Lyla Lindsey
Austria is famous for its stunning lakes, from the well-known Wolfgangsee to the lesser-known but equally beautiful Lake Mondsee. With so many lakes to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to stay. The Salzkammergut region, an area of lakes, mountains, history, and stunning villages just south of Salzburg, is a popular choice. The nearby town of St. Gilgen is also a great option, with its small hotels, good food, and easy access to the lake. For those looking for a more active holiday, the Attersee-Attergau region offers mountains, lakes, and culture, with hiking, swimming, and event-hopping all on offer.
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What You'll Learn
Lake Mondsee
The nearby towns of St Gilgen, Fuschl am See, Bad Goisern, and Hallstatt are worth visiting, especially if you are a fan of the Sound of Music. The town of Mondsee itself always has something going on, especially during the summer months. The town square often hosts performances, such as a local marching band, and there are many restaurants where you can dine outside. During the winter, Mondsee has a notable Christmas market with local delicacies and crafts.
The area offers over 150 km of hiking trails, including Mount Schafberg, Drachenwand, and Schober. The Mondsee-Irrsee region is also one of the most varied cycling regions in Austria, with gentle hills and rugged peaks. There are also impressive golf courses and golf-friendly accommodation.
You can take a tour of the lake on the "Ms Mondseeland", the largest passenger ship on Lake Mondsee, accommodating up to 120 people. You can also explore the town on a Segway tour or rent a bicycle to ride through the meadows.
Accommodation options in Mondsee include Hotel Krone, which is conveniently located near the town square and within walking distance of the lakefront. The rooms are comfortable, and the hotel is also within easy reach of the town's restaurants.
Another accommodation option mentioned in a review is Privatzimmer Stabauer at St. Lorenz, a golf resort with astonishing views from the room windows. The owner, Mrs. Stabauer, is very helpful, even with language barriers.
Reviews also recommend dining at Schlosshotel Mondsee, and the town is also a great wedding destination, with over 400 weddings taking place throughout the year.
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Salzkammergut region
The Salzkammergut region is a resort area in Austria, stretching from the city of Salzburg eastwards along the Alpine Foreland and the Northern Limestone Alps to the peaks of the Dachstein Mountains. The name Salzkammergut translates to "salt demesne" or "salt domain", with Kammergut being a German word for territories held by princes of the Holy Roman Empire. The region's salt mines were administered by the Imperial Salzoberamt in Gmunden from 1745 to 1850. Today, the salt mining industry is a minor contributor to the economy.
The Salzkammergut region is known for its stunning natural landscape, including alpine and subalpine lakes, deeply carved valleys, rolling hills, and rugged, steep mountain ranges rising to almost 3000m. The area is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, and winter sports. The region is also home to several cultural attractions, including the Museum for Sanitary Objects (Klo & So) and the K-Hof museum complex.
The Salzkammergut includes 58 municipalities in three Austrian states, with the majority within Upper Austria (Gmunden and Vöcklabruck districts) and smaller portions in Styria and Salzburg. The region is divided into ten sub-regions, including the Ferienregion Dachstein Salzkammergut, which comprises the towns of Hallstatt, Obertraun, Gosau, and Bad Goisern.
Lake Mondsee, located in the Upper Austrian Salzkammergut, is a popular destination for surfers and sailors due to its shifting winds. The lake also offers swimming, with temperatures reaching 27°C, and the surrounding area provides over 150 km of hiking trails. Lake Wolfgangsee, nestled between forests, meadows, and mountain landscapes, is another popular destination in the Salzkammergut region. The town of Hallstatt, known for its fine architecture, is also located in the Salzkammergut and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Carinthia
One of the most popular lakes in Carinthia is Lake Wörthersee, which is also the largest lake in the region. The state capital of Klagenfurt am Wörthersee is located on its shores, along with idyllic towns like Maria Wörth. The lake offers stunning views of the surrounding mountain scenery and is a favourite spot for water sports enthusiasts. For a unique perspective of the lake, visitors can take a trip up to the 100m-high Pyramidenkogel viewing platform, which offers a panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding countryside.
Another notable lake in Carinthia is Lake Ossiacher See, known for its athletic offerings. Visitors can enjoy various water sports, such as windsurfing and paragliding, thanks to the thermal lift and wind conditions. The lake also features a 27-kilometre cycle path, making it an excellent choice for families looking for a leisurely excursion. The nearby Lake Faaker See, with its reed beds, offers a similar experience to the Everglades, which can be explored via Canadian canoe.
For those seeking a more secluded experience, Lake Millstätter See is a great option. This lake is known for its secluded bays and tranquil waters. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful morning swim and then explore the surrounding tree-covered slopes on foot via several walking trails, including the slow trail at the foot of the Mirnock mountain. Lake Klopeiner See is another popular choice, known for being one of the warmest lakes in Europe, with water temperatures reaching up to 28 degrees Celsius.
