Today, we’ve prepared 5 tips for lakes in Upper Austria that are perfect for summer vacation (and beyond). A summer advantage is that you can stay in one of the beautiful lakeside hotels and enjoy Austrian lakes to the fullest.
Lakes in Upper Austria
Upper Austria is one of Austria’s most beautiful regions and is an ideal summer vacation destination. This area offers a stunning combination of mountains, green meadows, and crystal-clear lakes perfect for water activities and active recreation. Additionally, you’ll find numerous picturesque towns and villages where you can experience genuine Austrian hospitality, traditional cuisine, and cultural events.
>ACCOMMODATION IN UPPER AUSTRIA<
A vacation at Austrian lakes is a great choice for families with children, hiking enthusiasts, cyclists, water sports lovers, and those seeking peace and relaxation in nature. We personally visit Austrian lakes throughout the year, but the summer season holds a special place in our hearts. Swimming in crystal-clear lakes, boat trips, mountain hikes with breathtaking views, or romantic evening walks along lakeside promenades.
Our tip: These lakes are suitable for kayaks and paddleboards. If you’ve been following us for a while, you know that some smaller lakes in protected natural areas have banned paddleboards, but these main – large lakes allow them.
All this makes Upper Austria an ideal destination for summer vacation. Here are five tips for the largest lakes in Upper Austria that are worth visiting and especially worth a longer stay.
5 Tips for Lakes in Upper Austria
1. Attersee
Attersee is the largest lake in Upper Austria and one of the cleanest in all of Europe. It’s surrounded by picturesque mountain scenery and is ideal for water sports enthusiasts, including sailing, windsurfing, or diving. Families with children will appreciate the extensive beaches with gradual water entry and peaceful environment.
What to Do at Attersee?
- Take a scenic lake cruise
- Attend summer concerts and cultural events in lakeside towns
- Visit the Gustav Klimt Museum in Kammer-Schörfling
- Go hiking, for example to Hochlecken
- Visit the Egelsee nature reserve
You might also be interested in:
- CHECK ACCOMMODATION PRICES AT ATTERSEE HERE
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2. Mondsee
Mondsee is a picturesque lake that gets pleasantly warm during summer and is particularly popular with families with children and swimming enthusiasts. Don’t forget your paddleboards at home. Its water is among the warmest in the region during summer months, making it a perfect destination for summer recreation. The lake surroundings offer many opportunities for cyclists and hikers.
What to Do at Mondsee?
- Visit the Basilica of Saint Michael in Mondsee
- Play golf on the lake shore
- Take the bike path around the lake (bike paths may run along regular roads)
- Enjoy summer festivals and markets in Mondsee
- Book windsurfing lessons
- For climbers, there’s the popular Drachenwand
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3. Wolfgangsee
Wolfgangsee is one of the most beautiful and popular lakes in the region. We include it among Lakes in Upper Austria, although it shares its beauty with Salzburg region. It offers a perfect combination of sports activities, natural beauty, and historical monuments. The main lakeside town, St. Wolfgang, is known for its romantic center and famous pilgrimage church. Both couples and families with children, even the youngest ones, will find something to enjoy here. With a stroller, you’ll certainly enjoy walks along the promenades with their spa atmosphere.
What to Do at Wolfgangsee?
- Enjoy a ride on the historic cog railway to Schafberg – or take a mountain hike
- Take a tour of St. Wolfgang (stroller-friendly)
- Treat yourself to a steamboat cruise on the lake
- Experience culture at summer festivals in Strobl
- Set out on hiking trails with breathtaking views
- Take a trip to Lake Fuschlsee
You might also be interested in:
- CHECK ACCOMMODATION PRICES AT WOLFGANGSEE HERE
- WOLFGANGSEE: AN AUSTRIAN LAKE WITH SPA ATMOSPHERE
- 5 TIPS FOR THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN LAKES IN UPPER AUSTRIA
4. Traunsee / Lakes in Upper Austria
Traunsee is Austria’s deepest lake and a paradise for sailors and divers. You’ll also enjoy it if you like kayaking or paddleboarding. The imposing Traunstein towers above the lake, attracting experienced climbers. However, you can also take less demanding, family-friendly trails around the shoreline. The coastal towns of Gmunden and Traunstein are elegant resorts with authentic Austrian atmosphere.
What to Do at Traunsee?
- Plan a trip to Gmunden to visit Ort Castle – on a lake island
- Take a historic boat cruise on the lake
- Enjoy yachting, windsurfing, and other water sports
- The scenic route to Traunstein attracts experienced hikers
- Visit the city museum in Gmunden for culture and history lovers
You might also be interested in:
- CHECK ACCOMMODATION PRICES AT TRAUNSEE HERE
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- TRIP TO ORT CASTLE – GMUNDEN
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5. Hallstätter See / Lakes in Upper Austria
Hallstätter See is one of Austria’s most picturesque lakes, located in the Salzkammergut region. It’s also among the most visited and popular lakes in Upper Austria for summer vacation. The town of Hallstatt, situated on its shore, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s most photographed places. If you’ve ever visited this place for more than a day, you’ll surely agree that it deserves all these superlatives.
What to do at Hallstätter See?
- Enjoy a walk through historic Hallstatt
- Visit the salt mine with the Skywalk viewpoint – accessible by foot or cable car
- Take a boat trip on the lake, or rent a small boat for a romantic ride
- Plan a trip to Dachstein
- Take the cable car to the 5 Fingers viewing platform
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- CHECK ACCOMMODATION PRICES IN HALLSTATT HERE
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Lakes in Upper Austria and vacations around them are an excellent choice for anyone seeking a combination of active recreation and relaxation in beautiful nature. Clean water, countless sports activities, cultural monuments, and the hospitality of Austrian towns and villages make this area an ideal destination for your (not just) summer vacation this year.
Our tip! Extend your vacation to Italy and choose from some of the popular trips in the Dolomites:
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