Have you ever thought of trying swimming lakes in Austria? The pearl of beautiful Austrian nature are the crystal clear lakes surrounded by mountain peaks. The endless bodies of water, which glitter like the rarest diamonds in the sun, are among the most typical of the alpine landscape. To list all the Austrian lakes would be a superhuman feat, with their number of more than 2 thousand. So, let’s imagine at least the most suitable swimming and water sports.
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Achensee
The largest natural lake of glacial origin in Tyrol is often referred to as an alpine fjord. Why? When viewed from the surrounding rock peaks, it resembles a sea bay in Scandinavia. The lake is popular for its cleanliness and beautiful surroundings, and fans of various water sports and other activities will enjoy themselves, whether it is a sailing school, white water canoeing, an outdoor swimming pool, or even boating or fishing. The southern side of the lake is popular mainly with families with children because you will find a nice, clean beach with a gradual entry into the water.
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Neusiedler See
The steppe lake with an area of 320 km² is often called the Austrian Sea due to its slightly salty water and endless water level. Neusiedler See is very shallow, and the maximum depth is only 1.8 meters. Thanks to the huge number of sunny days in the region – up to 300 days a year – it is a frequent destination for surfers, yachtsmen, and, last but not least, lovers of swimming, sunbathing, and cycling.
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Faaker See
The shores of the southernmost Lake Faaker See are lined with white sand, and the shimmering surface will not leave any fan of swimming, sailing, rowing, or diving cold. The unprecedented purity of the water provides a breathtaking view to a depth of several tens of meters. Thanks to the turquoise blue water surface, for which the lake is widely known, Faaker See is one of the most photographed lakes in Carinthia.
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Wolfgangsee
Wolfgangsee is the largest lake in the Salzkammergut and rightfully one of Austria’s most beautiful. The crystal clear water is directly created for swimming and sports such as diving or yachting. Great facilities in the form of campsites and hotels await you on the banks.
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Booking.comZeller See
Freshwater lakes with clean, quality drinking water are popular mainly among divers, but even fans of water sports will not come here short. In addition to water fun of all kinds, you will enjoy several nice beaches and playgrounds, you can walk on countless hiking trails, cycling lovers will enjoy the numerous bike paths. The beautiful panorama of the surrounding mountains of the Hohe Tauern National Park creates an almost fairytale backdrop.
Mondsee
Lake Mondsee in Upper Austria is one of the warmest lakes in the region. Mondsee, or Moon Lake, was named after its shape, which resembles an elongated crescent. Thanks to favorable water temperatures, it is home to trout, eels, and pike. In addition to swimming, you can try water skiing, sailing or diving, there are many tourist resorts in the area.
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Grundlsee
The 14 km long natural beach at Styria’s largest lake, Grundlsee, with crystal clear drinking water, offers everything swimming and water sports enthusiasts have ever wished for. The temperature of the water is more than pleasant, and below its surface are numerous flocks of perch, pike, and trout, over the amount of which more than one fisherman rejoices.
Bodensee (lake Constance)
Lake Constance is the second largest lake in the Alps. Summer provides ideal conditions for a peaceful holiday full of swimming and sunbathing on nice public or private beaches. If you want to spend your holiday a little more actively, nothing stops you from getting on a bike and enjoying a ride through beautiful nature on one of the many quality bike paths. If you prefer walking, take the cable car that leads directly from the lake to the nearest mountains, where you can choose from several hiking trails.