The 10 Most Beautiful Lakes in Austria (Mountain Lakes & Swimming Lakes)

Austria is the land of mountains. But Austria is also the land of lakes.

There are a total of 25,000 lakes in Austria. Of course, you cannot visit all of them during a vacation in Austria.

That's why we have selected the most beautiful lakes in Austria and will tell you where you can enjoy your vacation by the lake in Austria best.

Additionally, we will show you where you can camp particularly well by the lake in Austria, which is the largest lake in Austria, and which one is the warmest lake in Austria.

Spoiler: All beautiful lakes in Austria are perfect for swimming, and you can have a wonderful vacation by the lake in Austria.

Neusiedl Lake is something very special in many ways: it is the largest lake in Austria and also the westernmost steppe lake in Europe and thus a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Its location in the foothills of the Alps and in the Pannonian Plain ensures that it has a unique ecosystem of flora and fauna surrounding it.

It is also home to many migratory birds that nest and breed in the exceptionally wide reed belt of the lake.

Neusiedl Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Austria and is perfect for a vacation by the lake in Austria.

With an average depth of 1.8 meters, it is not only particularly shallow and therefore ideal for swimming, but it also provides perfect wind conditions for surfers, sailors, and kitesurfers.

Moreover, the area around Neusiedl Lake is one of the sunniest places in Austria.

This also means that Neusiedl Lake is among the warmest lakes in Austria during the summer. Water temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius are not uncommon in hot summers.

Tip: Right by Neusiedl Lake lies one of the most beautiful spas in Austria, the St. Martins Therme & Lodge.

Neusiedl Lake is the all-round talent among the lakes in Austria.

Want to camp by the lake in Austria?

Around this beautiful lake in Austria, you can find six campgrounds, two of which offer camping right by the lake.

Looking for a place to fish at one of the lakes in Austria?

You can catch zander, pike, carp, and even eels in Neusiedl Lake. However, a fishing license is required.

Want to go biking around lakes in Austria?

Around Neusiedl Lake, there are about 1,000 kilometers of routes distributed across 40 bike paths reaching all corners of this unique natural landscape.

For culture fans, the Seefestspiele Mörbisch at Neusiedl Lake takes place every summer.

It is the world's largest operetta festival and, with around 150,000 visitors, it is a significant tourist magnet. Well-known artists such as Johannes Heesters and Vico Torriani have performed here.

Food enthusiasts will also be pampered at one of the most beautiful lakes in Austria. The favorable climate allows for winemaking, and the wines from Burgenland are popular and well-known throughout Austria.

Around Neusiedl Lake, you can find countless wine taverns and wine restaurants. Enjoying a culinary vacation at this lake in Austria is particularly worthwhile in spring and autumn.

Even in winter, Neusiedl Lake is a wonderful destination for a vacation by the lake in Austria, as it freezes completely and you can enjoy excellent ice skating on it.

Tip: Not far from Neusiedl Lake is the Family Park, one of the top attractions for children and one of the best amusement parks in Austria.

In a nutshell: Location: Burgenland

Nearby towns: Neusiedl am See, Mörbisch am See, Podersdorf am See

Water temperature in summer: approx. 24 - 30 °C

Camping: yes

Swimming with dogs allowed: no

The best campgrounds in Austria

'A castle on Lake Wörthersee, on the beautiful Lake Wörthersee' - hardly anyone does not hear the theme song of the TV series when thinking of Lake Wörthersee in Austria.

But Wörthersee is much more than just a pretty film set; it is one of the most beautiful lakes in Austria and a top destination for a vacation by the lake in Austria.

This has not gone unnoticed by the Austrian elite, which is why Wörthersee is one of the celebrity hotspots in the country - especially in summer.

However, Wörthersee is also really beautiful and is rightly considered the largest and one of the most beautiful lakes in Carinthia for vacations.

It is climatically well-placed in the south of Austria and is nestled in the Alps, which is why its water temperature in summer averages about 25 degrees Celsius, making it one of the warmest lakes in Austria.

