Swimming In Austrian Lakes: Is It Allowed?

Austria's lakes are a great place to take a dip. With more than 2000 lakes across the country, there are plenty of options for swimming, water sports and other activities. The lakes are fed by freshwater mountain springs, meaning the water is clean and temperatures vary from refreshing to warm. In summer, water temperatures can reach 27°C or 28°C, perfect for a cooling swim.

Austria's lakes are surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, with thick forests and lush meadows giving way to sheer rock faces. The country's many hiking trails and mountain bike routes often lead to lakes, making them a great place to stop and take a dip.

Some of the most popular lakes for swimming include Lake Walchsee in Tirol, Lake Mondsee in Upper Austria, Lake Zell in the Alps, and Wolfgangsee in Upper Austria and SalzburgerLand.

Austrian lakes for family trips

Austria is home to over 1,200 lakes, making it a great destination for family trips. Here are some of the best Austrian lakes to visit with your family:

Lake Zell, SalzburgerLand

Lake Zell is a beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by the popular town of Zell am See. It is a small lake, spanning just 4km in length and 1.5km across. The water is fed by the surrounding Alpine mountains, keeping it cool all year round, with a stunning blue-turquoise colour. The town offers laid-back cafes, a promenade, and imperial flair. There are three lake lidos and stand-up paddleboarding is also available. In the winter, the lake freezes over, making it perfect for year-round fun, with locals crowding to skate on its surface.

Lake Mondsee, Upper Austria

Lake Mondsee is a popular destination for tourists and weekend visitors from Salzburg. It is also a hit with water sports enthusiasts, as there is a good surfing and sailing school on the lake. The small town of Mondsee on the lake is a lively seaside resort and a popular attraction for water sports enthusiasts. In summer, you can jump into the turquoise water at various swimming areas. The lake is also perfect for sailing, rowing, or water skiing.

Lake Wolfgangsee, Upper Austria and SalzburgerLand

Wolfgangsee Lake is set in an idyllic valley, straddling the border between Upper Austria and SalzburgerLand. Surrounded by thick forest and impressive mountains, the scenery is never boring. There are two main towns around the lake, St. Wolfgang and St. Gilburn, plus Strobl, which offers plenty of hotels and camping options. This is SalzburgLand's largest lake and a great place for wild swimming. A vintage cable car takes visitors up to the Zwölferhorn mountain, one of the region's best viewpoints.

Lake Achensee, Tirol

Nicknamed the "Fjord of the Alps", Lake Achensee welcomes visitors with its emerald green surface and crystal-clear water. Surrounded by picturesque mountains and lush green meadows, it offers countless water sports activities, including swimming, surfing, sailing, paddling, and diving. The lake can be reached in just 45 minutes by car from Innsbruck.

Wörthersee, Carinthia

Wörthersee is Carinthia's largest lake, with an area of 20 square kilometres. It is surrounded by beautiful beaches, landscaped paths for roller skating and skateboarding, and beach volleyball and tennis courts. There are also a range of water activities, including banana boat rides, water skiing, windsurfing, and motorboat rides. The water here warms up to a pleasant +27°C, making it a great option for families.

Klopeiner See, Carinthia

Klopeiner See is a real children's paradise. The water here is the warmest, reaching up to +28°C. Thanks to the many sunny days and the absence of cold mountain rivers flowing into the lake, there is a thick layer of warm water that doesn't get cold even on cooler days. The shallow, gently sloping shores and shallow waters are ideal for children. The area around the lake offers hiking and cycling routes through the beautiful Carinthian countryside.

Austrian lakes with the best views

Austria is home to several stunning lakes, many of which offer incredible views. Here are some of the best:

Lake Zell, SalzburgerLand

Lake Zell is a small freshwater lake in the Austrian Alps, measuring just 4km long and 1.5km across. Fed by water from the surrounding Alpine mountains, it remains cool all year round and boasts a stunning blue-turquoise colour. The town of Zell am See sits on one side of the lake, with private lands on the other. However, there are several beach clubs around the lake that offer access. The lake is also known for its crystal-clear waters and the majestic mountains that surround it.

Lake Achensee, Tyrol

Nicknamed the "Fjord of the Alps", Lake Achensee is renowned for its emerald green surface and crystal-clear water. Surrounded by picturesque mountains and lush green meadows, it offers a variety of water sports activities, including swimming, surfing, sailing, paddling, and diving. The lake can be reached by car or train from Innsbruck.

Lake Wolfgangsee, Upper Austria and SalzburgerLand

Nestled in an idyllic valley on the border between Upper Austria and SalzburgerLand, Lake Wolfgangsee is surrounded by thick forests and impressive mountains. The lake features several charming towns, including St. Wolfgang, St. Gilburn, and Strobl, which offer a range of accommodation options. A vintage cable car takes visitors up to the Zwölferhorn mountain, one of the region's best viewpoints.

