Salzburg Lakes Area

Travel Guide

Strobl featuring heritage elements and a lake or waterhole
Strobl featuring heritage elements and a lake or waterhole
Strobl which includes outdoor art
Strobl showing a lake or waterhole
Strobl which includes a sunset, flowers and a lake or waterhole

Crystal-clear lakes, Alpine foothills, and postcard spa towns define this peaceful region just outside Salzburg.

 

Why Visit the Salzburg Lakes Area

  • Alpine scenery with swimmable lakes and easy village-to-village exploring.
  • Great for families, outdoor lovers, and relaxed cultural trips.
  • Ideal for swimming, boating, hiking, and year-round lake-town charm.

Essential Experiences

Salzburg Lakes Area Snapshot

  • Stretches from Salzburg into Upper Austria and Styria.
  • Spa towns, watersports, and tranquil lakeside villages.
  • Best with a rental car for reaching smaller lakes and towns.
  • Year-round draw: warm-weather water sports to nearby winter skiing.

What to See and Do

  • Stroll charming towns like Abersee, Henndorf am Wallersee, and Thalgau.
  • Walk lake promenades for wide mountain views and quiet coves.
  • Hit family attractions and seasonal lakeside events.
  • Try a summer toboggan run near Fuschl am See.
  • Hike forest trails through Alpine foothills; ski higher elevations in winter.

Seasons and Events

  • Summer: swimming, boating, and full outdoor programming.
  • Autumn: colorful hillsides and cool hiking temps.
  • Winter: snow on nearby slopes and festive village events.
  • Spring: fresh greenery and mellow lake weather.

Nearby Day Trips

  • Salzburg for Mozart landmarks and historic squares.
  • Wolfgangsee for classic views, boat rides, and lakeside cafés.
  • Hallstatt for mountain scenery and lakeside charm.

Relax beside some of the dozens of lakes decorating this dramatic and scenic Alpine region and visit its enchanting spa villages.

The Salzburg Lakes region is a stunning district spread over the scenic, undulating terrain of the Austrian Alps. Quaint villages and spa towns adorn the pristine, bumpy landscape that engulfs the lakes of this region. Bring sports gear to use on the many lakes and mountainous slopes.

Make your way to Obertrum am See in the northern outskirts of Salzburg. Browse the stalls of the market and take a sailboat out on the picturesque lake. Visit the intriguing Einlegerhaus Museum to learn about ceramics and other historic artifacts from the region.

Bring the kids to the Abarena Theme Park in St. Gilgen in the Wolfgangsee lake area. Watch them play on the trampolines, bouncy castle, go-karts and other activities, against a stunning backdrop of verdant mountains. Ride the Schafbergbahn cog railway for excellent mountain views. See the statue of Wolfgang Mozart in Mozartplatz Square and continue the music theme in the Musikinstrument Museum.

Make your way past the various lakes and appreciate the area’s utter serenity and picturesque scenery. Among the most iconic lakes are the Mattsee and the Grabensee. Visit the charming town of Seekirchen am Wallersee and go windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing on its large lake. Make sure to see other pretty towns in the region, including Abersee, Henndorf am Wallersee and the historic town of Thalgau.

Temperatures are fairly warm in the lakeside towns in July. Ride the Summer Toboggan Run near Fuschl am See. In winter, expect wet weather, with deep snowfall on the upper slopes. Head up to the mountains for skiing and snowboarding.

Find the district in the north-central reaches of Austria. It begins in the outskirts of Salzburg, moving east in the federal states of Salzburg, Upper Austria and Styria. Fly to Salzburg Airport and rent a car to head east through the mountains and lakes of this zone.

Salzburg Lakes is a spectacular region of snowy peaks and lovely lakes.

The Annual Vacation Sale

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Arabella Jagdhof Resort am Fuschlsee, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Arabella Jagdhof Resort am Fuschlsee, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Schloss-Strasse 1 Hof bei Salzburg Salzburg
$124 nightly
The price is $145 total per night from Feb 25 to Feb 26
$145 total
Feb 25 - Feb 26
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Hof bei Salzburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (185 reviews)
Room was clean and spacious. The restaurant staff and breakfast team were very helpful and attentive. They made the perfect sunny side up I was impressed. Definitely my best dining experience during my 2 week trip going from Germany to Austria.

Reviewed on Jan 11, 2026

Arabella Jagdhof Resort am Fuschlsee, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Heritage Hotel Hallstatt

Heritage Hotel Hallstatt

4 out of 5
Landungsplatz 101 Hallstatt Upper Austria
$235 nightly
The price is $267 total per night from Mar 11 to Mar 12
$267 total
Mar 11 - Mar 12
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Hallstatt. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a sauna. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
Spacious room and good amenities. Could do with a kettle as tea was a free option.

Reviewed on Feb 16, 2026

Heritage Hotel Hallstatt
Hotel Goldenes Schiff

Hotel Goldenes Schiff

4 out of 5
Adalbert-Stifter-Kai 3 Bad Ischl Upper Austria
$172 nightly
The price is $198 total per night from Mar 1 to Mar 2
$198 total
Mar 1 - Mar 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Bad Ischl. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Lehar Villa Museum and Museum of Bad ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (197 reviews)
Our room had a really nice view with the river and mountains. Super convenient to train station, shopping area and eating places. Staff were also nice.

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Hotel Goldenes Schiff
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
HOMEBOUND APARTMENTS Bad Goisern

HOMEBOUND APARTMENTS Bad Goisern

3.5 out of 5
Schmiedgasse 15 Bad Goisern Oberösterreich
Stay at this aparthotel in Bad Goisern. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Hallstatt Lake and Museum of Vehicles - Technology ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (133 reviews)
Very cosy apartment, great facility and smooth online self check-in.

Reviewed on Jan 27, 2026

HOMEBOUND APARTMENTS Bad Goisern
MONDI Appartements am Grundlsee

MONDI Appartements am Grundlsee

4 out of 5
Archkogl 31 Grundlsee Steiermark
Book a stay at this spa apartment in Grundlsee. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Tressenstein and Grundlsee are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (124 reviews)
I’m very pleased with my visit and the service. I plan on going back and I hope it soon. Perfect place for the winter holidays.

Reviewed on Jan 21, 2026

MONDI Appartements am Grundlsee
Hallstatt Hideaway - Adults only

Hallstatt Hideaway - Adults only

4 out of 5
Dr. Friedrich-Morton-Weg 24 Hallstatt Salzburg
Book a stay at this beach villa in Hallstatt. Enjoy free WiFi, a private beach, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Hallstatt Lake and Hallstatt Museum ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (244 reviews)
Good

Reviewed on Feb 12, 2026

Hallstatt Hideaway - Adults only
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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