Exploring Austria's Beachfront: Does It Exist?

Although Austria is a landlocked country, it is home to hundreds of lakes that provide a unique beach experience. From charming pebbly shores to crystal-clear waters, Austria's inland beaches offer a plethora of activities such as sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The country's alpine landscape and picturesque surroundings add to the appeal of these beach destinations. With drinking water quality and pleasant temperatures, Austria's lakes offer a memorable beach holiday experience.

Austria's best beaches

Although Austria is a landlocked country, it has plenty of lakeside beaches with surprisingly warm water and excellent water quality. Here are some of the best:

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. It has a large grassed area, partly shaded, and facilities including a restaurant and lockers. The nearby village of Mattsee is only a 5-minute walk away and offers accommodation, restaurants, supermarkets, shops, and banks. The water temperature ranges from 21-28°C in June-September, making it ideal for families, sunbathing, and windsurfing.

Seebad Riegersburg

Seebad Riegersburg is one of Austria's artificial lakes and a popular place for locals to cool off in the summer. It is located next to the village of Riegersburg, which is named after the medieval castle that towers above it. The water temperature ranges from 23-28°C in June-September, and it is suitable for families and sunbathing.

Lake Achensee

Lake Achensee is a mountain lake nestled between the Karwendel mountains and the Brandenberg Alps. It offers crystal-clear waters, stunning natural scenery, and a peaceful atmosphere. The beaches in Maurach and Pertisau are family-friendly, with grassy areas, playgrounds, and crystal-clear water. Water sports such as sailing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddle boarding are also available. The water temperature ranges from 20-22°C.

Badestrand Hallstatt

Hallstatt is a highly-rated beach area in Austria, offering a fabulous resort experience with clean air and activities like hiking and boating. It has excellent facilities, including clean toilets, changing rooms, and a cafe with a view.

Obertraun Bathing Area/Lakeside Recreation Area

Obertraun is another highly-rated beach area in Austria, known for its clean lake and family-friendly atmosphere. It has well-maintained facilities, including clean toilets, changing rooms, and a cafe. The town is also just a short walk away.

Beach holiday tips

Although Austria is landlocked, it has plenty of lakeside beaches with crystal-clear waters and charming pebbly shores. These range from secluded spots where you can bathe alone to lively resorts with plenty of facilities for families.

Where to Go

Hundreds of lakes are scattered throughout Austria, with many offering public bathing areas. Some of the best include:

• Strandbad Mattsee: One of four lakes in the Salzburger Lake District, with a large grassy area for sunbathing, a restaurant, and lockers.
• Erlaufsee: A small lake near Mariazell, with sandy beaches and shallow waters, perfect for families with young children.
• Klopeiner See: One of the warmest lakes in Europe, with crystal-clear waters and family-friendly facilities in southern Carinthia.
• Lake Achensee: A majestic mountain lake with crystal-clear waters and stunning natural scenery. It's surrounded by towering peaks and has beaches in Maurach and Pertisau.
• Strombad Kritzendorf: A relaxing spot on the Danube with free entry, clean toilets, and snacks.
• Seebad Riegersburg: A popular artificial lake with a great park and restaurant.
• Danube River Island: A family-friendly beach in Vienna, with a sheltered lake and various water activities.

When to Go

The best time to visit Austria's beaches is during the summer months, from June to September, when the water temperatures can reach a very pleasant 27-29°C.

What to Pack

Don't forget your swimwear, sunscreen, and beach toys for the kids. Many places rent out sun chairs and electric boats, and you'll be able to buy food, but you may want to bring a picnic.

Lake Achensee

Although Austria is landlocked, it has plenty of lakeside beaches. One of the most notable is Lake Achensee, also known as the "Fjord of the Alps". Nestled between the Karwendel and Rofan mountains, Lake Achensee is the largest Alpine lake in the Austrian Tyrol. It is about 40km or a 40-minute drive from Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol.

There are several bathing beaches along the lake, including:

• Seespitz in Maurach, at the southernmost end of the lake, which offers a large sunbathing lawn with access to the lake and sanitary facilities.
• SEE-Bad - Atoll Achensee in Maurach, a popular swimming spot for families with a large sunbathing lawn, a play area, and a bar.
• Strandbad Pertisau, on the southern lakeshore, which features a 5000m2 sunbathing lawn with direct access to the lake.
• Achensee north in Achenkirch, a designated swimming area with higher water temperatures in summer, a large play area, and a kiosk.
• Achenseehof in Achenkirch, which features a large sunbathing lawn with a playground and a beverage station.
• Schwarzenau in Achenkirch, which offers a large sunbathing lawn with a kiosk, terrace, camping site, and sanitary facilities.

The Achensee steam cog railway, which has been in operation since 1889, offers picturesque views of the lake. The base station of the Rofan cable car is in Maurach, while the Karwendel cable car leaves from Pertisau.

Public and private beaches

Although Austria is landlocked, it has a unique beach experience with beautiful lakesides and charming pebbly shores. The coastline equivalent measures nearly 7,000 kilometres, circling azure lakes.

Austria has both public and private beaches. While some lake shores are densely populated with private properties extending to the water's edge, municipalities have created public bathing areas with facilities for everyone to enjoy. These public beaches are well-maintained and clean, with tickets costing €2-8 per person, including changing booths and facilities for toddlers. Many places rent sun chairs and electric boats, and there are often food services on-site.

Private beaches and sea baths require an entrance fee. Hotels often have private beaches or at least provide access to the lake.

Best family-friendly beaches

Although Austria is landlocked, it has plenty of lovely and surprisingly warm lakes, providing beach-like escapes in the middle of its picturesque landscapes. Many of Austria's lakes warm up quickly during the summer and reach temperatures of 27-29°C. The water quality in most lakes is superb, with drinking water quality, so even large lakes are often crystal clear.

Breitensee, Niederosterreich

This beach is one of three in the region of Niederosterreich, which offers a picturesque Wachau Valley, historic Melk Abbey, and scenic wine regions.

Gasteiner Wasserfall, Bad Gastein, Salzburg

Bad Gastein is home to the Gasteiner Wasserfall, one of three family-friendly beaches in the region of Salzburg. Salzburg has a number of beach options for every type of traveller, from popular hotspots to secluded beach vacations.

Gollinger Wasserfall, Golling an der Salzach, Salzburg

Gollinger Wasserfall is another family-friendly beach in the Salzburg region.

Parktherme Bad Radkersburg, Bad Radkersburg, Styria

Bad Radkersburg is one of two family-friendly beaches in the Styria region, which is known for its lush vineyards, historic castles, and thermal spa region.

Herbergalm, Tyrol

Herbergalm is a family-friendly beach in the Tyrol region, which offers picturesque hiking trails and traditional Tyrolean festivals.

Erlaufsee, Niederosterreich

Erlaufsee is a small lake where you can swim, paddle, and scuba dive in idyllic surroundings. After a day at the beach, you'll find plenty of restaurants and sights in the nearby village of Mariazell.

Klopeiner See, Carinthia

Klopeiner See is one of the warmest lakes in Europe and a family-friendly lake resort offering crystal-clear water and a wide range of sports- and water-related activities.

Strandbad Mattsee, Salzburg

The Mattsee is one of four lakes in the Salzburger Lake District and has a large park area with a beach at the southwestern end of the 3.6 km² lake. There is a large grassed area, partly shaded, and onsite there is also a restaurant and lockers. The lovely village of Mattsee is only a 5-minute walk away.

Frequently asked questions