9 Autumn Lake Tips in Austria

Today we have prepared 9 autumn lake tips in Austria that you can plan even for just a weekend. We have personally visited all these lakes during autumn and are convinced that you’ll enjoy this fairy-tale season to the fullest here. While the weather may not always be purely sunny, we believe these Austrian lakes have their unique charm even with overcast skies. Which lake will tempt you for an extended weekend?

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Offensee / Austrian Lakes

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Autumn Lake Tips in Austria

Lakes in autumn embody tranquility and natural beauty. When summer tourist crowds recede, you’re surrounded by a quiet atmosphere where golden and red tree hues contrast with the crystal-clear surface of many Austrian lakes. Each one, from the picturesque Almsee to the majestic Traunsee, offers unique scenery with mountain panoramas and quiet bays. Autumn Austria is simply perfect for relaxing hikes, photography, or simple walks along the shores where you can enjoy untouched nature in its most beautiful form. Let us inspire you today and perhaps motivate you to plan a trip to Austrian lakes in autumn:

1. Fuschlsee

Fuschlsee pleasantly surprised us during an autumn weekend a few years ago, and since then, we’ve included it among our favorite lakes in Austria that we love returning to. The circular hiking trail around Lake Fuschlsee in Austria is approximately 11.9 km long. It’s a popular route that goes around the entire lake and offers beautiful views of the water and surrounding mountains. The trail is relatively easy and suitable for hikers of all levels. If you can manage occasional uneven terrain on the path, you can even bring an off-road stroller.

Fuschlsee is one of those lakes where we were still swimming in early October. On nice days, there’s a small boat service on the lake connecting Fuschl am See with the fish restaurant at Fuschl Castle. It’s no wonder Fuschlsee is considered the elegant lake of the Salzkammergut. The peaceful alpine lake has crystal-clear water and, with its picturesque mountain landscape all around, attracts both nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visit Fuschlsee, one of the most beautiful lakes in Austria, this autumn:

Fuschl am See / photo: Austrian Lakes

Castle Fuschl – Fuschlsee / photo: Austrian Lakes

2. Altaussee

Lake Altaussee is truly magical in autumn. Surrounded by majestic peaks and vast forests, it offers visitors breathtaking scenery that transforms into a palette of golden, copper, and other shades during the cooler season. While walking around the lake, you can feel the cool autumn breeze rustling through the leaves, while the calm surface mirrors the most beautiful autumn colors. Altaussee is not only a paradise for photographers but also for nature and tranquility lovers who can enjoy an authentic, undisturbed piece of Austria here.

We personally came to love this lake also because parking options are significantly limited here, which means it’s never overcrowded even during peak season. You either find parking or you’re out of luck. I recommend arriving at the lake early in the morning or planning to stay for one or more nights.

Autumn is the ideal time to visit this Austrian lake, as tourist crowds diminish and the lake offers an even more intimate experience. Altaussee attracts not only with its beauty but also with autumn activity options. You can take easy hikes on surrounding trails, breathe in fresh alpine air, and admire the panorama of mountains covered in mist. This idyll will completely immerse you, whether you’re seeking relaxation, writing inspiration, or just an escape from hectic life. Lake Altaussee is truly an oasis of peace and natural beauty in autumn.

Altaussee / photo: Austrian Lakes

Accommodation in Altaussee / photo: Austrian Lakes

3. Grundlsee

Grundlsee, the largest lake in Austrian Styria, is a picturesque gem in autumn that attracts visitors with its extraordinary atmosphere of peace and natural beauty. The mountains surrounding the lake dress in warm colors during this season, while the surrounding forests glow with golden and red tones. Autumn mists gently rise above the surface, creating a mystical scene that’s ideal for both photographers and nature lovers. Besides the spectacular views, Grundlsee also offers great conditions for easy hikes and peaceful walks along the shore, where you can fully enjoy the silence and beauty of the autumn alpine environment.

The trail around the entire Lake Grundlsee measures approximately 14 kilometers. We walked this circular trail for the first time this year. Until now, we always combined the trail with a boat ride. If you decide to walk around the lake on foot, you can expect an average time of about 4 to 5 hours, depending on your walking speed and breaks for rest or photography. The route offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding nature, so it’s definitely worth taking the journey at a relaxed pace.

We extended our trail with a detour to Lake Toplitzsee, which leads from the eastern end of Lake Grundlsee and is approximately 2 kilometers long. In total, it adds about 5 kilometers (there and back via the other side of the trail) to your route around Grundlsee if you decide to include it. Of course, you can shorten the journey or replace it with a ride on the local traditional boat.

