Exploring Austria's Beachfront: Sun, Sand, And Surf?

Although Austria is a landlocked country, it has a unique beach experience to offer. The country is dotted with hundreds of lakes, with nearly 7,000 kilometres of coastline equivalent. These lakes provide beach-like escapes in the middle of picturesque landscapes. From charming pebbly shores to crystal-clear waters, Austria's lakes offer a range of activities such as sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The water quality in most lakes is superb, with drinking water quality, and the water temperature can reach a pleasant 27-29°C during the summer months.

Austria's best beaches for families

Although Austria is landlocked, it has a surprising number of beautiful lakes that provide beach-like escapes in the middle of picturesque landscapes. Many of these lakes warm up quickly during the summer, reaching water temperatures of 27-29 °C, and the water quality in the majority of them is superb. Local governments take pride in offering public beach facilities, which are often also available to tourists.

Breitensee, Niederosterreich

Breitensee is a lake in the northeastern state of Niederosterreich. It is known for its clear waters and beautiful scenery. The lake offers various activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Mörbisch am See, Burgenland

Located in the eastern state of Burgenland, Mörbisch am See is a popular destination for families. The lake has calm and shallow waters, making it ideal for children to swim and play. There is also a playground and a variety of accommodation options nearby.

Gasteiner Wasserfall, Bad Gastein, Salzburg

Gasteiner Waterfall is a unique beach destination in the state of Salzburg. While you won't be swimming here, the powerful waterfall and surrounding nature make for a memorable family outing.

Gollinger Wasserfall, Golling an der Salzach, Salzburg

Another waterfall beach, this time in the town of Golling, offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat. The powerful waterfall creates a cooling mist, and there are walking paths and viewing platforms to enjoy the scenery.

Parktherme Bad Radkersburg, Bad Radkersburg, Styria

Parktherme Bad Radkersburg is a thermal spa located in the town of Bad Radkersburg, Styria. It offers a range of pools, slides, and play areas for children, as well as saunas and relaxation areas for adults.

Erlaufsee, Niederosterreich

Erlaufsee is a small lake in Niederosterreich, surrounded by idyllic nature. The lake offers swimming, paddling, and scuba diving, and there are plenty of restaurants and sights in the nearby village of Mariazell.

In addition to these family-friendly spots, Austria has many other lakeside destinations that cater to a range of interests, from sunbathing and water sports to cultural landmarks and local cuisine.

Austria's best beaches for water sports

Although Austria is landlocked, it is home to many lakeside beaches, offering a unique beach experience. With nearly 7,000 kilometres of coastline equivalent, there are plenty of spots to enjoy water sports. Here are some of Austria's best beaches for water sports enthusiasts:

Strandbad Mattsee, Salzburg

The Mattsee is one of four lakes in the Salzburger Lake District. It offers a large park area with a beach, grassy spots for sunbathing, and shaded areas. The lake is ideal for windsurfing, as well as nature watching and swimming. The nearby village of Mattsee is just a short walk away and offers accommodation, restaurants, and shops.

Lake Zell, SalzburgerLand

Lake Zell is known for its crystal-clear waters and impressive mountain backdrop. The town of Zell am See sits on the lake's shore, offering a laid-back atmosphere with cafes and a promenade. Lake Zell is great for stand-up paddleboarding and features three lake lidos for water sports enthusiasts.

Lake Achensee, Tirol

Dubbed "Tirol's ocean," Lake Achensee welcomes visitors with emerald green waters and picturesque surroundings. The lake offers various water sports activities, including swimming, surfing, sailing, paddling, and diving. The surrounding mountains and meadows provide a stunning backdrop for your water sports adventures.

Lake Attersee, Upper Austria

Lake Attersee, located in the heart of Austria's lake region, has a unique artsy and relaxed vibe. The lake is surrounded by "Little Venice," an area full of Mediterranean-style villas. Lake Attersee is great for diving, and you can also rent clear-bottom kayaks to explore the lake and enjoy the views of the rugged mountains.

Lake Neusiedler See, Burgenland

Lake Neusiedler See is one of Austria's largest bodies of water in terms of surface area, and it's quite shallow, with an average depth of only 1 metre. It's a popular spot for birdwatching, and its vast meadows and reeds make it a unique natural habitat. The lake is ideal for sailing, and its eastern shore is one of the windiest areas in Europe, making it a favourite among windsurfers.

Lake Weissensee, Carinthia

Lake Weissensee is located on the southern side of the Alps, offering clear emerald waters and surrounded by beautiful mountain landscapes. The lake provides excellent opportunities for water sports, including surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing. With 2,000 hours of sunshine per year, it's a great spot for outdoor activities.

So, while Austria may not have a coastline, its lakes offer a unique and memorable beach experience, with plenty of options for water sports enthusiasts.

Austria's best beaches for swimming

Although Austria is landlocked, it has a unique beach experience with many beautiful lakesides. The coastline equivalent measures nearly 7,000 kilometres, circling azure lakes that provide an extraordinary array of spots to unwind. From charming pebbly shores to crystal-clear waters, Austria offers a plethora of beach activities such as sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.

