10 Incredible Spots for Wild Swimming in Austria
With temperatures climbing as high as 40 degrees in the summer months, taking a dip in cooling waters is an essential activity in Austria. From natural pools surrounded by Alpine backdrops and rivers with piers for diving, here’s our pick of the best outdoor swimming locations in Austria.
Danube, Vienna
There are a few different spots along the Danube where you can enjoy a good paddle. The Old Danube, the smaller stretch of the river, has the benefit of wooden decks and piers installed, however this tends to attract a younger crowd who territorialise them. The New Danube, however, contains numerous grassy hideaways along the banks, meaning that you can get as close or as far away from the company as you please.
Faaker See
The southernmost bathing lake in Austria, Faaker See is a haven in the summer, with blissful turquoise waters and an expanse of jagged mountains in the background – it is totally picture perfect.
1. Traunsee
Located in the charming and popular holiday town of Gmunden in Upper Austria, this beautiful and gigantic lake is renowned for its pure waters, making it perfect for impromptu summer dips.
A view of the town and the lake | Austrian Tourism Board
2. Erlaufsee
The Erlaufsee is hugged by sandy beaches and is blessed with spectacular surroundings. As well as swimming, diving, surfing, boating, and fishing also take place on these stunning waters. Located between Styria and Lower Austria, there are many holiday homes available to rent nearby.
The Erlaufese has an incredible color | Austrian Tourist Board
Attersee
The water in the Attersee is so pure and clean, it is suitable to drink. With temperatures in the lake averaging around 25 degrees in summer, it is wonderful to bathe in when the sun starts shining.
3. Wörthersee
The Wörthersee lives in a southern area of Austrian known as the state of Carinthia. The popular bathing lake is a lively tourist destination in summertime, not only popular with swimmers, but with a variety of water sports enthusiasts too.
A couple on the lake | Courtesy of the Austrian Tourist Board
4. Achensee
Achensee is the largest lake in Tyrol, and certainly one of the most beautiful beautiful too. The sandy beaches attract many sun worshippers and the incredible clear waters make it a popular destination for diving.
The amazingly clear water of Achensee | Courtesy of the Austrian Tourist Board
Weisssee
Salzburg is a wonderful holiday destination, however if you venture out then you’ll also discover a wealth of the beauty in the surrounding countryside. Weisssee is primarily known for being a popular skiing resort, but in the summertime it doubles up as a fantastic swimming location.
5. Millstätter See
Bath warm, transparent water and dreamy mountain backdrops are just a few of the drawing points of this lake in mid Carinthia. Temperatures average around 27 degrees in the summer, and the shallow lakeside makes it perfect for quick dips or lengthy swims.
The lake at sundown | Austrian Tourist Board
6. Altausseer See
Over 9,000 square metres of the best quality water entice swimmers all summer long at this lake in Styria. A 70-metre long water slide as well as a beach bar, and restaurant make it perfect for families.
Gorgeous lake | Austrian Tourist Board
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