Its pleasant temperature attracts swimmers and water sports enthusiasts to Lake Wörthersee every year.

Countless swimming spots and beaches provide fun for young and old, and Wörthersee is one of the best lakes in Austria for swimming.

Tip: There are several nudist bathing spots at Lake Wörthersee. So a nudist vacation at the lake in Austria is definitely possible.

At Lake Wörthersee, surfers, sailors, wakeboarders, paddleboarders, canoeists, and water skiers find ideal conditions. The lake is so expansive that there is hardly any interference between them.

If you want, you can also take a ride on one of the motorboat taxis across the lake and view the villas built around the lake in the famous 'Wörthersee architecture' style.

Even in autumn, Lake Wörthersee is one of the beautiful lakes in Austria and is worth a vacation.

When the autumn sun transforms the lake into a glittering spectacle, it is especially beautiful to take cycling or hiking tours around Lake Wörthersee.

About 40 kilometers of bike paths lead you around the lake, and the numerous themed tours will delight any hiker.

Relaxation is also the order of the day with yoga at Lake Wörthersee. In summer, there is even a whole yoga festival.

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If you want to camp in Austria, Lake Wörthersee is also the right place for you.

Nine campgrounds are located around Lake Wörthersee and the adjacent Lake Keutschacher.

Some of them are designated nudist campgrounds.

Tip: Not far from Lake Wörthersee lies one of the most beautiful cities in Austria: Klagenfurt on Lake Wörthersee. So why not take a sightseeing detour during your lakeside vacation in Austria?

In a nutshell: Location: Carinthia

Nearby towns: Klagenfurt on Wörthersee, Velden on Wörthersee, Pörtschach on Wörthersee

Water temperature in summer: approx. 22 - 25 °C

Camping: yes

Swimming with dogs allowed: no

Attersee in Upper Austria's Salzkammergut is the largest lake located entirely in Austria and with a depth of around 169 meters, it is also the third-deepest lake in Austria.

Note: While Neusiedl Lake and Lake Constance are larger, they are not 100% located in Austria. Lake Constance lies in the tri-border area of Germany-Switzerland-Austria, and only a small part belongs to Austria. Neusiedl Lake, on the other hand, is mostly in Austria but also partially in Hungary.

Attersee is the largest lake of a lake chain in Salzkammergut.

The lake area also includes Lake Fuschl, Lake Mondsee, and Lake Irrsee.

In the immediate vicinity of Attersee are many other large and especially beautiful lakes in Austria, such as Lake Wolfgang, Lake Waller, Lake Hallstatt, and Lake Traun.

Salzkammergut is, in general, one of the top destinations for a lake vacation in Austria.

Attersee is known for its turquoise blue water and is considered one of the clearest lakes in Austria.

Numerous beaches and public bathing spots provide plenty of space for swimming, bathing, and frolicking. In summer, the water warms up to 24 degrees Celsius, making Attersee one of the warm lakes in Austria.

Because Attersee is so clear and clean, it is also one of the top destinations for divers visiting Austria.

At Attersee, visibility can reach up to 25 meters.

The steep shores on the southeast side of the lake are particularly popular with sport divers asking to dive as deep as the lake's deepest spots.

However, this pleasure should only be reserved for professionals, as this part of Attersee is not entirely safe.

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Attersee is also well-known among sailors and motorboat fans.

Due to its expanse, sailing and motorboating can be done without getting in each other's way.

Moreover, the wind conditions here are excellent and equally challenging.

Eight sailing and yacht clubs have established themselves at Attersee.

However, in July and August, motorboats with combustion engines are strictly prohibited.

Boats with electric motors are allowed.

You can also enjoy water skiing, wakeboarding, stand-up paddling, or racing across the water on the infamous banana boat at Attersee.

Tip: At Attersee, you can swim with dogs - but only at designated dog beaches.

Attersee is also ideal for a fishing vacation in Austria.

