7 Must-Know Beaches in Austria
Lakeside and urban lidos to hit this summer

If you think beach holidays are only possible in coastal areas, think again. Austria may be landlocked, yet it’s home to some of Central Europe’s most appealing waterside destinations. We invite holidaymakers to swap crowded coastlines for lakeside lidos and secluded swimming spots amidst the Alps. From the warm, turquoise waters of Carinthia's lakes to the alpine beaches of Tirol and SalzburgerLand, Austria offers a great variety of beach escapes.

Relaxing on the shores of Lake Wörthersee, paddleboarding on Lake Achensee, or water skiing at Lake Zell, Austria is proof that a beach holiday doesn't require a sea. Add in urban beaches such as along Vienna's Danube waterfront, and you’ve found a compelling alternative for travellers seeking sun, swimming and relaxation by the water.

Klagenfurt Lido, Lake Wörthersee

Carinthia in Austria’s south has more than 1,200 lakes and Lake Wörthersee ranks high among the best known. The most popular (and largest) lido can be found in Klagenfurt, just minutes from the city centre. Expect a broad sandy beach, large sunbathing lawns (including separate ones for women only), three wooden jetties with panoramic views across the lake and the mountains, beachvolleyball places, restaurants and lakeside cafes, as well as tons of watersports options. Families will love the special kids zones with shallow waters and playgrounds, while the 114 m long water slide is a must-try for all ages. Klagenfurt Lido also hosts major international sporting events such as the Ironman.

Velden Lido, Lake Wörthersee

Also on Lake Wörthersee, Velden Lido sits right next to the centre of Velden, with the city’s cafes, restaurants and shops only minutes away. The mix of turquoise water, elegant waterfront buildings, beach clubs, a casino and waterfront dining gives it a dinstinctive glamorous “Austrian Riviera” feel. Velden Lido feels more like a resort than your typical day-use beach and there’s definitely a “see and be seen” vibe. The setting itself is also stunning – you’re swimming, paddling and sunbathing looking not only at the mountains but also at the famous Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden on the opposite side, one of Austria’s best-known luxury hotels.

St. Gilgen Lido, Lake Wolfgangsee

St. Gilgen in the heart of the Salzkammergut region is hard to beat when it comes to its setting. Lake Wolfgangsee is equally known for its dramatic mountain scenery as ist crystal-clear waters and charming lakeside villages. St. Gilgen Lido is a favourite among locals and guests alike, with large grassy sunbathing areas, a dedicated swimming zone for children, a long jetty, and a lakeside restaurant. The focus here is on swimming and other watersports rather than beach clubs and nightlife. Guests can also hop on a boat straight from the beach and explore the rest of the lake and the surrounding villages.

Buchau Lido, Lake Achensee

Lake Achensee is one of Tirol’s most picturesque swimming waters and for many locals Buchau Lido is the place to be to make the most of it. The water is exceptionally clear and has that deep turquoise alpine look, often compared to a fjord because of the steep mountains. You’ll be swimming or paddling with the dramatic Karwendel mountain in view. What’s more, the lido has a proper beach setup with large sumbathing lawns, a beach bar, jetties, shallow entry areas for kids, walking paths along the lake and SUP and boat rentals nearby, so you can easily make it a whole “beach day”.

Zell am See Lido, Lake Zell

Lake Zell is a stunning all-year-round destination and Zell am See Lido the town’s main beach and summer hotspot. The lido offers incredible views of the surrounding Alps best enjoyed straight from the water, either while swimming, from a boat, a raft or a paddle board. There are large sunbathing lawns, swimming platforms, jetties, a solar heated pool and even an on-site water ski school. The Zell am See Lido is also exceptionally family-friendly, with a giant slide, a toddlers’ pool, a trampoline, and separate swimming areas for the little ones. While the lido is only a stone’s throw away from the town centre, there’s a small restaurant right on the beach for those who prefer to spend the whole day at the water.

Bregenz Lido, Lake Constance

When in Austria’s west, head to Bregenz Lido, a picturesque lake-and-mountain spot offering both direct lake access and pools. Jump in the lake to quickly refresh on a hot day, hire a paddle board, or opt for the 50-m-sports pool for a serious workout session. The lido has extensive sunbathing areas, diving boards, three water slides, sports facilities, and an adventure and kids pool for the youngest guests. One of its main selling points, is its setting: Sitting right at the border of Austria, Switzerland and Germany, guests can marvel at three countries from the lake, as well as a dramatic mountain scenery. Bregenz Lido is in walking distance of the Old Town and the famous Bregenz Festival stage, so you can go sightseeing in the morning and then head straight to the beach after lunch.

Old Danube, Vienna

Vienna might be a buzzling city with more than 2 million people, but that doesn’t mean that locals and visitors have to compromise on the beach vibe. While there are several sand beaches right in the centre along the Danube Canal (Strandbar Hermann being an all-time local favourite), the Old Danube is the place to be for a whole day by the water. There are several lidos along the river, but the most popular one is Gänsehäufl, which has been around since 1907. It spreads across 330,000 m2 and has everything from more than 1 km of natural lake beaches to several pools from sports to kids pool, waterpark facilities, slides, beachvolleyball places and even three tennis courts. Those eager to combine refreshing dips with some exploring can hire boats and paddle boards along the Old Danube.

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