Adventures on Rivers and Lakes in Austria

Swimming is by no means the one and only way to cool yourself off in Austria. In fact, there are a lot of unexpected aquatic adventures to be experienced at our rivers and lakes.

Often amidst stunning alpine landscapes, Austria's lakes are beloved for their drink water quality and beauty. A fresh breeze and postcard-perfect views come as a bonus when taking a boat trip. Water sports are for the more adventurous: Austria's numerous streams and rivers are among the cleanest in Europe, and "wild swimming" is possible in many. If you'd rather paddle, dive or kitesurf, read on.

Rafting, canyoning and river bugging in Zillertal

Tirol's Zillertal is a popular summer hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts, including those drawn to the water. And rafting proofs especially popular. Together with an experienced guide, beginners and pros paddle through rapids and master the stately waters of the Ziller and Inn River. Seeking more of thrills adventure? Try the extreme version power rafting.

Canyoning guides take adventurers to gorges, waterfalls and natural whirlpools, with both family-friendly and more adrenaline-focused tours available. Fans of the later will also love river bugging, a fun white-water activity where guests navigate a stretch of river in individual small inflatable crafts with an inflatable tube at each side.

Wild water tubing and rafting in St. Johann in Tirol

St. Johann in Tirol and its neighbouring villages Oberndorf, Kirchdorf and Erpfendorf are a fun hub for the whole family, adrenaline activities included. One of the most popular summer sports is wild water tubing, also known as wild water swimming, a thrilling combination of climbing, swimming and cliff jumping. Experienced guides take guests to the Klobenstein gorge, referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Tirol” by the locals.

River and wild water rafting are equally popular, with the raft ride from Kirchdorf in Tirol through the wild and romantic Klobenstein gorge to Schleching in Bavaria a long time favourite. High waves and currents challenge both body and mind.

Wreck diving at Lake Attersee in Upper Austria

Imagine going diving, but instead of finding corals, you come across a wooden outhouse with a heart door, a bathtub, and an Austrian car from the 1930s. At Lake Attersee, those who don an oxygen tank can marvel at prehistoric lake dwellings (a UNESCO World Heritage Site!) - complete with underwater information boards just like in a museum – as well as all kinds of curiosities. There’s even a submarine to explore. It doesn’t date back to wartime, however, but was built in the 1990s by a private inventor and later sank after its owner left it swimming in the lake.

For those a little less adventurous, SUPs, water skis and boats can be rented all around the lake. Alternatively, just enjoy a swim in one of Austria’s most popular lakes.

Kitesurfing at Lake Neusiedler See in Burgenland

The combo of surfing and sailing looks spectacular. Kitesurfers stand on a board and let the "kite," a sail, pull them, or they steer with the help of the kite. When there is a lot of wind, it can happen that the surfers really take off and fly for a short distance. Scenes like these can often be witnessed at Lake Neusiedler See. With an average water depth of just 1,5 m, the lake is an ideal training location. Beginners can stand in the water throughout the entire lake, making it way easier to practice, while experienced surfers appreciate the perfect wind conditions. To everyone’s delight, the region has around 300 sunny days per year.

The numerous kitesurfing schools at Lake Neusiedller See offer taster courses as well as training that lasts several days.

Rafting on wild waters in SalzburgerLand

In Lofer, SalzburgerLand, the Saalach River is wild and impetuous, just right for rafting trips. Beginners get an introduction about all things paddling before getting into the boat and out onto the waters. Equipped with a neoprene suit, shoes, helmet and life jacket everyone then climbs aboard the big inflatable boat, riding the waves on the Saalach, through rapids and past boulders. With a paddle and physical effort each and every person in the boat contributes to staying on course.

There are various rafting tours to choose from, all starting in Lofer. For the beginner tours, children from the age of six are also welcome on board, provided they can swim. The packages include return transfers to the the starting point.

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