It is known as one of the fish-rich lakes in Austria and also as one of the most diverse. Several species of trout, pike, carp, perch, and eels can be found here.

However, a valid fishing license is essential. The fishing season at Attersee usually starts in April and ends in November.

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For those who prefer land adventures, Attersee has numerous hiking and biking trails. The routes around the lake are ideal for cycling in Austria. Many mountain bike tours and cycling events attract cyclists from all over Europe and the world throughout the year.

The highlight is the 'King of the Lake' individual time trial which is akin to a Tour de France experience while vacationing in Austria by the lake.

The hiking theme trail 'Klimt at Attersee' is particularly beautiful. You can walk in the footsteps of the Art Nouveau painter Gustav Klimt, who loved to spend his summers here and painted various views of Attersee.

Composer Gustav Mahler also liked to stay at Attersee, as Attersee has long been known as one of the most beautiful lakes in Austria since the 19th century.

With a total of eleven campgrounds, Attersee is a prime destination if you're looking for a lake in Austria that is suitable for camping.

In a nutshell: Location: Upper Austria

Nearby towns: Salzburg, Seewalchen am Attersee, Attersee am Attersee

Water temperature in summer: approx. 20 - 24 °C

Camping: yes

Swimming with dogs allowed: yes, at designated dog beaches.

Traunsee is the deepest lake in Austria at 191 meters and the second-largest lake located entirely in Austria after Attersee.

The small community of Gmunden lies at Traunsee, which is not only one of the most beautiful cities in Austria but also home to the well-known sight of Austria, Schloss Ort, located on an island in Traunsee.

Traunsee has an average temperature of 19 degrees Celsius and is therefore not among the warm lakes in Austria.

Nevertheless, it is often used as a swimming destination, and water sports enthusiasts find good spots here.

Ossiacher Lake in Carinthia is the third-largest lake in Carinthia/Austria and is considered the most diverse.

This reputation is well-deserved since its shores boast not only picturesque small towns like Villach or Ossiach but also offers numerous recreational opportunities that go beyond swimming.

Additionally, many festivals and events occur around the lake, making a vacation at the lake in Austria even more enjoyable.

Nestled among the wooded mountains of Gerlitzen and the Ossiacher Tauern, Ossiacher Lake is exceptionally beautiful and looks like a postcard picture.

As one of the most beautiful lakes in Austria, it is also home to numerous aquatic plants such as water lilies and pond flowers, making it home to many rare plants.

Some shoreline sections are nature reserves.

Naturally, Ossiacher Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Austria for swimming. Several beaches, some of which offer free access, provide pure bathing fun.

With a water temperature of up to 26 degrees Celsius in summer, Ossiacher Lake is among the warmest lakes in Austria.

In spring and autumn, it is rather quiet here, making Ossiacher Lake a real insider tip for those seeking peace, hikers, and cyclists.

Overall, Ossiacher Lake is an ideal destination for cycling tours in Austria. You can either circle the lake entirely or enjoy shorter tours with an e-bike.

A beautiful route also leads from Ossiacher Lake to Wörthersee. For mountain bikers, there is a particularly beautiful route up to the Ossiacher Tauern. Here, the view of the lake is rewarding.

For hikers, Ossiacher Lake and its surroundings are also a paradise: There are several theme and panoramic hiking trails, slow trails through nature reserves, Nordic walking routes, and family hiking trails.

Especially beautiful is the Slow Trail Bleistätter Moor.

Here, you can observe numerous rare bird species, beavers, and butterflies while leisurely hiking through the moor.

The tour is quite short at two hours and takes you through easy terrain. It is ideal for families.

Of course, Ossiacher Lake also serves as a destination for water sports enthusiasts.

Sailing, diving, and fishing are popular activities at Ossiacher Lake. If you wish, you can also take a summer tour on the MS Ossiach across the lake.

Themed tours are also offered, such as a 'Gourmet Tour'.

However, Ossiacher Lake is most famous as the home of the music event 'Carinthian Summer'. During this time, the lake is surrounded by a cloud of classical music.

