Lakes in Austria | 3 Guides

Austria's lakes set the standard for alpine beauty—crystal waters reflecting mountain peaks, charming villages clustered on shorelines, and summer traditions that have drawn visitors since the Habsburg era. Our guides explore the lake regions that define Austrian summers, from the famous Salzkammergut district where Hallstatt photographs inspire travel dreams worldwide to the quieter lakes of Carinthia where Austrian families have vacationed for generations. Discover the best lakes for swimming in water so clear you can see the bottom at remarkable depths, the lakeside trails that offer perspective beyond the beaches, and the villages where traditional life continues alongside tourism. We share which lakes offer the most dramatic scenery, where to find peace away from crowds, and how to combine lake visits with hiking, cultural sites, and culinary experiences for perfect Austrian summer days.