There are hundreds of lakes spread all over Austria and on hot sunny summer days, the Austrians throng to their bathing lakes. Austria is also quite proud of the fact that nearly all their lakes are of drinking water quality. Throw in pleasant water temperatures and decent facilities and you have a wonderful beach holiday. Therefore, do not forget to pack your swimwear, sun lotion and beach toys for the children when you pack for your vacation in Austria. Certain lake shores are very crowded and private property go right down to the water edge, so it is hard to access the water. However, most towns have established public bathing beaches with attendant facilities, where anyone can go and have a beach. There are additionally private beaches and sea baths with an entrance charge that you need to pay for. For individuals on a road trip, easiest would likely be to use public bathing facilities or those that permit paying visitors with parking as well. If you are having a camping or hotel holiday, they usually have their own bathing area / shoreline or in partnership with other companies.

Enjoy the beach life in Austria

A beach holiday in Austria can range from overcrowded bathing areas to ponds where you can be absolutely on your own. Describe to the nearest tourist office what you are seeking or go to Google Maps and locate a blue “spot” that you might visit. Some tips for various bathing opportunities in Austria are:. The list naturally could have been much, much longer but we have attempted to seek out examples of big and little, remote and readily accessible as well as quiet treasures and busy bathing spots throughout Austria.

Beautiful Attersee, Upper Austria

The 47 km² big Attersee lies in beautiful surroundings at the transition between the lowlands of the north and the Alps in the south. The temperature of the water can be as high as 25 °C in late summer. You can find bathing areas and beaches everywhere around the sea. Attersee is also famous for favorable wind conditions for sailing, different kinds of water sports possibilities and has some nice scuba diving locations.

Lake Erlaufsee on the Border of Lower Austria and Styria

The lake is not too far from Mariazell and has nice sandy beaches. Ideal for families with small children. Erlaufsee is car-friendly and thus ideal for a day trip as well. At the eastern end of the lake there are a few restaurants, a camp site as well as boat rentals. There are also good spots to scuba dive or fish.

Lake Millstätter See in Carinthia

The second largest lake in Carinthia (after the Wörthersee) is one of the warmest lakes in Austria. During late summer, it reaches a water temperature of 27 °C. It is a holiday area and the amount of activities, accommodation and restaurants is enormous. For the couples to enjoy some romance, we suggest that you should do the sun set tour on a rowing boat or a gourmet dinner on the platform in the lake close to Millstatt.

Danube Island (Donauinsel) in the Heart of Vienna

The city of Vienna also offers many bathing opportunities in everything from public or private swimming facilities to the beach area on an island in the middle of the Danube. At the Donainsel you find a child and family-friendly beach and a sheltered lake with different water sports. For those who prefer going on the water, pedal and electric boats can be rented.

Artificially Created Lakes

Alongside the natural lakes you’ll also find many artificial lakes, several of them almost as natural and wonderfully landscaped as natural lakes. Among our favorites is Seebad Riegersburg – a small bath lake with a lovely park surrounding and an attached restaurant. About a hundred meters off lies the small scenic village Riegersburg, named after one of the most dramatic medieval fortresses of Austria.

Ideal Seasons to Explore Austria

No matter if you’re in pursuit of snow-clad mountains or flower-filled alpine pastures, Austria has something in every season. This guide will assist you in deciding the most suitable time to visit Austria according to your preferences. Winter (December to March): A Winter Wonderland In winter, Austria becomes a paradise for snow lovers.