Austria isn’t typically associated with summer vacations. While skiers and snowboarders flock to the Alps in winter, and tourists often limit their visits to Vienna and its surroundings during other seasons, Austria offers some fantastic locations for summer trips that defy these expectations.
Austrian Lakes
Austria may not have a coastline, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a beach holiday by the water. Austrian lakes provide an excellent alternative to ocean or sea vacations.
Lake Klopeiner
Klopeiner See is the warmest lake in Austria, located in southern Carinthia. The water is so clean that locals often drink it. In summer, the water temperature can reach +28 °C, with shallow and safe shores for less confident swimmers. Numerous hotels with private beaches, guesthouses in traditional Austrian style, and options to suit any budget are available nearby.
For a lazy all-inclusive vacation, consider staying at Hotel & Spa Sonne (Westufer 17, 9122 Sankt Kanzian) for about €140 per night with breakfast or Amerika-Holzer Hotel & Resort (Am See XI, 9122 Sankt Kanzian) from €180 per night. Both hotels are right on the lake with private beaches, their own spas, restaurants, bars, and fitness centers.
For a more colorful and authentic experience, opt for guesthouses. These small Austrian inns not only offer a place to sleep but also a country breakfast with fragrant zemel (Austrian rolls), ham, cheese, and homemade butter. Prices start from €49 per night, such as at Privatzimmer Marina (5 Arlsdorf, 9100 Völkermarkt) for €51, including breakfast, free parking, airport transfer, and just a 12-minute walk to the beach.
Lake Wörther
Lake Wörthersee, 15 km from Klagenfurt near the borders of Slovenia and Italy, is perfect for a beach holiday with water temperatures reaching +27 °C in summer. Unlike the small Klopeiner See, Wörthersee stretches over 17 km. The charming town of Velden on its shore is perfect for exploring on foot. Other activities include cycling around the area, golfing, or mountain hiking with overnight stays.
Lake Zeller
Zell am See-Kaprun is a year-round popular Austrian resort at the foot of the Alps on Lake Zeller See. Ideal for an all-in-one vacation, Zell am See offers mountains, beaches, and glaciers. The mountain lake’s pure water is invigorating, rarely warming above +23 °C in summer. The town has three equipped beaches (with a pool for those who find the lake too cold), numerous lovely hotels, cafes, and restaurants.
Stay at the Grand Hotel Zell am See (Esplanade 4-6, 5700 Zell am See) for stunning views of the lake and mountains, a private beach, spa, and free access to boats, pedalos, and bicycles. Plan at least a week-long stay to enjoy all the activities, from hiking numerous mountain trails with breathtaking views to visiting Krimml Waterfalls, the largest in Europe. You can also enjoy kayaking or canoeing on the Saalach and Salzach rivers, or visit the Kitzsteinhorn glacier for a snowy adventure even in August.
Thermal Resorts
Austrian thermal baths offer a unique experience. Austrians value health and balance, making their spa resorts true havens on earth. Be prepared to see many naked people in pools and saunas, as Austrian spas follow a no-clothing rule without gender separation. In more touristy and luxurious complexes, the “naked zone” is separate from the main area.
Aqua Dome
Aqua Dome (Oberlängenfeld 140, 6444 Oberlängenfeld) is in a picturesque location surrounded by the Alps near the Sölden ski resort. The complex is built according to Feng Shui principles using natural materials. Its signature feature is the elevated jacuzzi bowls filled with sea and thermal water.
Tauern SPA
Tauern SPA (Tauern Spa Str. 1, 5710 Kaprun) boasts 13 saunas and 12 pools. One of the pools is fully transparent, offering a view of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier. It also has an ice fountain and a salt steam room.
Rogner Bad Blumau
Rogner Bad Blumau (Bad Blumau 100, 8283 Bad Blumau) is less known but beloved by locals. Designed by Hundertwasser, this thermal complex features whimsical buildings that are a sight to behold. Besides spa treatments, it offers wine tours and cheese-making farm excursions.
Travel to these destinations directly from Vienna’s Hauptbahnhof. Sometimes, a transfer is needed. Plan your route and book tickets on the ÖBB website by entering your departure and arrival points.