Tip: Not far from Ossiacher Lake are the Finsterbach Waterfalls. They are among the most beautiful waterfalls in Austria and are easily accessible by road. The highest of the falls is 34 meters tall. Additionally, you have a beautiful view of Ossiacher Lake from here.

In a nutshell: Location: Carinthia

Nearby towns: Villach, Ossiach, Annenheim

Water temperature in summer: approx. 23 - 26 °C

Camping: yes

Swimming with dogs allowed: yes, at designated beaches.

Known as the cleanest lake in Carinthia, Weissensee is also one of the most beautiful lakes in Austria.

One of the highest located bathing lakes in Carinthia gets its name from the white chalk banks surrounding the lake.

Weissensee lies at the foot of the Gaitaler Alps and meanders for 12 kilometers through gentle yet impressive mountains. At some points, it is surrounded by flat lake meadows, while at others, it resembles a fjord carved into steep cliffs.

Weissensee is ideal for a vacation in Austria at the lake, as it offers numerous attractions in both summer and winter.

In summer, Weissensee entices visitors with its crystal-clear water, which is nearly drinkable, and pleasant water temperatures of up to 24 degrees Celsius.

Here, you can swim, bathe, frolic, dive, and even surf. Two-thirds of the lakeshore remains undeveloped, providing plenty of bathing spots and places where you can relax undisturbed.

Action-loving water sports enthusiasts can also try water skiing or wakeboarding on Weissensee.

Anyone looking for more action can participate in canyoning or rafting on the rivers surrounding Weissensee in Austria.

Weissensee also provides one of the best fishing areas for anglers.

You can fish for lake trout, perch, and pike at one of the most beautiful lakes in Austria amidst wonderful scenery.

However, especially for hikers and cyclists, Weissensee in Carinthia is the ultimate vacation destination. Several hundred kilometers of trails surround the lake, and some of the surrounding mountains can be hiked.

Alms and huts invite you to stop and enjoy the wonderful Alpine panorama while enjoying views of this beautiful lake in Carinthia/Austria.

For those who prefer a more relaxed experience and still want a wonderful view, taking the gondola at Weissensee is a great option.

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In winter, Weissensee is also an excellent destination for a vacation by the lake in Austria.

Due to its high elevation, Weissensee often freezes almost completely in winter, thus providing skiers and families with some exciting activities.

The ice layer, which can be up to 40 cm thick, is regarded as one of the most beautiful natural ice skating rinks in Europe, hosting ice speed skating events.

The ice is thick enough to even support horse-drawn sleighs, so feel free to take a sleigh ride across this beautiful lake in Austria.

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As Weissensee is surrounded by mountains, you can also ski very well in the region around this lake in Austria.

The ski area around Weissensee is family-friendly. For cross-country skiers, there are many trails around the lake.

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For the brave, there is the option to dive into the ice, and ice fishing requires patience and warm clothing.

In a nutshell: Location: Carinthia

Nearby towns: Praditz, Weissensee, Villach

Water temperature in summer: approx. 20 - 24 °C

Camping: yes

Swimming with dogs allowed: yes, at designated dog beaches.

That Wolfgangsee is one of the most beautiful lakes in Austria has been known since the late chancellor Helmut Kohl, who spent 30 years vacationing in Austria at the lake.

Wolfgangsee, located in Salzburg and Upper Austria, is one of the most well-known and popular lakes in Austria and a favorite destination for many on vacation by the lake in Austria.

The very good water quality and an average water temperature of 24 degrees Celsius make Wolfgangsee one of the warm lakes in Austria and especially clear and clean.

Thus, it is ideal for a bathing vacation.

Not least because there are extraordinarily many free public bathing places.

From sunbathing areas to beach resorts, there's everything you need.

Additionally, the many campgrounds at this lake in Austria often provide direct access to the lake or have their own beach.

Note: Wolfgangsee is an Austrian cultural heritage: it not only served as a backdrop for the operetta 'Im weißen Rössl' but is also the birthplace of Mozart's mother, Anna Maria Mozart.

