The best places for a long weekend in Austria

If you’ve already crossed the Czech Republic and are looking for new places for a long weekend, there’s no need to travel far. Neighbouring Austria really has a lot to offer. From historic cities full of culture, to picturesque mountain villages, to breathtaking natural scenery, Austria has something for everyone. We’ve put together a list of our favourite weekend spots that can be reached in 4-5 hours by car from Prague. 🚙

Lake Mondsee

This place is suitable for all ages and all “types” of travellers. You can even get here from Prague in just 4 hours. We love it here in the summer because swimming, paddleboards and camping by the lake is just the best to chase away any gloom and office stereotype. 🙂 Many consider Mondsee to be the most beautiful lake in Austria. The town of Mondsee itself beckons you to stroll through its historic streets, visit its famous Baroque church and sample Austrian cuisine in its cosy restaurants. Bringing a bike is definitely a good idea. The cycle paths around the lake will take you through pleasant terrain with nice views.

Lake Attersee

Attersee, the largest lake in the Salzkammergut, is the perfect destination for a long weekend of relaxation and discovery. Attersee, the third largest lake in Austria, is also a 4-hour drive from Prague. We are always lured here by the clear turquoise water and the many possibilities for activities in the surrounding area. Its crystal clear water is a draw for divers, but if you’re just here for a swim or a paddleboard, you’ll be just as excited. The lake may be of glacial origin, but its temperature can reach a comfortable 25 degrees in summer. There are plenty of hiking and cycling trails around the Attersee, from which you’ll be able to enjoy the mountain scenery in one piece. There’s also a ferrata nearby, which is one of the harder ones to climb, but rewards you with incredible views of the entire lake. You can stay in one of the picturesque lakeside villages, or if you want to be as close as possible, head straight to the lakeside campsite. One of the most interesting places around the lake is the town of Unterach, which has earned the nickname “Little Vienna on the Attersee” thanks to its historic architecture and cultural heritage. Nearby is the beautiful Kammer Castle, which stands right on the shore of the lake and offers guided tours that tell the story of the region’s rich history.

Lake Gosausee

A little further afield, but still a good distance of around 5 hours from Prague, is another beautiful weekend destination – the Gosauseen Lakes, hidden in the heart of the Austrian Alps. It’s a great place for outdoor adventures of all kinds. Do you fancy diving in the clear water? No problem, you can find your equipment and instructor at one of the several dive centres on the shores of the first lake. Would you like to try ferrata but don’t have much experience? You’re in the best place to try it. The Laserer alpin Klettersteig lightweight ferrata is located right above the lake . The surrounding countryside is literally a hiker’s and climber’s paradise, with trails leading around the lake and up to higher ground with breathtaking views of Dachstein. You can get around all three lakes in 4 hours, with an easy 14 km circuit (even with a stroller). The crystal clear mountain lake, surrounded by steep rock walls and dense forests, offers travellers of all kinds peace and an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In the summer months, Gosausee is ideal for swimming, fishing and the popular paddleboarding. Not far from the lakes, you can visit the picturesque town of Gosau, known for its typical Alpine architecture and rich history of salt mining. Gosausee is simply the perfect place for those looking for a connection between nature, active relaxation and the magical scenery of the Alps.

Lake Wolfgansee

Wolfgangsee, one of Austria’s most famous and, for us, most picturesque lakes, is the ideal destination for a long weekend full of varied experiences and spectacular views. The turquoise lake, surrounded by imposing mountains, offers travellers great opportunities for swimming, sailing, windsurfing and other water sports. Around the Wolfgangsee are picturesque towns that are inviting to explore. We were thrilled with the St. Wolfgangfamous for its historic pilgrimage route and beautiful gothic church. Another town worth exploring is St. Gilgenthe birthplace of Mozart’s mother. St. Gilgen is also an ideal starting point for trips along the surrounding hiking trails. Last but not least, there is the picturesque Strobl, where there is a beautiful trail along the lake with a local sign Bürglstein. We also enjoyed the town’s lakeside promenade, cafes and cosy restaurants. Wolfgangsee and the surrounding area is the perfect place for those looking for a combination of active relaxation, urban fun and natural beauty.

Whether you’re a lover of nature, history, culture or water sports, Austria offers countless opportunities for unforgettable long weekends. From the enchanting Wolfgangsee, to the calm waters of the Attersee and the dramatic scenery of the Gosausee, to the picturesque Mondsee – each of these places has its own unique charm and countless opportunities for an active long weekend.

Are you going to Austria with a motorhome? Then go straight to the article: Camping in Austria with a motorhome.

And if you don’t want to plan anything and just need to pack up and go, check out our 3 ITINERARIES that we’ve tailored for long weekends in Austria.

Still not the right travel nut? 🙄 Then contact us with A TAILOR-MADE ITINERARY. Once you fill out the form, we’ll get in touch with you to arrange exactly the holiday you’re looking for. After all, we also have quite a bit of “under-the-radar” information that we’ve personally driven to all the places to get. This gives us a perfect overview of all the places we mention here, as well as others yet to appear on the site.