Lake Plansee, Tyrol

Located in the Tyrol region, Lake Plansee is a large body of water connected to another lake, Heiterwang, via a canal. This makes it a popular spot for boating, as both lakes are accessible through several rivers. The lake is surrounded by the Lechtal Alps, offering scuba diving and fishing opportunities. Miles of paved pathways surrounding the lake are ideal for jogging, cycling, and inline skating.

Lake Weissensee, Carinthia

Located on the southern side of the Alps, Lake Weissensee welcomes visitors with clear, emerald water and stunning mountain landscapes. The lake offers a variety of activities, including surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, and hiking. In the winter, the area transforms into a prime skiing destination, and speed skating competitions are held on parts of the frozen lake.

Lake Mondsee, Upper Austria

Lake Mondsee, one of the largest privately-owned lakes in Austria, offers a scenic escape from everyday life. Vantage points around the shore provide views of the Northern Limestone Alps and the Northern Sandstone Alps. The town of Mondsee, on the shores of the lake, offers a full view of the mountain known as Drachenwand or Dragon Wall. The lake is a popular spot for surfers and sailors due to its shifting winds, and swimmers appreciate its warm temperatures, which can reach up to 27°C.

Austrian lakes with the cleanest water

Swimming in the pristine lakes of Austria is a popular activity, especially during the summer months. The country's lakes offer crystal-clear, cold water and breathtaking panoramas, providing the perfect opportunity to cool off during a hike or mountain bike tour.

Lake Faaker See, Carinthia

Lake Faaker See is considered to have the cleanest and most drinkable water of any lake in Austria. The clear turquoise waters offer excellent visibility, and the water temperature can reach up to 26°C from June to September, making it a perfect destination for swimming. The lake is also a hub for events, including the annual European Bike Week, and offers several beaches where visitors can relax, swim, and soak up the sun.

Lake Weissensee, Carinthia

Lake Weissensee, located on the southern side of the Alps, is known for its clear, emerald waters and abundant sunshine, with up to 2,000 hours of sunshine per year. The water temperature can reach up to 25°C in the summer, making it a favourite spot for swimming, diving, and cliff jumping. The surrounding nature park offers over 200 kilometres of marked paths for hiking, biking, and Nordic walking.

Lake Achensee, Tirol

Dubbed "Tirol's ocean" and the "Fjord of the Alps," Lake Achensee is known for its emerald green surface and crystal-clear water. Surrounded by picturesque mountains, it offers excellent water sports activities, including swimming, surfing, sailing, paddling, and diving. The water temperature typically reaches 19°C, and the lake is also known for its excellent visibility, attracting scuba divers who can see up to 10 meters deep.

Lake Zell, SalzburgerLand

Lake Zell is a small freshwater lake located in the Austrian Alps. Its crystal-clear waters and majestic mountain backdrop make it a popular destination for swimming, fishing, and kayaking during the summer. In the winter, the lake freezes over, attracting crowds of locals who skate across its smooth surface.

Lake Mondsee, Upper Austria

Lake Mondsee, located near Salzburg, offers a wide range of water-related activities, including diving boards, giant slides, windsurfing, canoeing, and boat rentals. With a length of 11 kilometres, it is a relatively large lake, and its calm blue waters make it one of the warmest in the region, with summer temperatures reaching 27°C. The lake is surrounded by the impressive Drachenwand (Dragon Wall) mountain, attracting hikers, climbers, and BASE jumpers.

The Lobau River, Lower Austria

The Lobau River, just east of Vienna, runs through the Donau-Auen National Park and offers specific spots approved for swimming and bathing. The beautiful blue waters are a popular escape from the city during the summer and are especially faved by nudists due to their private setting.

Best Austrian lakes for wild swimming

Austria is home to some sensational lakes, perfect for wild swimming. With crystal-clear waters, breathtaking panoramas, and stunning natural surroundings, these lakes offer the perfect opportunity to cool off during the summer heat. Here are some of the best Austrian lakes for wild swimming:

Lake Zell, SalzburgerLand

Lake Zell is a beautiful lake located next to the popular town of Zell am See. It may be small compared to other Alpine lakes, but it boasts crystal-clear waters and stunning blue-turquoise colours. The lake is easily accessible, with the town on one side and private lands on the other, and you can also access it from several beach clubs around the lake. Lake Zell offers a convenient and picturesque wild swimming experience.

Speicher Durlaßboden, Tirol

Located in the heart of the Tirol Valley, Speicher Durlaßboden is a beautiful reservoir surrounded by spectacular mountains. The area offers lots of walks and multiple beaches or rest areas to choose from when picking a swim spot. With its blue waters and breathtaking scenery, Speicher Durlaßboden is an excellent choice for wild swimming in Austria.

Wolfgangsee Lake, Upper Austria and SalzburgerLand

Wolfgangsee Lake is set in an idyllic valley, straddling the border between Upper Austria and SalzburgerLand. Surrounded by thick forests and impressive mountains, the lake offers a diverse range of scenery. Two main towns, St. Wolfgang and St. Gilburn, along with Strobl, provide a variety of accommodation options. As SalzburgLand's largest lake, Wolfgangsee offers ample opportunities for wild swimming.

