Whether Lake Almsee in Austria tempts you for just a day trip or you plan a longer vacation in the Almtal area, one thing is certain. Unforgettable moments await you in literally untouched nature. Don’t expect public swimming pools or luxury resorts. Lake Almsee and the surrounding area has been designated as a protected landscape area since the 1960s, and thanks to this, it still maintains its natural character and resists modern tourist developments.
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Lake Almsee
Getting there and Parking at Almsee
The journey to Lake Almsee from České Budějovice takes about 2.5 hours by car. The route traditionally goes through Linz and initially follows the path to Traunsee, but not for long. A romantic journey through the Almtal valley awaits you, passing through the town of Grünau im Almtal.
Once you pass this village, which is also a popular starting point for trips to the surrounding area, you’ll be driving through an area that feels more like a nature park than a standard road. For families with children, visiting the Wild Park, which you’ll pass along the way, is an interesting trip option. Another popular stop on the way to Almsee is the Ödseen lakes, which you can read about in this post.
Parking at Almsee / photo credit: Austrian Lakes
Lake Almsee
After a few more minutes of driving, Lake Almsee will welcome you, though initially only on road signs. The first parking area at Almsee is right at the beginning. Don’t be discouraged if it’s full and cars are parking along the road. There are two more official parking areas ahead, with the main one at the end of the lake having about 100 spaces.
The parking lots have free toilets. For the circular route around the lake, we recommend choosing the first parking lot. You won’t be walking in crowds of tourists like from the back lot, and we prefer starting the trip from this direction. Of course, it’s up to you which spot you choose as the starting point for your trip.
Refreshments at the main parking lot, Almsee / photo credit: Austrian Lakes
Gasthof Seehaus Almsee / photo credit: Austrian Lakes
If you follow our tip, after parking your car, you’ll go straight through a small footbridge and start the circular walk around Lake Almsee on the opposite shore. If you start your walk in the morning hours, you’ll have the sun on the right side for both photography and the experience of the journey.
Parking at Almsee – path from the first parking lot / photo credit: Austrian Lakes
Almsee / photo credit: Austrian Lakes
Almsee / photo credit: Austrian Lakes
Trail around Lake Almsee
The fairy-tale Lake Almsee is called a treasure among Austrian lakes by many. This isn’t just because of the blue and emerald shades that this unusually shallow lake boasts. It’s also because we find many species of wild birds and other rare representatives of fauna and flora here that are considered extinct in the rest of Upper Austria.
You’ll see right at the beginning by the footbridge that the lake is rich in fish, with trout swimming everywhere. It’s no wonder that Almsee is also considered an eldorado for fly fishing enthusiasts. For a daily fee of about 100 EUR, you can pursue your hobby on the lake. More information is available at the tourist information center in Grünau im Almtal.
Almsee / photo credit: Austrian Lakes
Almsee / photo credit: Austrian Lakes
Parking at Almsee – path from the main parking lot / photo credit: Austrian Lakes
Lake Almsee is approximately 2.3 kilometers long and 700 meters wide. The lake’s depth is reported at just under 5 meters. A well-maintained path runs around the entire lake, and except for a few spots, you can easily navigate with an all-terrain stroller. However, expect some minor inclines and uneven terrain in places. Countless mountain springs and wild streams flow into the lake, and its temperature reaches around 14-17 degrees during summer months at an altitude of 589 meters above sea level.
Almsee / photo credit: Austrian Lakes
Almsee / photo credit: Austrian Lakes
While Lake Almsee doesn’t have any official swimming facilities, if you come prepared with swimwear, there are several spots where you can refresh yourself in the pleasant and clean water. The main beach is considered to be about 10 minutes’ walk from the back parking lot. During peak summer season, expect to share the space with others.
If you arrive at the lake early enough, or in the later afternoon hours, you might claim one of the romantic coves along the way. Some even have wooden benches. Either way, many spots along the Almsee shoreline will tempt you to arrange a small private picnic.
Almsee / photo credit: Austrian Lakes
Almsee / photo credit: Austrian Lakes
Around Almsee, besides the classic circular walk, there are several more challenging hikes available. Some viewpoints can be reached directly as part of the circular trip. We recommend quality footwear and high socks if you’ll be pushing through tall blueberry bushes and undergrowth.
Lake Almsee / photo credit: Austrian Lakes
When you get hungry and don’t have your own picnic packed, head to Gasthof Seehaus for lunch, which you’ll find right by the main parking lot at the end of the lake. During peak season, they always offer one discounted menu option for around 12 EUR. Seehaus also offers several accommodation options at Almsee.
Accommodation at Almsee
Accommodation at Almsee is limited, which is why this area is a popular destination for nature and tranquility lovers. The town of Grünau im Almtal is considered another popular base for trips in the Almtal area if accommodation at Almsee is fully booked. Many tourists also come for day trips from Lake Traunsee, staying in Gmunden.
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