Top 20 Lakes around Abtenau

Around Abtenau, you'll discover a diverse range of lakes, including protected moorland lakes like Egelsee, stunning alpine lakes such as the Gosauseen, and biological bathing lakes like Seepark St. Martin. This variety offers different experiences, from serene nature reserves to family-friendly swimming spots.

For swimming, Strobl Lake Bath on Lake Wolfgang is a great option, offering a quiet place with water sports. Seepark St. Martin is another excellent choice, especially for families, as it's a biological bathing lake fed by fresh spring water with unique water quality. The Front Gosau Lake also allows swimming and offers electric boat rentals, pedal boats, and stand-up paddleboarding during summer.

Yes, several lakes are very family-friendly. Seepark St. Martin is ideal, featuring a restaurant, beach volleyball court, playground, and a children's swimming area. The Front Gosau Lake is also popular with families, offering a relatively flat path for walks, boat rentals, and stunning views. Strobl Lake Bath on Lake Wolfgang provides a quiet spot with various water sports suitable for all ages.

Egelsee, located directly in Abtenau, is an idyllic moorland lake and a protected landscape. A 5-kilometer 'Lebensweg' nature trail encircles the lake, offering a peaceful walk with interpretive panels about local flora and fauna. For a more tranquil alpine experience, the hike to Hinterer Gosausee (part of the Gosauseen trio) follows a mountain stream, passing waterfalls and offering serene views.

No, swimming is not permitted in all lakes. For example, Egelsee is a protected moorland lake and nature reserve, so swimming is prohibited to preserve its unique ecosystem. However, lakes like Seepark St. Martin, Front Gosau Lake, and Strobl Lake Bath are excellent for swimming and water activities.

At Vorderer Gosausee, you can enjoy leisurely walks around the lake on a well-maintained path, rent electric boats, pedal boats, or stand-up paddleboards during summer. Fishing is also a popular activity. Additionally, a cable car nearby takes visitors up to the Zwieselalm for panoramic views of the Dachstein mountains.

Absolutely. The Front Gosau Lake is renowned for its postcard-perfect reflections of the Dachstein mountain range. Lake Wolfgang also offers beautiful scenery from any point, including views over the lake to the Schafberg. There's even a specific highlight for a View of St. Wolfgang and Lake Wolfgang.

Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The Wolfgangsee Railway Embankment Cycle Path offers a fantastic route between meadows and Lake Wolfgang. For more extensive cycling, you can explore routes like the 'Wolfgangsee Railway Embankment Cycle Path – Lake Wolfgang loop from Rußbachsaag' which is part of the Gravel biking around Abtenau guide.

Beyond water sports and cycling, the region offers extensive outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for MTB Trails around Abtenau, including challenging loops like the 'Old Postalm Road – Schwarzenbach loop'. For hikers, there are Mountain Hikes around Abtenau, such as the 'Rettenegghütte – Braunedlkogel Summit loop'.

Yes, you'll find facilities near some lakes. Seepark St. Martin has a restaurant on-site. Along the hike to Hinterer Gosausee, the Holzmeisteralm mountain hut offers a place to rest and enjoy traditional Austrian food. Strobl Lake Bath also provides amenities and is a good spot to relax by the water.

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June to August) is ideal for swimming, boating, and enjoying water sports at lakes like Seepark St. Martin and Front Gosau Lake. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and nature walks around Egelsee and the Gosauseen, with vibrant foliage in autumn. Winter transforms the alpine lakes, like the Gosauseen, into a beautiful snow landscape, suitable for winter hiking and photography.

The Gosauseen are a trio of stunning alpine lakes known for their breathtaking views of the Dachstein Mountains. Vorderer Gosausee is the largest and most accessible, famous for its turquoise waters reflecting the Dachstein. Gosaulacke is a unique karst spring lake that only fills during heavy snowmelt, while Hinterer Gosausee offers a more tranquil experience with waterfalls and mountain views.