Exploring Austria's Lake District: Best Areas To Stay

where to stay in austria lake district

Austria's Lake District is a stunning destination for travellers, with its crystal-clear lakes surrounded by the majestic Alps. The country's strict environmental regulations ensure excellent water quality, making it a popular choice for swimming, boating and other water sports. The Salzkammergut region, with its lakes, mountains, history and charming villages, is a favourite among tourists. Lake Mondsee, Schafberg and Drachenwand create the perfect mix of lake and mountain for Austria's typical Salzkammergut idyll. The largest lake in the Austrian district of Tyrol, Achensee, offers unforgettable views of the Northern Limestone Alps and the Northern Sandstone Alps. The colour and clarity of the water, ranging from green to aquamarine, make it a unique destination. For those seeking serenity, Lake Weissensee in the middle of the Gailtal Alps provides a peaceful retreat with its emerald waters and surrounding mountains. Austria's Lake District offers a diverse range of accommodation, from family-run hotels to luxury 5-star resorts, ensuring a memorable stay for all visitors.

Characteristics Values
Region Salzkammergut
Towns St. Gilgen, St. Wolfgang, Hallstatt, Mondsee, Salzburg
Lakes Plansee, Heiterwang, Achensee, Traunsee, Millstatter See, Faaker See, Wörthersee, Weissensee, Wolfgangsee, Lake Mondsee
Hotels Landhaus Leopoldhof, Hotel Hochsteg Gütl, Villa Alma, Hotel Kendler, Apollo AchtQuartier Das Hotel am Mondsee, Landhaus zu Appesbach, Top Apartment, Ferienwohnung Wiesmühlstrasse, Gasthaus Eggerberg, Landgasthof Spitzerwirt, Hotel Magerl, Pension Anna, Villa Weiss
Average Price (per night) 3-star: $179; 4-star: $294; 5-star: $349 (based on Booking.com prices)

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Salzkammergut: St. Gilgen, St. Wolfgang and Hallstatt

Salzkammergut is a beautiful region in Austria's Lake District. Here are some great places to stay in the area:

St. Gilgen

St. Gilgen is a charming small town outside of Salzburg. It is known for its stunning scenery, including the Wolfgangsee lake and the Zwölferhorn mountain. The town has a rich history and is mentioned in the film 'The Sound of Music'. St. Gilgen has a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, apartments, and Airbnbs. It is also known for its delicious food and quaint shops. The town is easily accessible by bus, ferry, or car.

St. Wolfgang

St. Wolfgang is a picturesque town nestled on the high banks of the Wolfgangsee. It offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The town has charming cobblestone streets, frescoed houses, and a beautiful 14th-century church. St. Wolfgang is a great base for exploring the region, with easy access to other towns and attractions. It has a range of hotels, from family-run boutique hotels to luxurious resorts, many of which offer panoramic views of the lake.

Hallstatt

Hallstatt is a stunning, historic small town in the heart of Salzkammergut. It is known for its remote location and breathtaking scenery. While there are limited accommodation options in Hallstatt itself, it is possible to visit on a day trip from nearby towns like St. Gilgen and St. Wolfgang. Hallstatt has parking issues, so it is best explored on foot. It offers a wide range of food options and is a great place to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region.

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Lake Constance: 2,000 hours of sunshine

Lake Constance, situated where Germany, Switzerland, and Austria meet, is a year-round destination boasting a subtropical microclimate. With 2,000 hours of sunshine a year, it is considered one of the sunniest places in Germany. The lake is actually made up of three bodies of water: Upper Lake Constance (Obersee), Lower Lake Constance (Untersee), and a connecting stretch of the Rhine called the Seerhein. The lake was formed by the Rhine Glacier during the Quaternary glaciation ice age and has been inhabited since the Middle Stone Age.

The area has a lot to offer visitors. Mainau Island, for example, is home to botanical gardens and wildlife enclosures. Reichenau Island, the lake's largest, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its three medieval churches and its intensive cultivation of fruit and vegetables. Lindau, the second-largest island, is home to an old town and the main railway station of Lindau. The lake is also home to Pfänder, which offers a panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding area.

For those looking for accommodation, there are plenty of options in the surrounding area. In the Austrian state of Vorarlberg, you can find hotels in the towns of Bregenz and Hard, as well as in the city of Dornbirn. In Germany, accommodation can be found in the towns of Lindau and Friedrichshafen, as well as in the city of Konstanz. Finally, in Switzerland, accommodation can be found in the towns of Kreuzlingen and Stein am Rhein, as well as in the city of St. Gallen.

Hotels in the area include Landhaus Leopoldhof, Hotel Hochsteg Gütl | Traunsee Salzkammergut, Villa Alma, Hotel Kendler, Apollo AchtQuartier Das Hotel am Mondsee, and Landhaus zu Appesbach, which are all popular among families. Villa Weiss, Hotel Peter, Hotel Magerl, and Pension Anna are also highly regarded for their views.

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Lake Achensee: The Fjord of the Alps

Lake Achensee, also known as the "Fjord of the Alps", is a popular destination in the Austria Lake District. The lake is nestled between the steep sides of the Karwendel mountain range in the west and the Brondenberg Alps in the east, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. With a history of tourism dating back to 1887 AD, Lake Achensee has long been a favourite among travellers.

