A guide to our favorite lakes in the Salzkammergut region

Spring is tickling our fingertips and we can’t wait to finally spend time in nature again. To drive away the winter blues, we have compiled a guide with our favourite lakes in Salzburg and the surrounding area.

Wolfgangsee

At Lake Wolfgang, mountain panorama meets crystal-clear water. Those who are drawn to the mountains can climb the Schafberg, the Zwölferhohrn or the Postalm either on foot or comfortably by gondola or historic rack railroad. The three idyllic villages of St. Gilgen, St. Wolfgang and Stobl invite you to take a casual stroll followed by coffee and cake. Visitors can refresh themselves in various lidos such as the Wassbad. For families, by the way, a visit to the summer toboggan run Strobl is highly recommended.

Fuschlsee

Lake Fuschl is perfect for a short trip, out of the city and into the Salzkammergut. The small lake with emerald green, clear water is only thirty minutes by car from Salzburg and is also easily accessible by public transport from the city. In summer, the Hofer natural bathing beach directly on the water is highly recommended, where you can play volleyball and rent stand up paddleboards. The Fuschlsee has drinking water quality and a rich variety of fish. They are freshly caught by the Fuschl Castle Fishery and can also be enjoyed there. Especially beautiful is the Zillenfahrt from the fishery in the direction of the village of Fuschl am See. Here you can sail romantically over the water with a view of the mountain panorama. If you feel like some exercise, you can walk around the lake from the fishery in about two and a half hours along the water.

Attersee

Lake Attersee is located at the border between Salzburg and Upper Austria and rightfully one of Austria’s most popular bathing lakes. Water sports enthusiasts can really let off steam here with sailing, diving or rowing. There are also plenty of public bathing places around the lake for those who prefer sunbathing and swimming in turquoise-green water. Even visitors without a car can reach the lake comfortably and resource-saving in 1,5h with the E-Atterseebahn. Here you can find a list of all e-bike rental stations, perfect for exploring the shores of Lake Attersee on two wheels.

Laudachsee

Another lake in the Salzkammergut is the Laudachsee near the town of Gmunden in Upper Austria. You can get to the mountain lake either by taking the Grünberg cable car or by foot, starting from the “Franzl im Holz” inn in Gmunden. From the restaurant or the mountain station, it takes about an hour to reach the lake. Due to the wide circular path along the water, the excursion is also a beautiful experience with strollers or for the elderly. In a fairy-tale location, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Katzenstein and Traunstein mountains. In the midst of this fantastic scenery, you can also swim in the clear mountain lake in summer. The water gets up to 20°C and is thus perfect for a little refreshment.

Nussensee

Another hop across the border to Upper Austria, the Nussensee can be found in the middle of the nature reserve. A circular hiking trail leads around the mountain lake, which can be completed at a relaxed pace in under an hour. The path is particularly romantic due to its naturalness. However, it is not suitable for strollers. There are also no refreshment stops – just pure nature, so bring some snacks with you. By the way, an excursion to the Nussensee can be ideally combined with a visit of Bad Ischl.

Hallstättersee

Lake Hallstatt combines several interesting destinations with the small but world-famous village of Hallstatt on the western shore and the towns of Bad Goisern and Obertraun to the north and east. The unique traditions of the Salzkammergut persist to this day in the region around the lake and it is not for nothing that it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can explore the area either by boat (the connection between Hallstatt and Obertraun) or in an authentic way by taking a ride on the Zille. There is also the possibility to rent a bicycle on site. For those who like it adventurous, a dive in the Hallstättersee is an enjoyable activity in summer.

Bad luck with the weather? Here we have summarized our tips for Salzburg in the rain.