Lake Offensee and its associated protected natural area are located at the western end of the Totes Gebirge mountain range. You’ll find the lake itself about a half-hour drive from the town of Ebensee, as you head into the hills, on the opposite side from the Langbathseen lakes (which you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Traunsee).
Offensee
At an altitude of 649 meters, a literal emerald treasure named Offensee awaits you. If you haven’t come across this lake during your travels in the Upper Austrian part of the Salzkammergut yet, then today’s trip suggestion is meant just for you.
>> HOT DEALS ON ACCOMMODATION NEAR TRAUNSEE <<
Lake Offensee / photo: Austrian Lakes
Lake Offensee / photo: Austrian Lakes
Lake Offensee / photo: Austrian Lakes
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Journey and Parking at Offensee
The journey from České Budějovice will take about 2-3 hours and goes via the highway. Don’t forget to purchase an Austrian highway vignette. It’s ideal to combine the trip with a visit to Lake Traunsee and the two Langbathseen lakes, as the distance is only a few minutes. Regarding parking at Offensee, there’s usually no problem finding a spot outside the main summer season. During the summer season, we recommend arriving early enough, especially on weekends with nice weather, when the lake is a popular destination. Overnight parking with caravans at Offensee is prohibited. There are about 250 parking spaces available.
Parking at Offensee / photo: Austrian Lakes
Restaurant – kiosk at the beach / Lake Offensee / photo: Austrian Lakes
Lake Offensee / photo: Austrian Lakes
Lake Offensee
Lake Offensee is a popular natural swimming spot in the Traunsee region. There’s no entry fee for the beaches, and public toilets are available. The lake is ideal for swimming, even for families with children, as the shoreline at the main beach slopes gradually. Offensee is about 900 m long and wide. You can look forward to crystal clear water and shades of blue and emerald.
It takes about half an hour to walk from the parking lot to the main beach, where you’ll find a large green meadow and a kiosk with seating and refreshments. Those who prefer privacy can also find several smaller coves here.
Note: Paddleboards have been banned since this year!
Offensee / photo: Austrian Lakes
Offensee / photo: Austrian Lakes
Offensee / photo: Austrian Lakes
Besides swimming, Lake Offensee is also a popular spot for circular walks around the entire lake. The whole trail is about 5 kilometers of easy walking, which you can comfortably complete in about 1-2 hours depending on your pace and the places where you stop. Along the trail, you’ll find many benches for resting, and you can also admire carved hearts in tree stumps and other features.
The trail is clearly marked and mostly consists of a paved path. However, it’s only partially accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. There are places where assistance or carrying a stroller is necessary. From the parking lot to the beach, you can get there with a stroller or outdoor wheelchair without major difficulties.
Lake Offensee / photo: Austrian Lakes
Lake Offensee / photo: Austrian Lakes
Lake Offensee / photo: Austrian Lakes
Lake Offensee / photo: Austrian Lakes
Offensee is also an ideal starting point for other high-mountain treks. For example, you can set out on a more challenging mountain trek to Almsee or to Rinnerhüte. The individual trails and turnoffs are again well-marked. Mountain bike enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy here, often choosing to start their route at Traunsee. Walks around the lake are possible on the trail practically any time of the year. More challenging mountain treks are accessible and recommended only in suitable weather from late spring to early autumn.
Trails from Offensee / photo: Austrian Lakes
Trails from Offensee / photo: Austrian Lakes
Lake Offensee / photo: Austrian Lakes
Accommodation near Offensee
If you’re looking for accommodation near Offensee, we’re sorry to disappoint you. There are no campsites or hotels directly by the lake. Overnight camping in motorhomes is also prohibited here. The advantage, however, is that the lake is about a half-hour drive from Traunsee. It’s ideal to find a hotel or apartment in the vicinity of Ebensee.
>> WHERE TO STAY NEAR TO OFFENSEE
Around Traunsee, you can choose between many luxury hotels and more affordable apartments, which will fully make up for the lack of direct accommodation at Offensee. Camping options are also available here.
Tip for a verified hotel in Ebensee:
LANDHOTEL POST EBENSEE AM TRAUNSEE:
- Our annual top choice for accommodation at Traunsee
- The price/quality ratio is excellent here
- Ideal for trips to mountain lakes Langbathseen and Offensee
- We recommend the half-board option for good value
- Four-legged friends are unfortunately not allowed
>> FOR MORE INFORMATION AND HOTEL RESERVATION CLICK HERE <<
Accommodation in a luxury hotel with a beautiful view in Traunkirchen:
DAS TRAUNSEE – DAS HOTEL ZUM SEE
- Luxury hotel right on Traunsee with a beautiful view
- We’ve come to love this hotel for romantic autumn weekends
- Sauna with the option to cool off directly in the lake
- Private bathing pier in the summer season
- Luxurious breakfasts are usually included in the price
- Dinners are more expensive, but the quality matches the price, so we recommend them
- Four-legged friends are unfortunately not allowed
>> FOR MORE INFORMATION AND HOTEL RESERVATION CLICK HERE <<
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