The Lobau River, Lower Austria

The Lobau River, just east of Vienna, flows through the protected Donau-Auen National Park. With its beautiful blue waters, it offers an escape from the city during the summer. Specific spots along the river are approved for swimming and bathing, and it is a particularly popular destination for nudists due to its private setting.

Lake Achensee, Tirol

Dubbed "Tirol's ocean," Lake Achensee welcomes visitors with emerald green surfaces and crystal-clear waters. Surrounded by picturesque mountains and lush green meadows, the lake offers countless water sports activities, including swimming, surfing, sailing, paddling, and diving. With its alpine scenery and variety of activities, Lake Achensee is a great choice for wild swimming in Austria.

Lake Mondsee, Upper Austria

Lake Mondsee, located in the Upper Austrian Salzkammergut, is a popular destination for surfers and sailors due to its shifting winds. The lake offers swimming areas with temperatures reaching up to 27°C. The area also provides over 150 km of hiking trails, including challenging mountain trails, for those who want to explore the surrounding nature.

Best Austrian lakes for water sports

Austria's lakes are a great attraction, especially during the summer months. With the dramatic backdrop of the snow-capped Alps, and some of the cleanest, bluest waters in Europe, it's no wonder that swimming and water sports are popular activities.

Lake Zell, SalzburgerLand

Lake Zell is a small lake, just 4km long and 1.5km across, fed by the surrounding Alpine mountains, keeping the water cool and a stunning blue-turquoise colour. The town of Zell am See sits on one side, with private lands on the other, but there are a few beach clubs that provide access to the lake.

Lake Mondsee, Upper Austria

Lake Mondsee is a relatively large lake, 11km long, with calm blue waters. It is one of the warmest lakes in the region, with summer temperatures reaching 27°C. The lake is surrounded by the Drachenwand (Dragon Wall), an imposing limestone mountain, attracting hikers and climbers. The town of Mondsee on the shore is a popular attraction for water sports enthusiasts, with sailing, rowing, and water skiing on offer.

Lake Achensee, Tirol

Nicknamed the "Fjord of the Alps" and sometimes referred to as "Tirol's ocean", Lake Achensee is one of Austria's best lakes for swimming and water sports. The lake has emerald green water and is surrounded by picturesque mountains and lush green meadows. The water is crystal clear, with visibility of up to 10 meters, attracting swimmers and scuba divers. The lake is also ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing, thanks to thermal winds.

Weissensee, Carinthia

With over 2000 hours of sunshine per year and crystal-clear emerald waters, Weissensee is a favourite for swimming, diving, and water sports. The water temperature can reach 25°C in summer, much warmer than in other parts of Austria. The lake is surrounded by the stunning mountains of the Gailtal Alps, and water sports equipment is available for rent in the beach area in Stockenboi township.

Lake Wolfgangsee, Upper Austria and SalzburgerLand

Straddling the border between Upper Austria and SalzburgerLand, Wolfgangsee is surrounded by forests, meadows, and mountains. Two main towns, St. Wolfgang and St. Gilburn, plus Strobl, offer plenty of accommodation options. This is SalzburgLand's largest lake and a great spot for swimming and water sports.

Lake Neufeld, Burgenland

Lake Neufeld is a large lido offering rest and swimming. It is a great spot to cool off after a bike ride, with windsurfing, sailing, and diving also on offer for those seeking more adventure. The lido is open from May to September.

Lake Walchsee, Tirol

Lake Walchsee is one of the many swimming lakes in Tirol, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. The water temperature can reach up to 27°C in summer, and there are sunbathing lawns for those who want to relax and take in the views.

The Lobau River, Lower Austria

The Lobau River, just east of Vienna, runs through the Donau-Auen National Park, offering an escape from the city during the summer. It is a popular spot for nudists due to its private setting.

Lake Plansee, Tyrol

Lake Plansee is the second-largest natural lake in Tyrol, covering 2.87 square kilometres with a depth of almost 80 meters. The clear waters allow for visibility of up to 15 meters, making it a great spot for swimming and diving. Sailing and surfing are also popular here during the summer months.

Lake Fuschlsee, Salzburg

Fuschlsee is one of Austria's cleanest and most attractive bathing lakes, with crystal-clear water set among beautiful Salzburg scenery. There are two beaches, quiet Stollinger and the livelier Wesenauer, and a sunbathing lawn, volleyball court, and water trampoline.

Lake Zellersee, Salzburg

Despite its small size, Lake Zellersee is one of Austria's best lakes for swimming. The water is clear and stays around 18-20°C in summer. Windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing are popular here, and the 19th-century promenade offers panoramic views over the water.

Whether you're looking for a tranquil spot to swim and relax or seeking more adventurous water sports activities, these Austrian lakes offer something for everyone.

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