Gosausee

We return to the Gosauseen Lakes regularly, whether for the easy and fun ferrata over the lake or for a very nice hike around the lakes. They are kind of hidden in the mountains and surrounded by forests. Not many tourists head here, so you can enjoy a quiet walk, a swim in the lake, (if you don’t mind really cold water) and most of all, the divine views of the Dachstein glacier. The lake itself is also a great spot for diving. If you’re tempted you don’t need your own equipment, there are rentals right next to the parking lot.

The walk around all three mountain lakes takes about 4 hours (depending on how often you enjoy it) and you can do it even with a stroller. The last and furthest lake, Hinterer Gosausee, is slightly uphill and you can expect a total elevation gain of about 460 m. However, at the end of the trail you will be rewarded with a waterfall. Its strength is influenced by the melting of the Dachstein ice, so it varies depending on the season. The entire circuit from the first lake Vorderer Gosausee is at 14 km. You can shorten the circuit and walk only along the first lake – i.e. 5 km. Along the way you will come face to face with cowbirds, so we recommend looking underfoot especially in the meadows (cowbirds everywhere).

You won’t come across a mountain hut with food along the way, so we recommend a snack and especially a drink in your pack. There’s a guesthouse with a restaurant by the parking lot, where you’ll find a cold one when it’s steamy or a warm soup when the rain catches you. Just expect a high altitude surcharge. There are 5 car parks in total and all are free. Only the highest one for 130 cars is time-limited to 3 hours.

Would you like to add this place to your trip plan?

We’ll be happy to create a personalized itinerary.