Among the most popular water sports at Wolfgangsee, sailing, diving, and fishing are especially important.

Wolfgangsee has always been a lake with a vibrant ship and boating traffic. Numerous excursion boats crowd the lake during the summer months, and there is regular service between the shores.

We definitely recommend taking a boat trip across Wolfgangsee.

For divers, Wolfgangsee is more than an interesting area. With a visibility of up to 10 meters and many diving hotspots, it attracts countless divers every year.

The best diving spots are the French Flat with its sunken trees, the Falcon Stone Wall, and the area in front of the St. Gilgen Marine School.

Here, you can find remnants from World War II.

Tip: At Falcon Stone Wall, you can go climbing, and for adrenaline junkies, it is used for cliff diving.

With a height of 28 meters, it is one of the highest cliff diving points in the world.

The abundance of fish in Wolfgangsee makes every angler's heart race, and the presence of one of Europe's rarest fish - the Pearl fish - adds to making a fishing vacation at this lake in Austria something truly special.

Wolfgangsee is surrounded by the Salzkammergut mountains. The most prominent mountain is Schafberg.

You can easily reach it with the Schafberg Railway, making it a rewarding excursion destination during your vacation by the lake in Austria.

For hikers, cyclists, and mountain bikers, there are endless possibilities at Wolfgangsee for an active vacation in Austria.

About 30 routes around Wolfgangsee await cyclists - whether professionals or casual riders - and the hiking trail network includes short family trails like the 'Bärenpfad' or the 'Almblumenweg' as well as challenging hikes like the 'Berge-Seen-Trail'.

In winter, Wolfgangsee is a fantastic destination for anyone who enjoys winter hikes or a relaxed and quiet holiday in a cabin. Romantic horse-drawn sleigh rides in the snow are included.

In a nutshell: Location: Salzburg/Upper Austria

Nearby towns: St. Gilgen, Abersee, Salzburg

Water temperature in summer: approx. 20 - 24 °C

Camping: yes

Swimming with dogs allowed: yes, at designated beaches.

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Hallstättersee is located near Wolfgangsee and is the fifth-largest lake of the Salzkammergut. It became famous especially since the lake and the area around it were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Due to its idyllic location at the foot of the Dachstein mountain range, its fjord-like character, and its deep blue water, it is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Austria.

Most of its shores are rather steep and not suitable for swimming.

Where the shores are flat, you can swim and dive excellently, or go out in one of the typical boats of Salzkammergut fishing.

The highlight at Hallstättersee, however, is the small community of Hallstatt, which attracts up to a million tourists from around the world annually. It is one of the most beautiful places in Austria.

Millstättersee often stands in the shadow of the very famous Wörthersee.

However, Carinthia's second-largest and 141-meter-deep lake does not need to hide.

After all, it is not without reason that it counts as one of the beautiful lakes in Austria.

Due to its very favorable climate in the midst of the Nockberge Mountains, there is a mild, sunny, almost Mediterranean climate here.

Water temperatures of up to 28 degrees Celsius in summer are certainly possible.

This idyllic location remained undiscovered by tourism until the 19th century. It was only in the second half of the 19th century that the first tourists arrived, and the lake quickly became a favored getaway for wealthy Viennese.

The many magnificent villas and hotels along the lakeshore still testify to this.

Millstättersee is a great lake for swimming - especially for families with small children. It is one of the few lakes in Austria with sandy beaches.

Twelve beach resorts around the lake entice bathers into its mineral-rich, soft, and clean water.

Numerous water sports providers also offer various activities around the lake.

Boat rides are particularly popular - whether pedal boat, canoe, sailboat, rowboat, or electric boat - along with diving, wakeboarding, and water skiing.

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Even in bad weather, you can swim at Millstättersee. The Drautalperle adventure pool awaits you with a large sports pool, a children's pool, a water slide, and a sauna area.

