Lake Altaussee

Lake Altaussee is a mountain lake in Styria, just a short distance from Hallstatt, but its atmosphere is the exact opposite. While Hallstatt is bursting at the seams during the high season, it’s peaceful here. The lake is roughly 3 kilometers long, surrounded by mountains, and the Loser (1,837 m) towers over its northern shore. The water quality is close to drinking water and remains crystal clear even at the end of summer.

The main highlight is a walk around the entire lake. The loop is 7.5 kilometers long, follows a paved path right by the shore, and takes about 2 hours at a leisurely pace. It’s easy and mostly manageable even with a stroller. Views of the surrounding peaks open up along the entire length, the sheer wall of the Trisselwand drops directly to the water’s surface, and in the distance, you can even spot the glacier on the Dachstein. According to the signs, dogs must be kept on a leash throughout the route. If you don’t have the energy or time for so many kilometers, a shorter walk around the church and part of the lake is also enough.

Even though Altaussee is noticeably quieter than Hallstatt, it’s not a completely hidden gem — during the high season, the lakeside parking lots fill up around noon on weekends, so an early arrival pays off. Additionally, there’s a church right in the village that we’ve written about separately, so make sure to set aside some time for it.

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