In addition to beautiful hiking regions and unique national parks, you should definitely discover Austria’s diverse world of water. The many lakes, rivers, and waterfalls are scattered across the country and give you the opportunity to visit at least one of these dreamlike natural spectacles during almost any trip.
The Salzkammergut is famous for its variety of lakes, which you should not miss on your next trip. Visit Wolfgangsee, one of Austria’s most famous and always popular lakes. Also worth seeing are Mondsee, Irrsee, and Hallstättersee. In addition to these lakes, the Salzkammergut also offers thrilling adventures on the Traun River and in the Strubklamm.
Wolfgangsee is one of Austria’s most renowned lakes and is considered a border lake, as it lies between Salzburg and Upper Austria. Its deepest point reaches about 114 meters. Be enchanted by the atmosphere as you look across Wolfgangsee with the Schafberg in view. Take the Schafberg Railway to reach one of the most beautiful panoramas in the country and enjoy the stunning views of nature. Swimming is of course possible—Wolfgangsee is considered one of the warmest Alpine lakes. There’s even more to do: enjoy a boat cruise along the scenic route from St. Gilgen via Strobl to St. Wolfgang, make use of the bathing beaches, or try stand-up paddling, sailing, surfing, or kayaking. With visibility of up to 10 meters, it’s also a great diving spot. Fishing enthusiasts can cast for whitefish, char, or trout.
Mondsee straddles the border between Upper Austria and Salzburg and is about 68 meters deep. Thanks to its warm water, it is one of Austria’s warmest bathing lakes, perfect for swimming. You’ll find lidos that provide gentle access into the water. Sailing, (kite)surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddling are all popular activities. Around the lake, cycling and walking routes add even more variety.
Irrsee is located in Upper Austria, north of Mondsee, and reaches a maximum depth of 32 meters. Like Mondsee, it’s great for swimming and is considered the warmest lake in the Salzkammergut. You’ll find lidos and natural bathing spots, but since Irrsee is less famous, you may encounter fewer tourists. The lake is under nature protection, so motorboats are not allowed. Swimming, fishing, and stand-up paddling are popular here.
Hallstättersee lies between the Dachstein massif and the Sarstein, surrounded by stunning landscapes. A highlight is the Hallstatt Skywalk at 350 meters, offering spectacular views. Beyond the panorama, you can enjoy boat trips, diving, and swimming in the lake.
For action, try rafting on the Traun River, one of Upper Austria’s most important whitewater rivers. Rafting here is suitable both for families and for more demanding routes.
Guided canyoning tours in Strubklamm, Austria’s longest gorge, provide an adrenaline rush with jumps of up to 10 meters. Tours are available for beginners and advanced adventurers alike.
The Salzkammergut offers countless activities: canyoning, rafting, swimming in the lakes, stand-up paddling, kayaking, and sailing.
The lakes of Carinthia are among Austria’s most popular bathing spots. They are also some of the warmest lakes in the country, making them perfect for summer swimming.
Wörthersee reaches a depth of 85 meters and can warm up to 27°C in summer. It lies between the Karawanken and Gurktal Alps, offering a beautiful panorama. Enjoy swimming, stand-up paddling, sailing, kayaking, diving, or boat trips. Divers may even explore wrecks in the lake.
Millstätter See is 141 meters deep, also one of the warmest Carinthian lakes, reaching up to 26°C. In addition to swimming, you can sail, surf, row, kayak, or dive. Fishing is also popular here, especially for local species.
Faaker See, south of Villach at the foot of the Karawanken, is 30 meters deep and famous for its turquoise-blue water. Swim, rent rowboats or pedal boats, kayak, or sail. A highlight is the European Bike Week each September, attracting up to 70,000 bikers.
Ossiacher See, between Villach and Feldkirchen, is 52 meters deep and offers both water activities and views of the Gerlitzen Alpe. Enjoy swimming at lidos, sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddling, motorboating, or boat cruises. Cycling routes around the lake provide land-based exploration.
