Lake Attersee
Austrian Alps, Austrian Alps
Come summertime, Lake Attersee becomes a haven for water sports enthusiasts, hikers, and anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. Spread out over more than 18 square miles (47 square kilometers), it’s among the largest lakes in Austria, and its proximity to both Salzburg and Vienna make it an ideal destination for day trips.
The basics
Lake Attersee is praised for its crystalline waters—many claim it is clean enough to drink—and it’s a great place for a wide range of water-based activities, including swimming, diving, and paddleboarding. Sailing and windsurfing are also popular, while there are plenty of hiking trails in the area for those who prefer to stay on solid ground. If seeking a more relaxing break, head to one of the lake beaches or book a trip to one of the numerous lakeside spas. Many day tours from Vienna stop at Lake Attersee and also visit other areas, such as Lake Mondsee, Hallstatt, or Salzburg.
Things to know before you go
Lake Attersee is a must for swimmers, divers, nature lovers, and anyone who enjoys water sports.
Make sure to wear reef-safe sunscreen and pack your own towel and swimsuit.
There are plenty of cafés and restaurants in the towns flanking the lake, which serve a mix of Austrian and international fare.
Most beaches do not have lifeguards on duty.
How to get there
Lake Attersee is located in the Salzkammergut area, around one hour by car from Salzburg or almost three hours from Vienna. Although many people drive to the lake or visit on a tour, you can get from Salzburg to the lakefront town Kammer-Schörfling by taking buses 911, 959, or 961 to Vöcklabruck, then switching to train R to Kammer-Schörfling station.
When to get there
Lake Attersee is typically a summer destination, so the best time to visit is in July and August, particularly if you want to go swimming. Just expect crowds. If you're prepared to don a wetsuit and go diving, consider a spring trip, when the visibility is typically excellent, although diving trips are available year-round, even the winter months.
Gustav Klimt at Lake Attersee
While Austrian artist Gustav Klimt is best known for his iconic work The Kiss, which hangs in Vienna's Belvedere Palace, he created dozens of landscape paintings depicting Lake Attersee and the surrounding countryside. The artist spent his summers at the lake for decades; his well-known works depicting the lake include Unterach Manor On The Attersee Lake and Landhaus am Attersee.
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