Fishing has been particularly important at Millstättersee for a long time. In 1980, the first Carinthian fishing museum was established at Millstättersee, showcasing the dynamic fishing history of the lake.

The rich fish population of this beautiful lake in Austria attracts anglers from all over Europe.

Here you can catch perch, char, catfish, zander, barba, renken, pike, and many other fish species.

Attention: Please pay attention to local fishing regulations.

Fishing at Millstättersee is also only allowed with a fishing license.

Of course, Millstättersee with its beautiful mountain panorama also offers many wonderful trails for hikers.

As the name suggests, the 'Way of Love' is especially romantic and the perfect hike for two. In about six hours you hike the 7 stages of love.

You will encounter the 'Wall of Love' where you can also immortalize yourselves and your love, several benches with reading tables and books in which hikers have written their thoughts on love, and ultimately, the impressive garnet gate.

It is filled with tons of garnet semi-precious stones.

A bit longer, with 13 days of hiking, the Millstätter Höhensteig offers not only a walkaround of the lake but also a climb up parts of the Nockberge and stops at historical and legendary places.

Of course, you can also choose to hike only some stages.

For families, the family hiking trails 'Enzian-Granat-Steig' and 'Almbrunn' are perfect. They are easy and quite short.

Tip: The famous 750-kilometer Alpe-Adria-Trail, which starts in Carinthia and leads to the Trieste region, also passes along Millstättersee.

In a nutshell: Location: Carinthia

Nearby towns: Villach, Seeboden, Spittal an der Drau

Water temperature in summer: approx. 24 - 28 °C

Camping: yes

Swimming with dogs allowed: yes, at designated dog beaches.

Klopeiner Lake in southern Carinthia is not only one of the most beautiful lakes in Austria but with a water temperature of 29 degrees Celsius in summer, it is the warmest lake in Austria and even in Europe.

This comfortable temperature is partly due to the lake being wind-protected in the middle of the Karawanken mountains and partly because it is little disturbed.

Additionally, there are particularly many hours of sunshine and generally very favorable weather at this lake in Austria.

The water quality of Klopeiner Lake is excellent, and it possesses drinking water quality.

Tip: In the area around Klopeiner Lake, there are six other bathing lakes with excellent water quality and high water temperatures in the summer. The most beautiful lakes around Klopeiner are Turnersee and Kleinsee.

The 12 public beach resorts are especially hot spots at Klopeiner Lake in summer.

The density of beach resorts at Klopeiner Lake is generally quite high, as many hotels have their own beach sections.

The highlight of the beach at Klopeiner Lake is the promenade.

It is the only continuous lakeshore promenade in Austria and is excellent for leisurely walks.

Tip: In some Klopeiner Lake hotels, you can bring your dog, and at the naturist village Rutar Lido, there is even a separate dog swimming area, dog showers, and a dog run. However, this is only for fans of the naturist culture, as this section of Klopeiner Lake is reserved for nudists.

For an active vacation at the lake in Austria, Klopeiner Lake is also a worthwhile destination. Besides surfing, stand-up paddling, rowing, and sailing, Klopeiner Lake is a popular area for diving.

The visibility in this clean and clear lake in Austria reaches up to 15 meters, revealing a unique underwater world. Diving schools at Klopeiner Lake also offer courses for beginners.

If you're looking for a dry alternative, you can visit the outdoor fitness studio 'Fitness Beach' right by the lakeshore.

More action in the water can be found in the best water parks in Austria.

The area around Klopeiner Lake is a perfect combination of water and land, attracting hikers from all over Europe to this beautiful lake in Austria.

About 180 kilometers of well-curated and marked hiking trails take you on a journey through the area around the lake.

Or you can choose a slightly more challenging route up into the Karawanken.

For couples, there are many romantic hiking trails through enchanted forests, and family hiking trails showcase local flora and fauna to the little ones.

Tip: The Slow Trail - a family hiking trail - is highly recommended. It leads from Seelach up to Kitzelberg, and a viewing platform marks the end of the hike. From there, you can see all of Klopeiner Lake.

