Overview
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1. Plansee
In Austria, you will find countless beautiful mountain lakes. One of these lakes is the turquoise-blue Plansee in the Tyrolean Alps. This stunning alpine lake is located at an altitude of 976 meters in the Reutte Nature Park region. With its area of 2.87 km², a maximum length of 5 kilometers, and a maximum width of 1,7 kilometers, it is the second largest lake of Tyrol.
Plansee is considered one of the cleanest lakes in Tyrol and is therefore perfect for different activities in the water. Especially during summer, when the water temperature reaches an average of 17 to 21° C.
There are plenty of fun activities to do not only on and in the water, but also around the water; Hikers, bikers, fishers, windsurfers, sailers… everyone has something to do here.
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2. Schlegeisspeicher
Without a doubt one of the most famous views in Austria is the view from the suspension bridge over Schlegeisspeicher and the surrounding mountains. Schlegeisspeicher, also known as Schlegeis Reservoir is a stunning, yet man-made lake, located in Zillertal.
Since the 1970s, this reservoir has been utilized for electricity generation. For a breathtaking view of the lake and valley, you can hike up to the Olpererhütte and cross the Kebema Panoramabrücke, one of Austria’s most famous suspension bridges. That’s why we recommend that you go as early as possible in the high season, if you don’t want to sit in line for a photo,
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3. Sigmund Thun Gorge
Near Kaprun in the Salzburg region of Austria, you can visit the Sigmund Thun Gorge or Sigmund Thun-Klamm. This beautiful gorge is 320 meters long, 32 meters deep, and shaped by the Kapruner Ache River. It may not be the biggest gorge, but we found it a very unique one to visit. A path made of wooden walkways and bridges runs through the gorge, above the rushing water, making it very easy to explore the Sigmund Thun-Klamm.
Practical
The entrance fee for adults is €7,5. You can buy your tickets in advance online.
4. Krimml Waterfall
The Krimml Waterfall is the highest waterfall in Austria and is located in Hohe Tauern National Park. It has a total drop of 380 meters and is divided into three tiers. You can walk up along a path along the waterfall and experience the power of the water up close from different viewing platforms. It is a tough climb and it takes around 1 hour to 1,5 hours to reach the top, but it is definitely worth it. Even if the climb is not for you, you can also enjoy the powerful waterfall from below.
Practical
The entrance fee for the Krimml waterfalls is €8 for adults.
Hotel tips!
Discover the best places to sleep in Mayrhofen, near the Krimml waterfall and enjoy a comfortable trip!
Mayrhofen
Mayrhofen
Mayrhofen
via Booking.com
5. Seebensee and Drachensee
Seebensee and Drachensee are two of the most stunning mountain lakes in the Tyrol region of Austria and the Tyroler Zugspitz Arena. The hike to Seebensee, at 1657 meters, is relatively easy as you can skip the most strenuous part by taking the cable car. The lake is most popular for its clear waters and surrounding peaks. From Seebensee, a more challenging hike leads to Drachensee, situated at 1874 meters, offering breathtaking views of Seebensee with the Zugspitze in the background.
6. Donnerkogel - Stairway to Heaven
If you like climbing and/or via Ferratas, you should definitely climb the Donnerkogel Klettersteig. This challenging vie Ferrata takes you to the summit of the 2054-meter Grosser Donnerkogel in the Gosaukamm ridge of the Dachstein mountain range. The route is rated C/D on the difficulty scale and includes steep rock faces, vertical sections, metal rungs, and the famous Stairway to Heaven suspension ladder, also known as Austria Sky Ladder. During the climb, you can enjoy stunning views of the Gosau Valley and surrounding mountains.
Not a fan of climbing or Via Ferratas? You can also just hike to the top of the Donnerkogel, along a quite challenging hike.
7. Gosausee
Another stunning alpine lake is Gosausee. This lake is also known as Lake Gosau and is located near Gosau in Austria’s Salzkammergut region. It’s surrounded by the majestic Dachstein mountains, which reflect beautifully in its clear waters. You can take a refreshing dip, walk around the lake, climb one of the thrilling via ferratas in the area, and so much more!
