Lakes & Nature in Austria

In Austria, you will find amazing scenery, beautiful lakes, and stunning mountain ranges as well as lovely wine regions and national parks featuring diverse landscapes.

 

Everything About the Danube River
Mentioned in innumerable songs and much traveled, no river in the world flows through so many countries on its way to the sea as the Danube. This mighty river covers an astounding 2,889 km (1795 miles) from its source in Germany to the Black Sea. The Danube’s course from west to east takes it through ten countries (Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Moldova, Bulgaria, and Ukraine), and as Europe’s lifeline it unites a wide variety of peoples, religions, and cultures into a harmonious whole. The diverse, sometimes idyllic, sometimes nearly mystical landscapes that line its banks are shrouded in myth and legend.

The entire history of Central Europe was written on its banks, and the centuries-long exchange between peoples and cultures left behind traces that can still be experienced today. The Danube is lined with witnesses to the past: imposing monasteries and magnificent castles and palaces.

But not only the centuries-long encounters among the peoples of the Danube region are worth a closer look. Over the course of history, a wealth of cultural treasures was left behind by the legendary rulers of Europe as well, from Marcus Aurelius and Frederick Barbarossa to the Habsburgs. Thanks to an international cooperation among tourism organizations and shipping companies, visitors can embark on an enchanting journey along this historic travel route with all its splendid buildings and artistic treasures on the “Road of Emperors and Kings”, which leads from medieval Regensburg via Passau and Vienna to Budapest, the Hungarian capital. Pristine river landscapes such as the picturesque Danube wetlands and spectacularly beautiful pastoral spots like the Wachau Valley, as well as the countless opportunities for excursions to cities and towns both ancient and modern, make this journey an unforgettable experience.

Austria’s 7 Most Beautiful Lakes for Bathing & Swimming
It’s a perfect summer day. The waves lazily lapping against your feet, the sunrays dancing on the water. You can’t decide if the lake is more blue or green today. The one thing you do know is it’s so clean you can see all the way down to the ground, where tiny fish scurry about.

 

These are Austria’s most beautiful lakes for spending just such a day:
1. Achensee Lake in Tirol
Sometimes dubbed “Tirol’s ocean”, this lake was carved out of the Alps by glaciers more than 20,000 years ago. Today, it welcomes visitors with its emerald green surface and its crystal-clear water. Surrounded by picturesque mountains and lush green meadows, Achensee lake offers surfing, sailing, paddleboating, and diving to action-minded tourists.

 

2. Attersee Lake in Upper Austria
Located in the heart of Austria’s lake region, Attersee lake has a special artsy, laid-back flair. Enjoy a stroll through “Little Venice” – an area full of meditarrenan-style villas that used to belong to the likes of Gustav Klimt – then dip your toes into the cool water while admiring the rugged mountains that frame the lake.

 

3. Neusiedler See in Burgenland
Neusiedler See (or Lake Neusiedl) is pretty special in a few respects: It is, on average, only 1 m (3.3 ft) deep whilst being one of Austria’s largest bodies of water in terms of surface area. It is a steppe lake, and the landscape is characterised by vast meadows and reeds. Birdwatchers will find more species of birds here than at any other inland lake in Europe, and wine lovers will be able to try a variety of local vintages.

 

4. Weissensee Lake in Carinthia
Its location on the southern side of the Alps is unbeatable: You get all the mountainous beauty you could ask for, combined with 2,000 hours of sunshine per year. The fjord-like Weissensee lake welcomes you with clear, emerald water, great hiking and biking trails, and activities like surfing, stand-up paddling, and fishing.

 

5. Wolfgangsee Lake in Upper Austria and SalzburgerLand
Surrounded by forests, meadows, and mountains, Wolfgangsee lake (or Lake Wolfgang) straddles the border between Upper Austria and SalzburgerLand. On its shores, you’ll find one chocolate-box village after the other – visit St. Gilgen, St. Wolfgang, or Strobl if you get a chance. A vintage cable car takes you up Zwölferhorn mountain to one of the region’s most beautiful viewpoints.

 

6. Wörthersee Lake in Carinthia
Wörthersee lake or Lake Wörth is the largest lake in Carinthia, and, due to climatic conditions, one of the warmest Alpine lakes with temperatures of up to 28°C / 82.4°F. In the evening, visit one of the hip beach bars or first-rate restaurants on the shores, and watch the sun set over the lake. A fruity cocktail in hand, you’ll listen to the waves pattering and watch the warm sun rays reflect in the water’s surface.