There are also extensive mountain biking and cycling routes, with over 1,250 kilometers of pathways available at Klopeiner Lake.

You can choose whether to enjoy an easy bike ride along the beautiful lake in Austria or to embark on a multi-day excursion potentially involving a mountain trip with your bike.

Some of the routes even lead all the way to Slovenia.

Our tip is the Mountainbike Flow-Country-Trail. The longest mountain bike trail in Europe, spanning 11 kilometers, takes you through various stages with varied challenges.

A highlight for a family vacation at Klopeiner Lake in Austria is the mine biking at Petzen.

Here, you can ride your bike through a real decommissioned mine. Sounds dangerous, but it's simply thrilling.

Equally exciting but much calmer is fishing at Klopeiner Lake. A total of 15 fish species can be caught here, including pikes, catfish, trouts, zanders, perches, and eels. Happy fishing at Klopeiner Lake.

In a nutshell: Location: Carinthia

Nearby towns: St. Kanzian am Klopeiner See, Seelach

Water temperature in summer: approx. 24 - 29 °C

Camping: yes

Swimming with dogs allowed: no.

Lake Constance, which is 11 percent part of Austria and lies at the tri-border between Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, is the third-largest lake in Central Europe and has always been one of the most popular destinations for a vacation in Austria at the lake.

Lake Constance on Austrian territory lies in the federal state of Vorarlberg.

The center on the Austrian side is the city of Bregenz.

It is particularly known for its elaborate festival performances, which are staged on a lake stage every year.

Anyone vacationing in Bregenz should also visit the Bregenz harbor right on Lake Constance.

Here, you find the so-called 'Sunset Seats' from which you can romantically experience the sunset over Lake Constance.

From Bregenz, you can also take a boat tour on Lake Constance.

Lake Constance is especially popular among sailors and fans of nautical sports. Many sailing clubs have established themselves on the Austrian shoreline and regularly host regattas.

If you want to go motorboating, you need a permit; however, it's possible all year round.

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Divers also love coming to this beautiful lake in Austria, but diving at Lake Constance is only for experienced divers or should be done under the supervision of professionals.

The water in Lake Constance is relatively warm at 26 degrees Celsius but quickly becomes very cold after 10 meters in depth.

Diving here is thus considered quite challenging. Besides, diving in shipping areas of Lake Constance is prohibited.

Of course, Lake Constance also provides plenty of places for swimming and bathing.

In summer, the water temperature of Lake Constance is quite warm but can cool down quickly in windy conditions, making it a welcome refreshment, especially in midsummer.

However, the shores of Lake Constance are not always entirely safe, as shallow waters can suddenly end and drop steeply.

You should only swim in the designated bathing areas, as outside of these, fishing nets are present in the water.

If you're searching for naturist spots at lakes in Austria, Lake Constance is the right place. In the town of Hard, there is a designated naturist bathing area.

If you came to this Austrian lake for surfing, you should spend your vacation in the Bregenz Bay.

The wind conditions are stable here, making surfing a lot of fun. Kitesurfing is prohibited, though.

Hikers and cyclists will also find exactly what they need for their vacation in Austria at Lake Constance.

The 273-kilometer Lake Constance cycle path runs almost all the way along the lake, allowing you to enjoy every beauty it has to offer.

The peak of Bregenz's local mountain, 'Pfänder', as well as the peak of 'Karren' in Dornbirn, are great places for hikers.

Those with stamina can walk the Lake Constance round trail through all three bordering countries.

Tip: Want to camp on Lake Constance in Austria? There are six campgrounds directly by the lake in Austrian territory. Some allow you to bring your dog or visit without clothes.

Don't miss the most beautiful Lake Constance sights.

In a nutshell: Location: Vorarlberg

Nearby towns: Bregenz, Dornbirn, Friedrichshafen (D), Lindau (D), St. Gallen (CH)

Water temperature in summer: approx. 22 - 26 °C

Camping: yes

Swimming with dogs allowed: yes, but exclusively in the town of Lochau.

