Some of Europe’s most beautiful lakes are in Austria. Each lake has beautiful scenery and water that is as clear as glass. People can enjoy things outside, quiet places to relax, and cultural events. These lakes are a great place to get away because mountains and cute towns surround them. By discovering these secret gems, tourists can get a unique view of Austria’s natural beauty.
| Place | Highlight | How to Get There |
| Wolfgangsee | Crystal-clear water and charming lakeside villages | Train to Bad Ischl, then bus to St. Wolfgang or St. Gilgen |
| Hallstätter See | Historic Hallstatt village with stunning reflections | Train to Hallstatt, then ferry across the lake |
| Achensee | Largest alpine lake with excellent water sports | Train to Jenbach, then steam cog railway or bus |
| Traunsee | Deep lake with Gmunden’s charming historic center | Train to Gmunden from Linz or Salzburg |
| Wörthersee | Warm turquoise waters with lively lakeside towns | Train to Klagenfurt, then local buses or car |
Wolfgangsee
The Wolfgangsee lake in Austria is one of the most beautiful ones. Mountains ring the lake and have clear blue water. The Austrian towns of St. Gilgen and St. Wolfgang have a lot of old-fashioned charm. People like to swim, go fishing, and hike. There are many cozy cafés and restaurants in the area with views of the lake. From the top of the mountain, the Schafberg Railway offers amazing views. Nature fans are drawn to the peaceful atmosphere. A lot of people still like to relax at the lake. A lot of people come back to enjoy its peaceful beauty.
Highlights
- Crystal-clear water and mountain scenery
- The charming villages of St. Gilgen and St. Wolfgang
- Stunning panoramic views from the Schafberg Railway
How To Get There
From Salzburg, take the train to Bad Ischl. Get on a bus that is going to St. Wolfgang or St. Gilgen. You can easily get to the lake by car. Around the lake, ferries link the different towns. You can also rent boats to get around.
Hallstätter See
The Lake Hallstätter See is beautiful and has an ancient feel to it. Along its edge is the village of Hallstatt. The streets are lined with old wooden homes. The mountains in the background make for a magical scene. People like to take boat rides, walk along the lake, and take pictures of the scenery. You can take an interesting trip underground at the Hallstatt Salt Mine. The calm water of the lake shows how beautiful the Alps are. The nearby woods are full of wildlife. It is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Highlights
- Historic village of Hallstatt
- Beautiful lakeside reflections and mountain views
- Hallstatt Salt Mine tours
How To Get There
To get to Hallstatt, take a train from Salzburg or Vienna. To get to the town, take a boat across the lake. Some buses go between Hallstatt and nearby towns. On the way to Hallstatt, you can see beautiful scenery. There aren’t many places to park in the village center.
Achensee
The biggest mountain lake in Austria is Achensee. The deep blue water stands out against the green hills around it. It’s great to swim, sail, and kite in the lake. There are a lot of outdoor trails that lead to beautiful views. There are great places to climb in the Karwendel and Rofan mountains. The Achensee Steam Cog Railway is a fun way to remember the good old days. There are both exciting and relaxing things to do in the area. For people who love being outside, the lake is heaven. Tyrolean food is served in traditional inns.
Highlights
- Largest alpine lake in Austria
- Popular for sailing, windsurfing, and swimming
- Scenic hiking trails in the Karwendel and Rofan mountains
How To Get There
You can get to Jenbach by train from Innsbruck. Get on the Achensee Steam Cog Railway. From Jenbach, you can also take a bus to the lake. By car, you can get directly to towns by lakes. Some boats and ships go between places around the lake.
Traunsee
Traunsee is known for its cultural history and peaceful setting. Divers and boats like the lake’s deep water. There are great climbing trails in the hills nearby. Gmunden is a cute town by a lake with old buildings and cosy coffee shops. The well-known Schloss Ort is on a small island. People like taking boat trips and resting with views of the lake. The area is known for its traditional pottery. People love to take pictures there because of how beautiful it is. The lake has a peaceful and welcoming look to it.
Highlights
- Deep lake with clear, reflective waters
- Historic town of Gmunden with lakeside charm
- Iconic Schloss Ort castle on the water
How To Get There
To get to Gmunden, take a train from Linz or Salzburg. Other water towns are linked by local buses. Viewpoints and climbing trails are easy to get to with a car. Boats are used for both transportation and sightseeing. Around the lake, some trails lead to beautiful spots.
Wörthersee
Lake Wörthersee is in the southern part of Austria. It has warm water. The blue color of the lake makes it stand out. There is a lively scene and trendy motels in the area. People like to do water sports like swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Along the water, Velden and Klagenfurt are the most important towns. The Pyramidenkogel Tower has amazing views of the whole area. There are bike trails all around the lake. A lot of people who want to relax go to high-end hotels and spas. During the summer, there are events and music outside.
Highlights
- Warm water with a beautiful turquoise color
- Vibrant lakeside towns of Velden and Klagenfurt
- Stunning panoramic views from Pyramidenkogel Tower
How To Get There
To get to Klagenfurt, take a train from Salzburg or Vienna. A lot of local buses go to the lake. Renting a car gives you the freedom to visit nearby sites. Biking is a great way to get from one town to another. Boat trips are a great way to see the sights along the shore.
Conclusion
The lakes in Austria have beautiful scenery and interesting things to do. Each lake has its beauty and things to do. People come to relax, have fun, and learn about other cultures. Every visit is special because of the beautiful scenery. Looking around these lakes is a once-in-a-lifetime natural experience.
