Find Your Lakeside “Lebensgefühl”: 365 Days by Austria’s Lakes
Austria's many lake regions await with tons of water sports activities, stunning views, and a lively foodie scene. Here are three examples.
Relaxation by the water has a long tradition in Austria, with crystal-clear lakes providing the perfect setting for refreshing dips, tranquil walks and scenic bike rides. Alfresco dining completes the lakeside “Lebensgefühl”, enjoying a fabulous meal and glass of Austrian wine on a terrace overlooking the water.
Grow your Austrian synapse with a trip to one of our top lakeside destinations and gain holiday experiences you won’t get out of your head.
ZELL AM SEE-KAPRUN - MOUNTAINS, A GLACIER AND A LAKE
From the top of the mountain you’ve just climbed, gazing at the glittering lake below and the snow-covered glacier above, you could be forgiven for expecting every holiday destination to have it all! Zell am See-Kaprun welcomes visitors with its incredible natural beauty, endless outdoor activities and down-to-earth regional cuisine. From cheesy “Kasnocken” to a “Bauerngröstl” farmer’s fry-up and fluffy “Kaiserschmarren” pancakes, food has never tasted better than here. There’s easy access to the ski resorts in winter and the snow-filled fun continues into the height of summer with a journey to the “Top of Salzburg” on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier at over 3,029 m above sea level. Venture to the end of the viewing platform, watch the multi-award-winning film about the high alpine mountain world at Cinema 3000 (Austria’s highest-situated movie theatre) or challenge each other to a snowball fight before tobogganing down the slope at ICE ARENA (open in July and August). Need a break from all the action? A visit to the TAUERN SPA will have you back up and running again in no time at all with its variety of pools, saunas, steam baths, separate children’s area and soothing treatments. Who knows, it might just have you feeling so good you decide to sign up for this year’s IRONMAN 70.3 on 30th August 2026.
SALZBURG AND THE SALZKAMMERGUT - DISCOVER FIVE TREASURES
A trip to the historic city of Salzburg can easily be combined with spending some time in the unspoilt nature of the surrounding Salzkammergut – and vice versa. World-famous cultural heritage meets iconic mountain scenery and charming lakeside towns. Five unique experiences are not to be missed here, beginning with a journey on the SchafbergBahn, Austria’s steepest cogwheel railway. Having reached 1,783 m above sea level, eleven lakes lie below your feet, and on a clear day you can see as far as the Hohe Tauern and Grossglockner. Back down by the water, the WolfgangseeSchifffahrt ferries connect the enchanting towns of Strobl, St. Wolfgang and St. Gilgen, with several other scenic stops to hop on and off at. In the city of Salzburg, a ride on the FestungsBahn (Austria’s oldest funicular) or with the historic MönchsbergLift takes you to the WasserSpiegel water museum, which teaches you all about the city’s drinking water supply in an engaging, interactive way. High above the baroque rooftops, walking paths, viewpoints and green spaces invite you to enjoy Salzburg from a new perspective.
CARINTHIA - THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE ALPS
With an average of 2,000 hours of sunshine per year and more than 1,200 lakes, Austria's southernmost province is the ultimate destination to experience that lakeside “Lebensgefühl”. From swimming and water sports in summer to ice bathing and skating in winter, Carinthia promises an active holiday in the most idyllic of settings all year round. And you don’t even have to enter the water to make the most of the “land of the lakes”, with spectacular hiking and bike routes that lead along the shores or into the mountains that surround. Carinthia is also known as the world’s first Slow Food Destination, committed to the principles of healthy, sustainable and tasty. Explore the local Alpe-Adria cuisine and its establishments or book a unique experience that will bring the whole family closer to the food they eat, whether that be baking bread, producing cheese or brewing beer. Best of all: direct Ryanair flights from London Stansted to Klagenfurt make it super easy to return to Carinthia for second helpings!
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