Plan a day trip to Altausseer See or enjoy a whole weekend in Altaussee. However, we believe that even during a week-long vacation, you won’t get bored in this mountainous area. Altausseer See is one of the most stunning lakes in the Salzkammergut. Not only because of the crystal-clear lake, whose water is almost of drinking quality, the surroundings of Altaussee will enchant you.
Altaussee
Here awaits a mountain landscape with majestic mountains that seem to protect the entire Altausseer See. The local scenery also appealed to the creators of James Bond, so before your trip, don’t forget to watch the SPECTRE episode, which was filmed in several places in Austria, including the ski resort of Sölden.
— SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION AT ALTAUSSEE —
Altausseer See / photo: Austrian Lakes
Let yourself be inspired by our today’s trip tip to Austrian lakes and experience more unforgettable moments in Austria.
Travel and Parking in Altaussee
The journey to Altaussee from South Bohemia via České Budějovice will follow the route to Hallstatt. Again, we will pass by Lake Traunsee, where we can stop for a snack or take a short trip to the fairy-tale mountain lakes Langbathseen on one side and to Lake Offensee on the other.
In this case, however, we will not go all the way to Hallstatt, but follow the signs that will lead us through the town of Bad Aussee. We shouldn’t get lost here. Parking in Altaussee is paid unless you have booked accommodation with free parking. During the peak season and especially on weekends, we recommend arriving in Altaussee early in the morning.
Parking in Altaussee / photo: Austrian Lakes
Around noon, be prepared for the same confusion and full parking lots as at nearby Hallstatt. If you want to stroll through the picturesque village around traditional houses, park right at the beginning. If you want to be as close to the lake as possible, continue to the last large parking lot, from where you can set off on a circular walk around Altausseer See.
The very last parking in Altaussee is by the church in front of one of the most luxurious hotels here. It’s just a few spots, mainly for short-term parking. Beyond that, there’s a dead-end street where cars are prohibited. However, remember this path as we will set off on our walk today.
TIP for a Trip from Lake Altausseer See
Altausseer See / photo: Austrian Lakes
Altaussee – a Picturesque Village and its Namesake Lake
Altaussee is a village with approximately 1900 permanent residents. It may not surprise you that many houses here operate as charming guesthouses or offer other services for tourists. You’ll find traditional bakeries and shops with handmade products. You can also choose from several highly-rated hotels. Accommodation in Altaussee was chosen for filming by James Bond, who stayed at the fairy-tale Hotel Seevilla, right by the lake.
Altaussee / photo: Austrian Lakes
Altaussee / photo: Austrian Lakes
The namesake lake Altausseer See, lying at the foot of the majestic Loser peak, amidst an impressive landscape, will entice you not only for pleasant and easy walks. In the summer months, the water in the lake reaches a pleasant 21-24 degrees Celsius, and many of the beaches around are public. However, don’t be discouraged by the shore in Altaussee, which is mostly lined with private hotel beaches and piers.
Altausseer See / photo: Austrian Lakes
Altausseer See / photo: Austrian Lakes
Lake Altaussee has an average depth of 35 meters, with the deepest point measured at 72 meters. It is 3 kilometers long and about 1 kilometer wide. To the north and east, it is surrounded by the Totes Gebirge, which gives this place a mystical atmosphere.
Trip around Altausseer See / photo: Austrian Lakes
Trip around Altausseer See
If you set off on a trip around Altausseer See on foot, you’ll enjoy an easy and pleasant walk, which you can embark on with children in strollers and don’t be afraid to bring your dogs along. Your journey can start from either side, although we personally recommend starting from the parking lot on the left bank.
Along the way, you can admire the dark blue hue of the lake, which locals nickname “Dark Blue Inkpot.” You’ll especially appreciate the crystal-clear water when swimming from one of the local public beaches.
Altaussee / photo: Austrian Lakes
Altausseer See / photo: Austrian Lakes
During your walk, don’t miss a visit to the mysterious James Bond cabin from the previously mentioned film SPECTRE. Jagdhaus Seewiese is located at the other end of the lake and you certainly won’t miss it. The cabin operates traditional refreshments, and keep in mind that during the peak season, it can be quite busy due to its popularity, and reservations are possible in advance on their website.
As for other activities on the lake, you can take a ride on local boats that operate regular routes. Renting a small boat or pedal boat won’t be a problem either. If you enjoy fishing, we recommend visiting the local info center for a permit.
Trip around Altausseer See / photo: Austrian Lakes
Accommodation in Altaussee
Planning to spend more days at Altausseer See? We recommend booking accommodation in Altaussee, which will allow you to wake up right by the lake and set off on many walks on foot, with parking at the hotel secured, eliminating the need to search for a free spot at parking lots. So, book accommodation in Altaussee with your own parking.
>> Find Accommodation in Altaussee
Accommodation in Altaussee, click on the photo to book a hotel / photo: Austrian Lakes
You might also be interested in:
- 7 tips for Austrian lakes
- Grundlsee: trip to 3 lakes
- Wolfgangsee: Austrian lake with spa atmosphere
- Summer trip to Hallstatt
- Gossausee: 2 stunning lakes with views of Dachstein
- Special accommodation at Altaussee