Carinthia’s lakes are perfect for swimming, stand-up paddling, angling, and cycling around their scenic shores.
Besides lakes, Tyrol and Vorarlberg are home to many waterfalls, including Stuibenfall, Grawa Waterfall (a UNESCO natural monument), and the Krimml Waterfalls. For action, try rafting in the Inn River or on the Ötztaler Ache.
Achensee, with a depth of 133 meters, is Tyrol’s largest lake, known as the “Tyrolean Sea.” Its crystal-clear water is even drinkable. Popular for swimming, sailing, surfing, kitesurfing, diving, and boat trips, it also lies on many hiking and cycling routes.
Plansee is Tyrol’s second-largest lake (78 meters deep) and offers swimming, diving, sailing, surfing, rowing, stand-up paddling, and cruises. Its clear water makes it a favorite summer destination.
Stuibenfall in the Ötztal Valley falls 159 meters and provides spectacular views and opportunities for canyoning and climbing tours.
Grawa Waterfall cascades down 180 meters in multiple tiers, creating a dramatic scene best viewed from the platform at its base.
The Krimml Waterfalls in Hohe Tauern National Park plunge 380 meters in three stages, making them among Austria’s tallest. They are fed by the glacial Krimmler Ache.
The Inn River is famous for whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and even river surfing. The Ötztaler Ache is also known for rafting and canyoning in its gorges, such as Auerklamm and Hadergassenklamm.
These regions combine calm beauty with adrenaline adventures—swimming in alpine lakes, rafting rivers, or canyoning in dramatic gorges.
Burgenland is famous for its wine and sunny climate, making it a great vacation destination. Water lovers can visit the picturesque Lake Neusiedl or the peaceful Rechnitz Reservoir.
Lake Neusiedl is shallow (max 1.8 meters), surrounded by reed belts and salt meadows, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Swim (via jetties and lidos), surf, stand-up paddle, or kite surf. Cycle the Neusiedl bike path and explore nearby vineyards.
The Rechnitz Reservoir is surrounded by vineyards and meadows. Enjoy swimming, stand-up paddling, or fishing for carp, pike, zander, and catfish. Cycling and hiking trails circle the lake.
Relax in nature, swim, paddle, or explore vineyards nearby—Burgenland is ideal for combining leisure and culture.
Styria offers breathtaking landscapes with lakes like the Green Lake (Tragöß), Toplitzsee, and Grundlsee. Also visit the Schladming-Dachstein region with its Dachstein massif for panoramic views and unique experiences.
This lake in the Hochschwab Mountains fills each spring with meltwater, creating a surreal, emerald-green landscape. Swimming is forbidden, but it’s perfect for photos and enjoying its beauty.
Toplitzsee, near Bad Aussee, is surrounded by forests and shrouded in legend—rumors say WWII gold lies at its depths (over 100 meters). Row wooden boats across the lake, but no motorboats or swimming are allowed.
Grundlsee, the largest Styrian lake, is called the “Styrian Sea.” Enjoy boat trips, swimming, stand-up paddling, or simply admire its mountain-framed beauty. It’s also famous for fish dishes like char and whitefish.
Altausseer See, often called Austria’s most beautiful mountain lake, lies in the Dead Mountains. Swim, kayak, or just soak up the breathtaking scenery.
Located between Styria and Lower Austria, Erlaufsee is crystal-clear, 38 meters deep, and popular for swimming and diving. Dive schools and rentals are available nearby.
Leopoldsteiner See, near Eisenerz, is surrounded by forests and legends of a water sprite guarding mountain treasures. Swim, dine at lakeside inns, and enjoy the romantic setting.
Stand-up paddle on Grundlsee, dive in Erlaufsee, row on Toplitzsee, kayak on Altausseer See, or simply enjoy the alpine scenery.
We wish you a fantastic journey through Austria and plenty of fun exploring its lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. Don’t forget to check the toll regulations. Further information about the toll system can be found in our guide. You can also use our route planner to better organize your trip and view suitable toll products. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us via email.
