Lake Attersee is the largest lake lying entirely within Austria, set in the Salzkammergut region of the Alps. Its clear water and the mountains rising around it give it a calm, open character that suits a slow visit as much as an active one.
The lake is also tied to Austrian art. The painter Gustav Klimt spent many summers on its shores, and the landscapes around it were part of his working life. Visitors interested in that connection can read the lake as a place where the artist found his subjects, and then look at the views with that in mind.
What to do
- Swimming in the clear water during the warmer months
- Sailing across the open surface of the lake
- Hiking in the Alpine country that surrounds the shore
- Walking along the lakeside and enjoying the views of the mountains
Why visit
Attersee suits travellers who want a mix of nature and cultural heritage in one place. You can spend a day on the water and an afternoon on the paths above it, with the Salzkammergut landscape close at hand throughout. It makes a good base for anyone exploring the wider region, which is known for its lakes and mountain scenery.