 

7. Lake Zell in SalzburgerLand
Lake Zell is one of a kind: First, its crystal-clear waters will catch your eye. Then, you’ll look up at the majestic mountains surrounding it, crowned by a glacier (fun fact: you can go tobogganing all year here if you are so inclined). On the banks of the lake, the town of Zell am See offers laid-back street cafés, a promenade, and a hint of imperial flair. Spend the day relaxing at one of three lake lidos or try stand-up paddleboarding.

National Parks in Austria
Austria’s six national parks offer visitors the chance to discover nature in its original, untouched state and to come face to face with scenic beauty.

What is a National Park?
National Parks are designated by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) based on strict criteria. In these spaces, preserving ecosystems is the number one priority. They also offer uniquely pristine surroundings to be enjoyed by visitors.

1. Hohe Tauern National Park in Carinthia, Tirol, and SalzburgerLand
Austria’s oldest and biggest National Park is known for its biodiversity: 50% of all Austrian animal species (10,000 in total) can be found here, including golden eagles, chamois, and marmots. The area’s rich, beautiful landscapes include Weißsee Glacier World, Pasterze glacier (Austria’s biggest glacier, where you’ll catch an icy breeze even at the height of summer), and Europe’s highest waterfalls, the Krimml falls.

2. Kalkalpen National Park in Upper Austria
Located at the northern edge of the Alps, Kalkalpen (literally: Limestone Alps) National Park is known for its wild forests and crystal-clear mountain streams which are home to rare species of animals and plants. Exploring the area on bike is a treat – and hikers will find hundreds of kilometres of trails. Park rangers can take you on guided hikes to explore the wilderness a little further.

3. Donau-Auen National Park in Lower Austria
Located between Vienna and Slovakia’s capital Bratislava, these wetlands are home to over 800 species of plants and animals.

4. Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park in Burgenland
This steppe National Park in eastern Austria features sweeping reef-studded bodies of water, large meadows, and saltwater lakes.

5. Gesäuse National Park in Styria
Established in 2002, Austria’s newest National Park features impressive cliffs and crystal-clear mountain lakes.

Austria’s Prettiest Places, According to Austrians
Every year, the Austrian public picks the country’s most beautiful spots in a live telecast. How about visiting one of these magical places?

Strutz-Mühle Mill, Styria
Enter the lovingly restored, 150-year-old Strutz-Mühle mill to see how flour was made in the old days and bake your own bread, then make a feast of it right outside while listening to the creek gurgle along. The surrounding area lets visitors explore the lush nature of a virtually untouched beech and spruce forest.

Lünersee Lake, Vorarlberg
Tucked away in the very west of Austria, Lünersee lake is a natural mountain lake at 1,970 m (6,500 ft) above sea level offering a variety of activities. Take the one-and-a-half hour hike around the lake (perfect even for the little ones), go higher with a climbing tour on Kirchlispitzen or Schesaplana mountains, or try your hand at fishing for rainbow trout and arctic char in the lake itself.

Schiederweiher Lake, Upper Austria
Schiederweiher lake is a small, man-made lake in Stodertal Valley in Upper Austria. Known as the “pearl” of the valley, it features an idyllic setting, crystal-clear water that’s home to many indigenous fish, and breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains, Spitzmauer (2,446 m / 8,025 ft) and Großer Priel (2,515 m, 8,251 ft). The area can be explored via a variety of easy hiking trails – both in summer and in winter.

Körbersee Lake, Vorarlberg
Situated in a basin at 1,656 m (5,433 ft) above sea level and surrounded by impressive mountain peaks, Körbersee lake boasts a pretty unique setting. It is up to eight metres (26 ft) deep and even in summer, only reaches temperatures of 14°C (57°F). The area around the lake is uninhabitated – save for a hotel that truly is a retreat from the rest of the world.

Kaisertal Valley, Tirol
Like a trip back in time: Until 2008, this unique valley in Tirol could only be reached on foot, claiming the title of Austria’s last inhabited valley without a road link. It’s still largely car-free: Only the 44 locals are allowed to use the road. Visitors will have to climb 285 stairs to reach the picturesque St. Anthony’s Chapel.

Formarin Lake and the Rote Wand (Red Wall), Vorarlberg
With its intensely blue water, Formarin lake almost has a mystical quality to it. Its backdrop is the rugged Rote Wand (Red Wall) mountain, making for a beautiful contrast. Situated at 1,793 m (5,883 ft) above sea level, the lake can be reached via a toll road or on foot.

Grüner See (Green Lake), Styria
The first time you see a picture of Grüner See (Green lake), you might get the impression it’s not quite real: Its waters are completely clear with an emerald shimmer, and underwater, you might find surprisingly well-preserved benches and bridges. This is because the lake all but disappears in winter, and only fills back up to its usual depth of over 10 metres (33 ft) during the melting of the snow in spring.