramatic and exciting. Sailing on the deep, clear water is a real thrill.The shore has historic towns like Gmunden. You can visit old castles nearby, which are like a journey through history, and they offer great views of the lake. Summer is best for sailing and exploring the castles.
12. Plansee
- Where it is: In the Tyrol region.
- Easy Fact: A small channel connects it to another beautiful lake called Heiterwang, making the area for visitors even bigger!
Plansee is a quiet and scenic lake known for its crystal-clear water. Because the water is so clear, it is a top spot for diving. Underwater lovers can explore a serene world below the surface.If you don’t dive, you can take a peaceful boat trip to glide over the calm water. The views of the mountains and forests from the boat are amazing. Summer is the best time for all the water fun here.
13. Gosauseen
- Where it is: In the Salzkammergut region, near Hallstatt.
- Easy Fact: The first lake offers a picture-perfect reflection of the mighty Dachstein Glacier on a calm day.
Gosauseen is a series of three beautiful mountain lakes. Each lake is quiet and special, perfect for people who want to be deep in nature. Rugged mountains and lush greenery are all around you.This area is a paradise for hikers and photographers. The dramatic mountains reflected in the clear water make for endless chances to take stunning pictures. Late spring to early autumn is the best time to visit.
14. Klopeiner See
- Where it is: In the state of Carinthia.
- Easy Fact: Its water is so warm that it is one of the warmest lakes in all of Europe!
Klopeiner See is famous for its very warm water. This makes it a great choice for swimmers and families with kids. The warm water makes swimming enjoyable for everyone.The area around the lake is perfect for family fun. There are playgrounds, easy walking paths, and great picnic spots. The summer months are best for enjoying the lake’s warm hug and all the family activities.
15. Neusiedler See
- Where it is: In the eastern state of Burgenland.
- Easy Fact: It is a UNESCO site and one of the largest lakes in Central Europe!
Neusiedler See is special because it is very shallow and has huge areas of tall reeds. This special nature makes it a safe home for many different kinds of birds. It is a top spot for bird watchers.Because the water is shallow and the wind is strong, it is also a favorite spot for kite and windsurfing. Beginners love it because it’s a safe and fun place to learn. Spring and summer are the best times to visit.
Conclusion
Austria’s lakes are not just pretty places; they are the heart of the country’s nature. From the quiet Weissensee to the lively Wörthersee, each one gives you a special and unforgettable time.They are gateways to history, great nature, and lots of fun activities. Whether you want a calm holiday, a cultural trip, or a big adventure, these lakes are waiting for you in 2025 to create wonderful, lasting memories!
❓ 10 Easy Questions and Answers (FAQs)
Here are 10 simple questions people often ask about visiting the lakes in Austria:
1. Can I swim in most of Austria’s lakes?
Yes! Most lakes, especially in the summer (June to August), are great for swimming and are very clean.
2.When is the best time to visit the lakes?
The summer months (June, July, August) are best for warm water and activities. The views in spring and autumn are beautiful, too!
3. Do I need to speak German to visit?
No. In big tourist areas, most people speak some English, so you will be fine!
4. Are the lakes free to visit?
Yes, seeing the lakes is free. But you may have to pay a small fee to park your car or to use a public beach area for swimming.
5. Which lake is best for families with kids?
Klopeiner See and Mondsee are great choices because they have very warm water and lots of activities just for families.
6. Is it safe to drink the water from the mountain rivers near the lakes?
No. It is always safest to drink water from a bottle or tap water from your hotel.
7. What can I do at the lakes in winter?
You can go skiing near lakes like Zeller See, or go ice-skating on frozen lakes like Weissensee.
8. Which lake has the bluest water?
Faaker See is famous for its very bright, turquoise-blue water! It looks amazing.
9. Should I rent a car to see the lakes?
Having a car is best, as it lets you visit many lakes easily. But you can also reach the main towns by train and bus.
10. Are there places to eat near the lakes?
Yes. Every big lake has little restaurants (Gasthäuser) or cafes where you can buy traditional Austrian food and drinks.