Grundlsee / Photo: Austrian Lakes

4. Almsee

We visit Lake Almsee regularly, several times a year. This time, we managed to catch the Sunday “car-free” event, when it was possible to leave your car in Grünau im Almtal and travel to the lake by bus. The autumn atmosphere without car sounds was thus even more fairy-tale-like at Almsee. Lake Almsee, hidden near Grünau im Almtal, is a true gem of Austrian nature in autumn. The lake’s surface sparkles quietly beneath the mountain peaks, while the surrounding forests turn into warm shades of gold and red, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

In the morning hours, photographers can look forward to autumn mists, giving Almsee an almost mystical character. Almsee is ideal for peaceful walks where you can fully enjoy alpine tranquility without tourist crowds. This oasis of silence and natural beauty is a perfect place for an autumn escape into the wilderness and ranks among the most beautiful mountain lakes in Austria

Almsee / Photo: Austrian Lakes

5. Traunsee

Lake Traunsee, in the heart of Upper Austria’s Salzkammergut region, embodies natural beauty in autumn and offers a quiet escape from hectic life. We personally come here regularly, whether for full-day trips or just evening walks along the promenade during the week. With its crystal-clear water, surrounded by majestic mountain peaks and colorful autumn forests, it becomes an ideal place for those seeking natural relaxation while enjoying city comforts. As the leaves turn golden and transform the surrounding landscape, autumn at Traunsee offers one of the most beautiful sceneries that Austrian lakes can provide.

Plan a trip to Traunsee and enjoy an afternoon at one of the city cafes with views of the lake and mountains. Weekends before Christmas are also great at Traunsee when you can enjoy the local Christmas markets.

Gmunden – Traunsee / Austrian Lakes

Gmunden – Ort Castle / Austrian Lakes

6. Langbathseen

From Traunsee, it’s just a few kilometers to the mountain lakes Langbathseen, which are hidden in the mountain landscape. You can reach them via a narrow road leading directly from the town of Ebensee. If you’re looking for mountain lakes in Austria that are worth visiting in autumn, then Vorderer and Hinterer Langbathsee should not be missing from your itinerary.

The Langbathseen lakes are a perfect autumn destination for any nature lover seeking peace and beautiful views. Both lakes, Vorderer and Hinterer Langbathsee, are surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks and forests that transform into a palette of golden and orange tones with the arrival of autumn. A walk around the lakes offers beautiful scenery, reflections of the autumn landscape on the crystal-clear surface, and a pleasant atmosphere far from tourist bustle.

Visit the lakes in autumn and winter only during good weather. During rainy and windy weather, walking through the forest can be risky due to falling trees, as was the case in 2023 when the trail was closed for some time. Always follow the instructions at the parking lot and along the trail, and don’t cross warning signs.

Langbathsee / Photo: Austrian Lakes

Langbathsee / Photo: Austrian Lakes

7. Offensee

Offensee ranks among the most beautiful small mountain lakes in Austria that you can reach within 2 hours from the South Bohemian border. It’s worth visiting in good weather any time of the year, but nature works its magic especially in autumn, which is why you shouldn’t miss a walk around Offensee.

The trail around the lake measures approximately 6.5 kilometers and is easy, ideal for leisurely walks or photographing the picturesque autumn landscape. The peaceful surface reflects a colorful mosaic of forests and rocks, making Offensee a perfect place for relaxation and an autumn escape into nature, far from busy tourist centers. The trail is also ideal for strollers with children and for most of the path, you won’t have problems with assistance vehicles or walkers, so you can take your elderly parents or grandparents on a trip to this fairy-tale nature.

Offensee / Photo: Austrian Lakes

Offensee / photo: Austrian Lakes

8. Gosauseen

The Gosauseen lakes rank among the most visited mountain lakes in Austria year-round, and it’s no wonder. We come here ourselves in every season and never tire of the breathtaking views. The trail around just Vorderer Gosausee measures approximately 4 kilometers, making it an easy route ideal for autumn walks. The Gosauseen lakes, surrounded by dramatic Dachstein peaks, are like a postcard in autumn. The calm surface of Vorderer Gosausee mirrors the glowing autumn forests and surrounding mountain peaks. When summer tourist crowds recede, autumn brings a peaceful atmosphere and scenery with colors that attract photographers and nature lovers.

A walk around the lakes offers not only beautiful views but also the chance to experience Gosauseen in their most beautiful and peaceful form. Head to the upper Hinterer Gosausee in autumn and winter only during good weather and if there’s no risk of falling trees or snow drifts. During our January trip, when a lot of snow fell at Gosauseen, for example, access from the forester’s lodge to Hinterer Gosausee was denied. Follow these warnings for your safety and don’t cross warning signs in such cases.

Vorderer Gosausee / Photo: Austrian Lakes

9. Zell am See

Lake Zellersee and the town of Zell am See are like a fairy tale in autumn. The calm lake surface mirrors the surrounding mountains, and you can already spot snow-covered peaks in places. Autumn fog is also common, adding to the lake’s magical atmosphere. Walks along the shores are ideal for those seeking escape from city bustle, while cycling paths and views from nearby Schmittenhöhe offer breathtaking views of the entire alpine landscape. Zellersee ranks among the most popular autumn lakes in Austria during this season and attracts not only with its natural scenery but also with a peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxation and discovering local culture and gastronomy.

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Zellersee / Austrian Lakes

If you’re heading to Zell am See during autumn or winter, definitely pack your swimsuit or even skis. In Kaprun, one of the most beautiful wellness centers in Austria awaits you – the popular TAUERN SPA, and just a few minutes further you’ll find the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, where the ski season begins right in autumn.

Wellness centers in Austria – Tauern Spa & Therme

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