Achensee is the largest lake in Tyrol and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful lakes in Austria. This is mainly because it represents the perfect image of a mountain lake.

It is nestled among the Alps and is surrounded by the Karwendel mountain range and the Rofan mountains.

Its panorama looks like a postcard that you can experience up close during your vacation in Austria at the lake.

Note: Achensee in Austria/Tyrol is also referred to as the 'Tyrolean Sea'. This is partly due to its size but also because it is said to exude almost a Mediterranean flair in summer.

As a mountain lake, its water is correspondingly cool. Even in summer, it rarely exceeds water temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius.

Thus, it's only suitable for swimming in summer when it can provide a refreshing kick.

The lake is accessible from all sides, and many swimming beaches, beach resorts, and small bathing coves invite you to sunbathe and frolic. The south shore is particularly the best spot for families, as the water is very shallow here. Paddle boats can also be rented here.

You will find many boats on Achensee, as especially sailors prefer to go to Achensee.

The wind conditions here are excellent for sailing, and surfers and kitesurfers benefit from the steady winds.

Divers will be thrilled at Achensee. The excellent water quality provides visibility of up to 10 meters, and the fish population is definitely worth a look beneath the surface.

Speaking of fish: Fishing is allowed at Achensee. However, the protected periods and local regulations must be adhered to, and a fishing license is mandatory.

If you adhere to all these rules, you can expect to catch pike, perch, trout, carp, renken, bream, or roaches.

A vacation in Austria with kids - one of the best child-friendly hotels in Austria is located at Achensee.

From water to mountains, you can go hiking and cycling around Achensee. There are around 500 kilometers of hiking trails to explore. Some are easy and flat while others are steep and challenging.

For example, you can hike the famous Tyrolean Adlerweg or explore the Karwendel mountain range. The fauna there is particularly diverse.

But it's better to book a guided tour since mountain hiking can never be entirely safe. The same goes for cyclists and mountain bikers.

The numerous bike trails are tempting and varied, extending into the mountains in places.

For comfortable peak lovers, there are the 'Rofanseilbahn' and 'Karwendel-Bergbahn' cable cars.

They take you up and down without any hassle.

In a nutshell: Location: Tyrol

Nearby towns: Jenbach, Pertisau, Innsbruck

Water temperature in summer: approx. 18 - 20 °C

Camping: yes

Swimming with dogs allowed: yes, at the designated dog beach near Pertisau.

A vacation in the capital of Tyrol: the best sights of Innsbruck.

There are approximately 25,000 lakes in Austria. The most beautiful lakes in Austria are:

1. Neusiedl Lake - Burgenland

2. Wörthersee - Carinthia

3. Attersee - Upper Austria

4. Ossiacher Lake - Carinthia

5. Weissensee - Carinthia

6. Wolfgangsee - Salzburg/Upper Austria

7. Millstättersee - Carinthia

8. Klopeiner Lake - Carinthia

9. Lake Constance - Vorarlberg

10. Achensee - Tyrol

11. Traunsee - Upper Austria

12. Hallstättersee - Upper Austria

13. Mondsee - Upper Austria

14. Wallersee - Salzburg

15. Fuschlsee - Salzburg

1. Neusiedl Lake - 135 km²

2. Lake Constance - 538.5 km², but only 58.6 km² in Austria

3. Attersee - 45.6 km²

4. Traunsee - 24.5 km²

5. Wörthersee - 19.3 km²

6. Mondsee - 14.2 km²

7. Wolfgangsee - 13.5 km²

8. Millstättersee - 13.3 km²

9. Ossiacher Lake - 10.6 km²

10. Hallstättersee - 8.4 km²

The name Mondsee does not come, as many assert, from its crescent shape reminiscent of a half-moon or from the Bavarian Duke Odilo, who was said to have been spared from death by the reflected moon in the water of the lake, but from its old name 'Mannsee'. The name 'Mannsee' in turn comes from an ancient noble family.