Did you enjoy the trip to Gosausee in the summer? Then believe that you will be thrilled even if you go to Gosau in the winter. We waited for fresh snowfall and sunny weather in late autumn and went for a long weekend to Gosau. This place is ideal for trips to the aforementioned Gosauseen lakes, as well as for visiting the popular historical town of Hallstatt, which is about half an hour away by car. At the same time, you can bring your skis and snowboard and also enjoy winter activities around the majestic Dachstein.
WARNING FOR WINTER TRIPS AROUND THE LAKES:
Important notice: the trail to Hinterer Gosausee is closed in winter.
- Although no barriers have been here, the trail is closed due to the risk of avalanches and the feeding and hunting of wild animals towards the upper lake.
- Entry to the circular trail around Vorderer Gosausee is at your own risk – be careful.
From the towns of Gosau and Russbach, you can take the convenient cable cars of the Dachstein-West resort. Especially popular are those that lead directly from Gosau, even among families with children who are just learning to ski and will find several fun hills here. Specifically, for example, Ötscher Kids Park, etc. Cross-country skiers will also enjoy themselves, as Gosau offers several dozen kilometers of groomed cross-country trails.
Winter trip to Gosausee
The Gosau area is becoming more and more popular year after year for trips and vacations practically at any time of the year. If you have a specific vacation or holiday date, we recommend booking accommodation well in advance. You may also be lucky enough to find available accommodation from canceled reservations a few days before the date. Of course, it is easier to find available accommodation for 2 people than for a large family with children.
You might also be interested in:
- Gosauseen: 2 stunning lakes overlooking the Dachstein
- 5 tips for the most beautiful mountain lakes in Upper Austria
- 7 tips for accommodation in Gosau and surroundings
- Trip to Hallstatt, not just in summer
We got a last minute free accommodation for 3 nights in our favorite hotel in Gosau, where you can also book a pleasant half board. If you book accommodation well in advance, there are also several apartments for up to 10 people. A sauna and a small gym are available directly in the hotel. Several cross-country ski trails also lead from the hotel in winter.
COOEE alpin Hotel Dachstein
Or find your own accommodation on the map that meets your requirements:
>>SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION IN GOSAU<<
Gosauseen Lakes
The Gosauseen Lakes are as if hidden in the picturesque landscape of the Salzkammergut and offer an unforgettable trip experience even in winter. They are located approximately 7 km from the town of Gosau and are easily accessible by car. Just a few hundred meters from the first lake there is a large parking lot with a toilet (paid from 2024).
Parking at Gosauseen / Austrian lakes
Vorderer Gosausee, the first and largest of the three lakes, turns into a calm icy scenery in the winter months with a breathtaking view of the snow-covered Dachstein massif. The circular trail around the lake, which is approximately 4.5 km long, takes around 1.5 hours under normal conditions.
In winter, however, it is necessary to take into account possible snow drifts and slippery surfaces, which can slow down walking. We also stopped many times along the way to photograph and film this winter fairy tale. The route is popular among tourists and photographers who come here for breathtaking winter panoramas.
As for the weather, if the conditions are good and there is no risk of avalanches, it is possible to walk around the second lake to the upper one, Hinterer Gosausee. During our winter trip, when we were lucky enough to have a lot of snow, the road from the forester’s lodge to the mountain lake was closed. In any case, we enjoyed our trip to Gosausee and believe that you will not be disappointed either.
If you are lucky and the restaurant in the guesthouse, which is located directly at the first lake Vorderer Gosausee, is not closed, stop here for something good to warm up. Alternatively, end your trip with coffee and cake. If the owners were just taking a vacation, as happened to us, go for something good to one of the local restaurants in Gosau. Alternatively, take a trip to Hallstatt, where you can literally choose from nice cafes or restaurants.
Are you following us on Instagram? Let us know under our #rakouskajezera how you liked the trip to Gosausee. You will also make us happy if you tag us in your experiences from Austrian lakes @rakouska_jezera
