Austria’s lakes punctuate the landscape from Alpine basins to lowland plains, offering easy walks, boat access, and quiet places to watch wildlife. They can be day-trip destinations or part of a longer regional route, varying a lot in character depending on elevation and surroundings.
There are 15 Lakes in Austria, ranging from Achensee to Zeller See. For each listed lake, the key details are shown as State,Surface area (km2),Max depth (m) — you’ll find them below.
Which lakes warm up enough for comfortable swimming and when is the best time?
Lower-elevation lakes generally warm earliest, with pleasant swimming in June–August; high-altitude lakes like Achensee stay cooler and peak in late summer. Check local water-temperature reports and beach facilities for the most comfortable spots and family-friendly options.
How accurate are the surface-area and depth figures in the list?
The table uses official hydrological and survey data, but measurements can vary by survey method and seasonal water levels; treat the figures as authoritative references and consult local agencies for precise, up-to-date info if you need it for navigation or scientific work.
Lakes in Austria
| Name | State | Surface area (km2) | Max depth (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neusiedler See | Burgenland | 315.00 | 1.80 |
| Attersee | Upper Austria | 46.20 | 169 |
| Traunsee | Upper Austria | 24.35 | 191 |
| Wörthersee | Carinthia | 19.39 | 85 |
| Mondsee | Upper Austria | 14.20 | 68 |
| Wolfgangsee | Salzburg | 13.80 | 114 |
| Millstätter See | Carinthia | 13.30 | 141 |
| Ossiacher See | Carinthia | 10.38 | 52 |
| Hallstätter See | Upper Austria | 8.55 | 125 |
| Weissensee | Carinthia | 6.51 | 89 |
| Achensee | Tyrol | 6.82 | 133 |
| Zeller See | Salzburg | 4.79 | 73 |
| Fuschlsee | Salzburg | 2.16 | 66 |
| Faaker See | Carinthia | 2.19 | 30 |
| Wallersee | Salzburg | 2.11 | 24 |
Images and Descriptions
Neusiedler See
Lie at the edge of the Austrian plain on the border with Hungary. Present a shallow, reed-fringed steppe lake with a wide, flat shoreline. Support strong winds and many water sports, especially windsurfing and kitesurfing. Serve as a unique lowland lake in Austria and attract birdlife and nature tourism, which explains its inclusion in the list.
Attersee
Sit in the Salzkammergut region as one of Austria’s largest and clearest lakes. Show deep waters and long shores that suit sailing and diving. Lie near small towns with boat links and hiking paths. Represent a classic alpine-lake experience in Upper Austria.
Traunsee
Nestle below steep mountain walls near Gmunden in Upper Austria. Feature very deep, clear water and dramatic cliffs. Offer boating, fishing, and scenic viewpoints. Stand out for depth and mountain scenery among Austrian lakes.
Wörthersee
Occupy a warm, lowland basin in Carinthia known for mild water and summer bathing. Host resorts, promenades, and seaside-style leisure. Provide easy road access and many tourist services. Act as a popular holiday lake in southern Austria.
Mondsee
Lie close to the town of Mondsee in the Salzburg region. Offer calm, clear water and a compact shore. Combine swimming, boating, and cultural sites nearby. Appear often in travel guides for easy access from Salzburg.
Wolfgangsee
Stretch among steep wooded slopes in the Salzkammergut near St. Wolfgang. Present crystal-clear water and well-marked walking trails. Support boating and lakeside villages with historic charm. Represent a scenic, classic visit in the lake district.
Millstätter See
Place in Carinthia as a long, deep lake with warm summer water. Provide extensive swimming beaches and watersports. Sit below high mountains and offer lakeside cycling routes. Act as a family-friendly destination in southern Austria.
Ossiacher See
Rest north of Villach in Carinthia with shallow bays and reed areas. Offer windsurfing, sailing, and event venues. Border towns provide campsites and ferry services. Serve as a versatile recreation lake near major roads.
Hallstätter See
Lie beneath the village of Hallstatt and steep alpine slopes in the Salzkammergut. Show dark, deep water and dramatic cliff backdrops. Host boat ferries to historic sites and a UNESCO-listed village. Stand out for cultural landscape and iconic views.
Weissensee
Sit high in Carinthia as a clear, cold mountain lake with protected shores. Offer quiet swimming in summer and long-distance skating in winter when frozen. Limit large motor traffic to preserve nature. Act as a high-quality nature reserve lake.
Achensee
Rest in Tyrol as the region’s largest lake with turquoise, cold water. Present strong mountain scenery and ferry links. Support sailing, paddle sports, and hiking in all seasons. Represent Tyrol’s main lake for outdoor activities.
Zeller See
Lie at the foot of the Schmittenhöhe near Zell am See in Salzburg state. Show glacier-fed water and a compact shore with promenades. Offer boating, lakeside hotels, and easy access to lifts for mountain access. Act as a hub for combined lake and mountain visits.
Fuschlsee
Nestle near Salzburg and the town of Fuschl. Present small, clear water and wooded shorelines. Offer swimming, paddling, and short walking loops. Serve as a peaceful, easy-access lake close to the city.
Faaker See
Rest in Carinthia with warm, turquoise water and sandy bays. Host swimming, rowing, and popular summer events. Lie close to Villach and major roads for easy access. Feature strong local tourism and lively lakeside facilities.
Wallersee
Sit in the Salzburg Flachgau region as a shallow, recreational lake. Offer sailing, fishing, and flat walking paths. Provide nearby towns and public parking for short visits. Act as a convenient local leisure lake near Salzburg city.