When it comes to accommodation in Carinthia, there are plenty of options to choose from. Schlosshotel Velden, located on Lake Wörthersee, is a popular choice for those seeking exceptional culinary experiences and direct lake access. The town of Velden itself is known for its historic charm, luxury hotels, upscale shopping, and fine dining. The Seespitz restaurant, located within the hotel, offers a unique dining experience featuring fresh fish from the castle lake.
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Lake Zell
Nestled in the Austrian Alps, Lake Zell is a destination for travellers seeking outdoor adventure, stunning scenery, and luxurious accommodations. Here is a guide to help you plan your stay in this picturesque locale.
Where to Stay
When it comes to lodging, Lake Zell offers a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some highly-rated choices:
- Hotel Seehof: Located on the western shore of Lake Zell, Hotel Seehof is just a short 3-minute walk from the lakefront. It offers convenient amenities such as a restaurant, bar, valet parking, and luggage storage. Rooms start at $179 per night.
- Grand Hotel Zell am See: This luxury hotel is situated directly on the shores of Lake Zell, offering upscale amenities and fine dining. It features a first-class spa and is known for its jet-set clientele.
- Hotel Der Schütthof: With rooms starting at $105 per night, this hotel provides easy access to the slopes and offers on-site ski storage for guests. It also has a restaurant and bar, making it a convenient choice for dining and après-ski.
- Pension Hubertus: For a cosy and intimate experience, consider this family-run B&B. Pension Hubertus offers 21 traditional rooms, some with stunning views of the lake from balconies. Breakfast is served, and rooms start from around £45 per night.
- Mavida Wellness Hotel: This 4-star hotel in picturesque Zell am See offers chic and contemporary accommodation with panoramic views of the mountains.
- Hotel Landhaus Zell am See: A popular choice among travellers, this hotel provides both parking and free parking options. It is conveniently located for exploring the surrounding area.
Things to Do
- Boating and Swimming: The Zeller See lake is known for its pristine water, which is not only drinkable but also perfect for swimming and boating.
- Hiking and Skiing: The region boasts excellent hiking trails and, in the winter, becomes a developed ski resort with 77 pistes catering to all skill levels.
- Cycling: Explore the area on two wheels, taking in the stunning mountain scenery and fresh alpine air.
- Gourmet Experiences: Indulge in the local cuisine, with options ranging from cosy restaurants to upscale dining within the luxury hotels.
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Lake resorts
Austria's lakes are renowned for their crystal-clear waters and stunning natural surroundings. The country's dedication to environmental regulations means that 97.7% of its lakes have "excellent water quality". This, combined with the serenity of the lakeside setting, makes for a unique and relaxing holiday experience.
There are numerous lakeside resorts across Austria, with many offering luxurious spa facilities, excellent food, and a range of outdoor activities.
The Romantik Hotels & Restaurants group has several properties located on lakes, including Lake Wolfgang, Lake Millstätter, Lake Altaussee, and Zell am See. These resorts promise tranquil surroundings, with amenities such as private beaches, pools, saunas, and whirlpools.
The Hotel Seehof in Zell am See is also highly recommended for its prime location, comfortable rooms, and friendly staff.
For those seeking a luxurious spa experience, the Seepark Resort is a popular choice, offering excellent service and spacious suites with mountain views.
If you're looking for a resort with a variety of water activities, consider a hotel on Lake Wörthersee, where you can enjoy water skiing, parachuting, banana boat rides, and kayaking. Klagenfurt, located on this lake, is easily accessible by train from major Austrian cities and the airport is just 15 minutes away.
For those who enjoy hiking, the Attersee-Attergau region in Salzkammergut offers over 150 km of hiking trails with Mount Schafberg, Drachenwand, and Schober among them. Lake Mondsee, also in the Upper Austrian Salzkammergut, is a popular choice for surfers and sailors due to its shifting winds, and swimmers enjoy its pleasant temperatures of up to 27°C.
The town of St. Wolfgang by Wolfgangsee Lake is another recommended base, with excellent public transport connections to Salzburg. The towns of St. Gilgen and Strobl on the same lake also offer lidos and outdoor pools.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several beautiful lakes in Austria, and the best place to stay will depend on your interests. If you're looking for crystal-clear waters, consider Lake Wolfgangsee, Lake Weissensee, or Lake Zell. If you're interested in water sports, Lake Achensee, Lake Mondsee, and Lake Zellersee are great options. For a quiet and idyllic setting, try Lake Möserer or Lake Schwarzsee.
There are many highly-rated hotels near Austrian lakes. The Hotel Seehof in Zell am See and the Seepark Resort are known for their friendly and helpful staff and clean rooms. The Hotel Wagnerhof is also a good option, with nice rooms and smiling staff.
Austrian lakes offer a variety of activities, including swimming, hiking, biking, and water sports. You can also enjoy boat rides, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. If you're looking for a more relaxed experience, you can sunbathe on the natural beaches or visit nearby castles.
Many Austrian lakes are easily accessible by train from major Austrian cities. For example, Klagenfurt is located near a lake and has an airport just 15 minutes away. You can also take a bus from Salzburg's main train station to Mondsee, which takes about one hour.