8. Liechtensteinklamm
The deepest and maybe even most impressive gorge in Austria is the Liechtensteinklamm, or Liechtenstein Gorge in the Salzburg region. It was named after Prince Johann II of Liechtenstein, who funded its accessibility in the late 19th century. The Liechtenstein gorge stretches 4 kilometers with vertical walls up to 300 meters high. You can explore approximately 1.5 kilometers of the gorge via pathways, stairs, bridges, and the iconic spiral staircase, ending at a stunning 49-meter-high waterfall.
Practical
The entrance fee for adults is €14. You can buy your tickets in advance online.
9. Achensee
The largest lake in the Tyrol region in Austria is Achensee or Lake Achen. It spans 9 kilometers in length, up to 1 kilometer in width, and its deepest point has a depth of 133 meters. In the area, you find diverse hiking trails, from challenging mountain hikes to peaceful lakeside walks, all with beautiful views of the lake.
One notable hike is the Gaisalmsteig between Pertisau and Achenkirch, passing the Gaisalm mountain hut, a charming spot only accessible by foot or boat, where you can rest and enjoy the view.
Another great, but more challenging hike is the hike up Bärenkopf, from where you have an incredible view of the lake and its surroundings.
10. Hochkönig
With its 2941 meters height, Hochkönig is the highest peak in the Berchtesgaden Alps. It is often called the “King of the Alps”. You will find numerous hikes in the area, from easy to more challenging, but always with beautiful views.
One of the best hikes in the area is the hike to the top of Hochkeil, from where you have some impressive views of the surrounding mountains, including the Hochkönig massif. Near the summit of Hochkeil, you will also find the Mirror Lake of Troiboden, or Spiegelsee am Hochkeil, known for its reflections of the impressive Mandlwand.
11. Fuschlsee
Another beautiful lake in Austria’s Salzkammergut region is Fuschlsee. It is located about 20 kilometers east of Salzburg and spans around 2,7 square kilometers. In the area, you find numerous hiking trails with scenic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. In addition to hiking, you can do many other activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing.
One of the best hikes in the area is the hike up the Schober and Frauenkopf mountains, from where you can enjoy a stunning view of Fuschlsee, Wolfgangsee, Mondsee, and the surrounding peaks.
12. Hallstatt
Hallstatt is arguably the most picturesque village in Austria. This beautiful village is located in the Salzkammergut region, between the Dachstein mountains and Hallstätter See. It is not only a beautiful and cozy village, there are also plenty of fun things to do. You can stroll through the charming 16th-century Alpine houses, visit the ancient salt mines, and enjoy the views from the Hallstatt Sky Walk. But there’s more: you can visit Beinhaus (Bone House) with its painted skulls, take a scenic boat ride on the Hallstatt Lake, or visit the impressive ice caves.
13. Löser
Also in the Salzkammergut region, you find the 1837 meters high Löser mountain. There are a lot of great hiking trails, with panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and peaks. The hike to Löser’s summit is one of the most popular hikes and has a relatively moderate difficulty. Near the Loserhütte, you will find a paragliding platform from which you have a beautiful view, especially during a magical sunset.
Camper tip: If you travel with a campervan, it is also possible to spend the night in the parking lot of the loser hut and enjoy the incredible view non-stop. To get here you have to take a toll road of €20 and the price to stay overnight is €15 and €3 tourist tax per person.
14. Grüner See
One of the most unique lakes in Austria is Grüner See in Styria. Unlike almost all other Austrian lakes that are blue, this lake has a beautiful emerald-green color and it only exists during the summer months. During spring and early summer, snowmelt from the Hochschwab mountains floods the area, creating a clear, temporary lake with visibility up to 30 meters. Unfortunately, we have to disappoint fans of a refreshing dip: it is forbidden to swim in the lake. Diving or any other water activity at the lake is also prohibited to protect its ecosystem. A relaxing walk around the lake is therefore the best way to enjoy this unique gem.
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
