Lake Grundlsee is the largest lake in Styria and is considered one of the most beautiful natural swimming spots. That’s why locals nicknamed it the Styrian Sea. This 6 km long and 1 km wide lake attracts visitors with its publicly accessible beaches along almost its entire shoreline. The crystal-clear water in Grundlsee is nearly drinking water quality, making it increasingly popular for summer refreshment, especially among families with children.
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Grundlsee
Grundlsee /© STMG | Parzer
The lake is situated at an altitude of 708 meters and has a measured depth of 64 meters. You’ll be surrounded by the backdrop of majestic rising mountains, which you can admire not only while swimming in Grundlsee but will also accompany you during your walks along the shore.
Grundlsee / © TVB Ausseerland – Salzkammergut / Tom Lamm
Grundlsee / Photo: Schiffahrt Grundlsee, Florian Loitzl
- Dogs are not allowed on public beaches, but you can take your four-legged friends on leashed walks around the lake.
- There is a nudist beach section at Grundlsee
- Some of the maintained paths around the lake are suitable for strollers. For longer hikes in the surrounding area, we recommend using a baby carrier or sling instead
Get inspired:
3 accommodation tips at Grundlsee
Circular trail around Grundlsee – trip recommendation
Autumn at Grundlsee / Austrian Lakes
Autumn at Grundlsee / Austrian Lakes
Fishing is allowed at Grundlsee with a permit, which should be available for purchase at the information center by the lake. There’s also a regular boat service that can transport you from one shore to another during your trip or vacation. If you prefer individual lake navigation, we recommend checking out the boat rental services available here. The lake is also a paradise for sailors, who have their own club and school here. Of course, the lake is also popular among paddleboarders.
Grundlsee / Austrian Lakes
TRIP Recommendations from Grundlsee:
Toplitzsee
If you want to take a comfortable trip to Lake Toplitzsee, simply park in the town of Gössl, at the end of Grundlsee. Here you’ll find official parking with two hiking trails (about 1.5-2 km) leading directly to Toplitzsee. We first take the path through Gössl town, passing a small church. We continue along the forest trail past the Gössl wall. The second time, we try the other forest trail, which includes a turn-off to the historic Ranftmühle. This water wheel is a popular stop on the way to Toplitzsee, so we recommend not skipping it.
If you choose the paid parking lot near our recommended Hotel Mondi, expect about a 2-hour walk to Gössl town (depending on walking speed and number of stops). You can also take a boat both ways.
Toplitzsee is located at an altitude of 718 meters and is 1.8 kilometers long. The walk from Gössl town takes about half an hour. Besides the natural beauty awaiting you here, you should read up on its rich history before your trip. The legend of hidden Nazi treasure associated with this lake is often one of the main attractions for many visitors.
Toplitzsee / Austrian Lakes
When you get hungry during your trip, we recommend visiting the renowned Fischerhütte am Toplitzsee restaurant. The restaurant is a member of the Salzkammergut fishing restaurants. You can sit both inside and enjoy your lunch from the terrace with a direct view of the lake.
Fischerhütte am Toplitzsee | © TVB Ausseerland Salzkammergut/
There is no comfortable path around Toplitzsee that would take you further to Kammersee. The rocks steeply enclose the lake, and especially in spring and autumn, you can hear waterfalls roaring in the midst of dense forests that help the rocks create a magical atmosphere of the place.
Plätte – Grundelsee / © TVB Ausseerland – Salzkammergut | Tom Lamm
Kammersee
So how do you get to the mysterious mountain lake Kammersee? You can visit it by boat-rafts. The so-called Plätten are traditional wooden boats that used to transport various cargo on the lakes. You’ll surely notice their striking resemblance to Venetian gondolas. Their hull design allows for smooth docking on the shore. If you take this trip to Lake Kammersee including the boat ride on Toplitzsee, you’ll surely agree that it feels like time has stopped here.
Toplitzsee – Kammersee / Photo: Schifffahrt Grundlsee, Astrid Eder
- From the boat landing, the walk to Kammersee takes about 5 minutes, and usually there’s about 15-30 minutes for sightseeing.
Boat Tickets Grundlsee can be purchased for:
- just Lakes Grundlsee and Toplitzsee
- or get a 3-lake ticket for the complete trip
- dogs are allowed on the boat for an additional fee
- more info: schifffahrt-grundlsee.at
Grundlsee / Photo: Schiffahrt Grundlsee, Florian Loitzl
Grundlsee / © TVB Ausseerland – Salzkammergut | Tom Lamm
Accommodation at Grundlsee
Accommodation options at Grundlsee are limited, but if you decide to combine your vacation with visits to other nearby lakes, there are several options for where to stay. However, if you prefer luxury accommodation at Grundlsee with a direct lake view, we recommend the following hotel:
>> More information about MONDI resort HERE
>> Compare all accommodations at Grundlsee and book your stay
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