Strandbad Mattsee

Mattsee is one of four lakes in the Salzburger Lake District with a large park area and a beach at the southwestern end of the lake. It has a large grassed area with partial shade, a restaurant, and lockers. The nearby village of Mattsee is just a 5-minute walk away and offers accommodation, restaurants, supermarkets, shops, and banks. The water temperature ranges from 21°C to 28°C, making it ideal for families, sunbathing, and windsurfing.

Seebad Riegersburg

Seebad Riegersburg is a popular spot for locals to cool off during hot summer days. It is an artificial lake located next to the village of Riegersburg, named after the medieval castle that towers above it. The water temperature ranges from 23°C to 28°C, and it is suitable for families and sunbathing.

Lake Zell

Lake Zell is known for its crystal-clear waters and majestic mountain views. The town of Zell am See offers laid-back cafes, a promenade, and imperial flair. There are three lake lidos, and stand-up paddleboarding is also available. The lake has a maximum water depth of 73 meters and an average temperature of 23°C, making it ideal for swimming and water activities.

Lake Achensee

Dubbed "Tirol's ocean," Lake Achensee welcomes visitors with its emerald green surface and crystal-clear water. Surrounded by picturesque mountains and lush green meadows, it offers various water sports activities, including swimming, surfing, sailing, paddling, and diving. The lake has an average water temperature of 19°C and a maximum depth of 133 meters.

Lake Attersee

Lake Attersee, located in the heart of Austria's lake region, has a unique artsy and laid-back vibe. Visitors can enjoy a stroll through "Little Venice," an area full of Mediterranean-style villas, before dipping into the cool water. The lake has a maximum water depth of 169 meters and an average temperature of 23°C, making it ideal for swimming and water activities.

Austria's best nude beaches

Although Austria is landlocked, it has plenty of lakeside beaches. Many of these lakes warm up quickly during the summer and reach water temperatures of 27-29°C. The water quality in most lakes is superb, with drinking-water quality. Here are some of Austria's best nude beaches:

Gmundner Strandbad

Gmundner Strandbad is a popular beach nestled on the scenic Traunsee lake in Gmunden, Oberösterreich. It is known for its large grassy areas and clean lake water.

Forstsee

Forstsee is a secluded lake nestled in the natural beauty of Austria. Its warm waters are a draw for visitors, although they are advised to bring their own refreshments.

Parkbad Bad Goisern

Parkbad Bad Goisern is a public heated outdoor swimming park in Bad Goisern, Oberösterreich. It offers breathtaking views of the nearby Alps and features three pools catering to different swimming preferences.

Ratzersdorfer See

Ratzersdorfer See is an artificial lake in the northern outskirts of St. Pölten, in the district of Ratzersdorf. It is known for its cleanliness and well-maintained beach.

Hallstatt

Hallstatt is a nude beach in Upper Austria.

Pebble Beach on Donauinsel

Pebble Beach on Donauinsel is a nude beach in Vienna.

Austria's best beaches for dogs

Although Austria is landlocked, it has a plethora of lakeside beaches. Many of these are dog-friendly, and some even have dedicated dog swimming spots. Here are some of Austria's best beaches for dogs:

Danube Beaches

The Danube beaches in Ottensheim and Wilhering are great spots for dogs to cool off in the water. The river banks of the Drau and the Gail also offer some bathing possibilities for dogs.

Gusen

In the dog play area in St. Georgen, dogs can swim in the Gusen without needing a leash or muzzle.

Hallstättersee

Between Obertraun and Hallstatt, there is a nice dog bathing area where owners can swim with their dogs.

Mondsee

At Mondsee, between the villages of Plomberg and Scharfling, there is free lake access for dogs.

Traunsee

There is a spot on Traunsee where dogs are allowed to swim, right next to the regular swimming beach and the Altmünster sailing club.

Alte Donau, Vienna

On the Alte Donau in Vienna, there is a large dog zone next to the Angelika, which has a drinking fountain and training equipment.

Lake Constance

Between Bregenz and Lochau, there is a beach on Lake Constance where dogs are allowed.

Durlaßboden Reservoir

At this mountain lake on the Gerlos Pass, dogs are welcome to swim. Stand-up paddling equipment can also be hired here.

Lake Uri

Clear and blue Lake Uri offers free and permitted bathing for both people and dogs.

Maltschacher See

Maltschacher See has a segregated dog beach near the Sonnenresort holiday resort.

Keutschacher See

Keutschacher See has several dog-friendly spots, including the beach camping grounds and camping sites.

Lake Ossiach

The Messner lido and Seecamping Plörz on Lake Ossiach both have dog bathing beaches with lake access.

Salzkammergut, Upper Austria

Upper Austria has a wide range of dog beaches. Dogs can swim at almost every lake in the Salzkammergut, with many lakes having their own marked dog areas.

Mattsee

Dogs are allowed at Mattsee outside the public bathing areas and lidos.

Lake Zell

Dogs are allowed in the freely accessible areas of Lake Zell, but not in the lidos.

Frequently asked questions