Best lakes around Dorfgastein are situated within the Gastein Valley, an alpine region known for its natural beauty and diverse water features. While Dorfgastein itself is a charming alpine village, the surrounding area offers a variety of lake experiences. These range from unique thermal swimming lakes to serene natural mountain lakes and family-friendly bathing spots. The landscape provides a backdrop of impressive alpine scenery, making it a destination for both relaxation and outdoor activities.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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Hiking around Dorfgastein
Cycling around Dorfgastein
Road Cycling Routes around Dorfgastein
Anyone who loves hiking in alpine pastures will love the Grossarltal. More than 40 managed alpine pastures invite you to stop for a break. https://www.grossarltal.info/
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Fancy a morning refreshment in the Schuhflickersee? Or just relax on the shore. https://www.grossarltal.info/
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A wonderful section on a "plateau", or a beautiful route at a height that allows for a great view
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A beautiful mountain lake! Invites you to linger 😊. Not for swimming in September, it's a bit fresh in the water 🥶😁.
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Great hike, starting from the Aualm. The last part at the summit is a bit difficult, but with a little caution and concentration it is doable even for a flatlander like me 😉. The view at the top is unique!!!
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Yes, in nearby Bad Hofgastein, you can find Austria's first thermal swimming lakes at the Alpentherme Gastein. These include the larger Emerald Lake and the smaller Crystal Lake, both filled with 100% natural Gastein thermal water, free from chlorine. The water is comfortably warm (at least 26 degrees Celsius), making it pleasant for swimming even on cooler days, and the outdoor bathing season often extends to the end of October.
For a refreshing natural swim, consider the Böndl Lake in Goldegg-Weng, which is a small natural swimming lake with a spacious lawn and bathing establishment. Another option is the Gastein's Bathing Lake in Bad Hofgastein, known for its refreshing waters and expansive sunbathing lawns. The Trögseen, a collection of small moorland lakes, also offer an idyllic spot for a quiet dip.
Absolutely. The Gastein's Bathing Lake in Bad Hofgastein is ideal for families, offering a diving platform, stand-up paddleboarding, and slacklining. The Solarbad Dorfgastein, while not a natural lake, is a popular public swimming facility with multiple pools, a children's area, and slides. Additionally, Mirror Lake features a nearby playground, and Böndl Lake has a hotel with a playground and sun terrace.
Beyond swimming, you can enjoy various activities. At Gastein's Bathing Lake, you can try stand-up paddleboarding and slacklining. Mirror Lake offers a unique barefoot path (Kneipp path) and a playground. Many lakes, like Böndl Lake and the Trögseen, are perfect for relaxing on spacious lawns or enjoying a break on a bench amidst nature.
Yes, many lakes in the region are accessible via hiking trails. For instance, the tiny Schuhfklickersee is located at the foot of Schuhflicker Peak, which can be reached via a challenging hike. The Trögseen are also accessible after a hike, offering a refreshing reward. You can find various hiking routes, including easy options, in the area. Explore more hiking trails around Dorfgastein on our guide: Easy hikes around Dorfgastein.
The best time to visit the lakes for swimming and outdoor activities is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn. The thermal swimming lakes at Alpentherme Gastein often extend their outdoor bathing season to the end of October due to their warm waters. For natural swimming lakes, summer offers the most pleasant temperatures for a dip.
For those seeking high-altitude mountain lakes and more challenging hikes, the region offers options like the Schuhfklickersee at the foot of Schuhflicker Peak. This area provides stunning all-round views and a rewarding experience for experienced hikers. The Reedsee, mentioned as a beautiful and lonely lake in the Gastein mountains, also implies a pristine, high-altitude experience away from developed areas.
While specific public transport routes to every lake can vary, some areas like the Gastein Valley are well-served. For example, the starting point for hikes to the Trögseen from the Grundlehen car park is even accessible by public transport. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information on reaching specific lake destinations.
The lakes around Dorfgastein offer diverse natural features. The thermal swimming lakes at Alpentherme Gastein are unique for their natural thermal water and biological filtration system. The Trögseen are notable as small moorland lakes nestled in a green valley, offering a tranquil natural setting. Mirror Lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and a surrounding barefoot path.
Yes, the region offers excellent cycling opportunities. For instance, the Böndl Lake is easily reachable by bike, making it a great stop during a cycling tour. The area also features various road cycling and gravel biking routes that pass by or offer views of water bodies. You can explore more cycling routes in our guides: Road Cycling Routes around Dorfgastein and Gravel biking around Dorfgastein.
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse experiences offered by the lakes. Many enjoy the unique, relaxing experience of the thermal lakes at Alpentherme Gastein, free from chemicals. The natural swimming lakes like Böndl Lake are loved for their refreshing dips after a hike or bike ride. The stunning alpine scenery surrounding all these water bodies, combined with opportunities for relaxation and outdoor activities, is a consistent highlight for the komoot community.
Yes, Mirror Lake is a beautiful, crystal-clear lake where swimming is not allowed. However, it is highly recommended for its unique surrounding barefoot path (Kneipp path), plenty of seating for relaxation, wonderful views, and a nearby playground, making it a great spot for a peaceful walk or a family outing.


Still not found your perfect lake around Dorfgastein? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.