Cool Off in Austria this Summer
17th July 2023
Last modified on July 22nd, 2023
As a land-locked country, Austria might not be the most obvious choice for a beach or watersports holiday. Not so.
Austria has 400 swimming lakes and according to a recent report from the European Environment Agency, EEA, they rank among the cleanest in all of Europe.
There’s swimming, rafting, SUP or diving.
The water is not salty and the beaches are made of grass, rather than sand or pebbles
We have asked the Austria National Tourist Office to give us more details.
Austria’s Most Beautiful Swimming Lakes
Jump into some of the cleanest lakes in Europe.
Love swimming?
Austria’s lakes rank among the cleanest in all of Europe according to the European Environment Agency (EEA) – almost 98% received an “excellent” rating.
As a bonus, many are surrounded by mountain peaks, glaciers, and forests, making them picture-perfect holiday spots.
Check out some highlights, including Tirol’s Lake Achensee, Lake Zell in SalzburgerLand and Carinthia’s lakes, the warmest in Austria.
Summer in the Tirol. Image © PlanetSKI
Sailing in Austria
Lakes and rivers – Sailing spots you need to know
More than 25.000 of Austria’s lakes are larger than 250 m2 and 62 are considered “big lakes” with a size of more than 50 acres, making them perfect for sailing, no matter if you are an ambitious newbie or already a pro.
Lake Wolfgangsee in the Salzkammergut region, Lake Constance in Austria’s westernmost province Voralberg and Lake Wörthersee in the south are all popular spots.
Or how about sailing in Vienna?
Mountain lakes in Austria. Image © PlanetSKI
Rafting Adventures
Action-packed adventures in Austria’s stunning nature
Looking for an adrenaline experience?
Rafting might be just what you are looking for.
On many of its rivers and gorges, Austria shows off its rougher side.
Paddle through fast-flowing rapids and natural whirlpools while experiencing the stunning surroundings from a whole new perspective.
Professional guides ensure the adventure is both safe and fun.
Or if you want something more sedate:
Mountain lakes in Austria. Image © PlanetSKI
The Best Hotels for Watersports Fans
Relax & rewind in our favourite Austrian hotels
Hotels right at the lake – or in the heart of the Alps: Outdoor fans heading to Austria are spoilt with choice.
Have a look at our favourite hotels, including Hotel Im Weissen Rössl, a family-run oasis at Lake Wolfgangsee in the Salzkammergut region.
Mountain lakes in Austria. Image © PlanetSKI
And of course you can add some lake activity to PlanetSKI’s new fabourite summer activity – e-biking in the Alps.
Mountain lakes in Austria. Image © PlanetSKI
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