The lake is renowned for its exceptional water quality, with underwater visibility reaching up to 10 metres. While the water temperature is relatively low, averaging around 20 degrees Celsius, the southern bank can reach a more comfortable 22 degrees, making it a popular spot for families during the summer months. The lake also offers "Atoll Achensee", a private beach with lake access.

Lake Achensee provides a plethora of activities for visitors. In the summer, the lake is ideal for sailing and surfing due to its perfect wind conditions. The area also features popular hiking trails, such as the one leading up to Mt. Zwölferkopf, which offer panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Paragliding from the Zwölferkopf mountain station is another thrilling way to take in the scenery.

During the winter, the region transforms into a cross-country skiing hub, with 53 kilometres of family-friendly slopes and tailored offerings for children. There are also over 220 kilometres of trails for classic skiing and tracks for adaptive skiing. Additionally, the steam-powered Achenseebahn narrow-gauge rack railway, which has been in operation since 1889, offers a unique way to experience the beauty of the lake and its surroundings.

When it comes to accommodation, there are several options near Lake Achensee. Pertisau, located on the west lakeside, and Maurach, on the southeast side, offer localities for those seeking a more tranquil stay. The Karwendel Pertisau yacht club, located on the shores of the lake, is also an option for those interested in yachting or other water-based activities. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, the 5-star hotels in the Salzburger Lake District offer an average price of US$349 per night.

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Lake Weissensee: Serenity in the Gailtal Alps

Nestled in the Gailtal Alps in the district of Spittal an der Drau in Carinthia, Austria, Lake Weissensee is a serene holiday destination. The lake is situated 23 kilometres north-east of Hermagor and 80 kilometres west of Klagenfurt, the capital of Carinthia.

Lake Weissensee is one of the cleanest lakes in Europe, with crystal-clear water and stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The lake is a drinking-water-quality lake, and its water changes colour from light turquoise blue to dark emerald green due to the swirling colours in the water. The white edges that line the western shore give the lake its name, Weissensee, which means White Sea in English. This bright band was created by the white deposits of limestone at the lake bottom.

Lake Weissensee offers a unique diversity of summer and winter activities. In the summer, guests can enjoy swimming, sailing, diving, fishing, and hiking or cycling around the lake. In the winter, the lake freezes over, making it ideal for ice skating and cross-country skiing. The region has been recognised for its commitment to eco-friendly accommodation and sustainability, with motorboats banned on the lake to maintain tranquility.

The area surrounding Lake Weissensee is a designated nature reserve, known for its unique flora and fauna. The lake is nestled in a high valley between the Gailtal Alps and the Carnic Alps, giving it a secluded and tranquil atmosphere. The region has been awarded the "European Prize for Tourism and Environment" for its natural beauty and cleanliness.

Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Lake Weissensee in the Gailtal Alps is the perfect destination. With its pristine natural surroundings, clear waters, and array of outdoor activities, it offers a serene escape from everyday life.

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Lake Plansee: Boating and outdoor activities

Nestled in a valley surrounded by the stunning Ammergau Alps, Lake Plansee is the second-largest lake in Tyrol and is known for its crystal-clear turquoise water. The best time to visit is between May and November when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. During the summer months, the lake's waters are perfect for a refreshing dip, and the surrounding area is lively with visitors. May, September, and October are great months to visit to avoid the crowds and enjoy slightly cooler temperatures.

There are plenty of activities to do at Lake Plansee, including hiking, swimming, and boating. The lake is easily accessible, especially if you are travelling from nearby Austrian or German locations. Driving is the easiest way to reach the lake, which is about a 20-minute drive from Reutte, Austria, and around a 45-minute drive from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. From Munich, it is roughly a 1.5-hour drive away. There is also the option of taking a bus from Reutte to Lake Plansee.

The lake is a popular spot for visitors from both Austria and southern Germany. It is located about 20 kilometres (12 miles) west of Reutte and roughly 30 kilometres (19 miles) from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. One of the best things to do at Lake Plansee is to hike up to a viewpoint, which grants an incredible overview of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

If you are looking for accommodation near Lake Plansee, there are several options in the surrounding area. The town of Reutte, which is a short drive from the lake, offers a range of hotels and other accommodations. Alternatively, you could consider staying in one of the nearby German towns, such as Garmisch-Partenkirchen or Munich, which are also within easy reach of the lake.

In terms of specific hotels, there are several options in the area that have received positive reviews. Landhaus Leopoldhof, Hotel Hochsteg Gütl | Traunsee Salzkammergut, and Villa Alma - a lakeside Boutique Hotel are all popular choices for families visiting the area. Hotel Kendler, Apollo AchtQuartier Das Hotel am Mondsee, and Landhaus zu Appesbach are also well-liked by family travellers. These hotels offer a range of amenities and services to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.

Frequently asked questions

The Lake District in Austria refers to the Salzkammergut region, east of Salzburg.

Some popular hotels in the Lake District include Landhaus Leopoldhof, Hotel Hochsteg Gütl, Villa Alma, Hotel Kendler, Apollo AchtQuartier Das Hotel am Mondsee, and Landhaus zu Appesbach.

The Lake District offers a range of activities such as hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, and cycling. You can also visit castles, such as Schloss Ort and Hohenwerfen Castle, or take a ride on the cogwheel railway in St. Wolfgang.

Some of the most scenic lakes in the Lake District include Lake Plansee, Lake Achensee, Lake Weissensee, Lake Wörthersee, and the lakes in the Salzkammergut region, such as Lake Wolfgangsee and Lake Mondsee.

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