Mondsee (2026): What to do and where to stay

Mondsee is one of the most popular lakes in Upper Austria. Since the main route to Salzburg runs right past it, it’s almost impossible not to at least notice this spot when traveling further south. For us, it was just a lake where we stopped for a snack or a short break during longer holidays for many years.

In recent years, however, we’ve been regularly dedicating a whole week of our holiday to Mondsee and realizing how we’ve been doing this place an injustice all those years. Get inspired and plan a day trip or even a longer holiday by the lake.

TOP 10 ACCOMMODATION AT MONDSEE – HERE –



Where to stay at Mondsee?

4* Schlosshotel Mondsee – stay directly in a castle in the city center

Schlosshotel Mondsee


3* Seepension Hemetsberger – lakeside accommodation

Seepension Hemetsberger


4* Panorama Hotel Gasthof Leidingerhof – ideal for families with children

Panorama Hotel Gasthof Leidingerhof


Pension Irlingerhof

Pension IrlingerhofPension Irlingerhof


4* Hotel Krone

Hotel Krone


What to do at Lake Mondsee?

Mondsee

Mondsee

Mondsee in autumn

Mondsee in autumn

{%ALT_TEXT%}

{%CAPTION%}


Lake Mondsee

It lies at an altitude of just under 500 m above sea level and boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs, which give Mondsee its true Austrian charisma. With an area of 16.4 km2, we dare say that everyone will find their own spot to spend pleasant moments.

Mondsee

Mondsee

Lake Mondsee is considered a water sports paradise, where the water temperature can climb to an impressive 27°C. The average summer temperature is around 24°C, which is certainly good news for all water activity lovers. You can choose from several here:

  • Surfing – windsurfing, kitesurfing
  • Sailing
  • Diving
  • Water skiing
  • SUPboarding and SUP yoga
  • and of course swimming
Mondsee in autumn

Mondsee in autumn

Mondsee in autumn

Mondsee in autumn


Getting there and parking at Mondsee

As for the journey, we can get to Lake Mondsee from České Budějovice within 2.5 to 3 hours by car. An Austrian motorway vignette is a must. We’ve never had a problem with parking. You’ll find (mostly) paid parking lots near public beaches and swimming areas. However, you’ll also come across free parking spots and swimming areas along the way. If you’re traveling to the lake in the summer months, we recommend looking for accommodation directly by the lake with its own access to Mondsee.


Beaches at Mondsee

Although Lake Mondsee isn’t very large, it offers several beautiful beaches and swimming spots where you can enjoy the sun and refreshing water. Here are some of the nicest beaches at Lake Mondsee:

  • Strandbad Loibichl: This quiet beach is located on the western shore of the lake. It’s surrounded by nature and is an ideal spot for those looking for a quieter environment and privacy. The beach is equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas.
  • Alpenseebad Beach: This beach is one of the most popular at Lake Mondsee. It offers a wide range of water sports and also has a children’s playground and refreshments. Besides swimming, you can enjoy adventures in the amusement park, slides, and countless other attractions, including a water ski center. Various water sports courses are available for families with children and individuals, including the option to rent all sports equipment.
  • Badeanlage Schwarzindien am Mondsee: A pleasant beach with facilities
  • Badeplatz Plomberg: A small beach with a snack kiosk
Mondsee

Mondsee

Mondsee in autumn

Mondsee in autumn

However, Lake Mondsee offers much more than just water sports. There are also countless outdoor activities. Whether you like hiking, cycling, horse riding, or golf, the possibilities are literally endless. Experienced climbers will also find plenty to do.

On the western side of Mondsee, you’ll find a pleasant golf course. You can play golf with breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs.

  • Golfclub am Mondsee
Golfclub am Mondsee

Golfclub am Mondsee

Golfclub am Mondsee

Golfclub am Mondsee


You might also be interested in:


The town of Mondsee

The town of Mondsee, known for its activities and natural beauty, is considered the vibrant heart of the Salzkammergut. Every year it hosts more than 600 different events, so there’s always something to discover. From the traditional lake festival during the first weekend of August, to the five-lake cycling marathon and half-marathon, to live music performances by local musicians and clubs that take place up to five times a week in the heart of the town on the square and Herzog-Odilo-Straße.

Want to see for yourself? While relaxing on the terrace of one of the many local pubs with a glass of delicious wine, you can unwind to the sound of music and let the day slowly drift by.

Mondsee

Mondsee

Mondsee

Mondsee

Don’t forget to taste the most famous ice cream in the region. A visit to “Übleis” and a taste of their ice cream is literally a must for every visitor to Mondsee. If you arrive during the season or on a weekend, you’ll likely encounter a long queue, but we personally recommend sticking it out.

Basilika St. Michael Mondsee

In 748, the Bavarian Duke Odilo II of the Agilolfing family laid the foundations for the Mondsee monastery, built on the remains of an old Roman settlement. Generous donations followed, which grew even further over time. These donations included the areas of today’s Mondsee and Wolfgangland, but were also granted in Bavaria and other parts of Upper and Lower Austria.

After Duke Tassilo III was overthrown by Emperor Charlemagne, Mondsee was transformed into an imperial monastery.

A significant event occurred in 2005 when Pope John Paul II elevated the former monastery church to the rank of basilica minor. This was followed by a three-year period of intensive interior renovation, during which the entire shell of the church underwent a comprehensive restoration. All altars, paintings, shrines, and banners were carefully inspected, cleaned, preserved, and subjected to necessary restoration work.

Basilika St. Michael Mondsee

Mondsee – Basilika St. Michael Mondsee / Mondsee.at

This three-aisled basilica church, 70 meters long, 34 meters wide, and 22 meters high, is among Austria’s most impressive and extensive architectural gems.

The church structure also incorporates the former monastery treasury, now serving as a sacristy, the monks’ prayer choir, and an impressive 36-meter-long Gothic monastery library. The spaces of the former prayer choir and library are now part of the museum.


Didn’t find what you were looking for in our recommended accommodation at Mondsee? Compare and choose accommodation according to your requirements:


ACCOMMODATION AT MONDSEE