© Photo Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Robert Maybach: Enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear lakes of the Salzkammergut.

Photo Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Robert Maybach: Enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear lakes of the Salzkammergut.

A lady in a white bikini is lying on a yellow air mattress floating in clear water, enjoying the sun. Next to her, a man is submerged in the clear water.

The 16 most beautiful, hidden bathing lakes and river baths

Everyone knows the big lakes in Upper Austria. But where are the cosy spots in Upper Austria for swimming and cooling off? Here we reveal 16 insider tips for summer bathing fun - from crystal-clear mountain lakes and fresh river baths to hidden ponds.

© Photo: Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH./Robert Maybach: Bathing in the lake in the Salzkammergut region in Upper Austria

1. Vorderer and Hinterer Langbathsee, Ebensee

The two lakes are nature reserves and natural jewels with a fantastic mountain panorama.

© Foto Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Robert Maybach: Ein Ort der Erholung und Entspannung - das Naturbad Resilacke im Mühlviertel

Der Naturbadesee Resilacke im Mühlviertel umgeben von Wald und Granitsteinen.

2. Resilacke, Kleinzell

In a former granite quarry.

© Foto Pyhrn-Priel Tourismus GmbH/Florian Lierzer: Wasserspaß am Gleinkersee, Urlaubsregion Pyhrn-Priel

Vier Badegäste fahren in einem Tretboot am türkisfarbenen Gleinkersee. Im Hintergrund Berge und Wald.

3. Gleinkersee, Roßleithen

A natural jewel, surrounded by mountains and forests.

© Andrea Schwarzlmüller

natural bathing beach Winkl

4. Winkl, Obertraun

Beautiful natural bathing area on Lake Hallstättersee.

© Gemeinde Sandl

5. Rosenhof pond, Sandl

Hidden in the greenery.

© Foto: Oberösterreich Tourismus: Heratingersee bei Eggelsberg

Heratingersee bei Eggelsberg

6. Heratingersee, Eggelsberg

The protected lake is located in a moorland area and is one of the warmest bathing lakes in Austria.

© Foto Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Martin Fickert: Blick auf den Rubnerteich am Morgen

Bilck auf den Rubnerteich am Morgen

7. Rubener pond, Liebenau

Hidden natural moor bathing lake next to the Tanner Moor, with tiny bays and cosy spots.

© Ferienregion Traunsee

Offensee Luftaufnahme

8. Offensee, Ebensee

Idyllic mountain lake at the foot of the Totes Gebirge.

9. Rodl-Waldbad, Gramastetten

River bath with dam and sluice gate.

Der idyllische Höllerersee

10. Höllerersee, Haigermoos

In a wooded hollow, one of the warmest lakes.

© FotoGrafik bruno haneder

Klausteich © FotoGrafik bruno haneder

11. Klausteich, St. Georgen/Walde

Romantic pond, not accessible by car.

© Foto Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Stefan Mayerhofer: Erfrischender Badespaß im Gosausee, Salzkammergut

Ein Mädchen in hellblauem Badeanzug plantscht fröhlich im Gosausee. Es springt gerade mit hochgestreckten Armen im Wasser, rundherum spritzt Wasser hoch. Im Hintergrund unscharf der Dachstein, Waldhänge und Felswände. Wenige Wolken am Himmel, Sonnenschein.

12. Gosausee, Gosau

Swimming with a glacier view! This protected mountain lake offers refreshment in high summer.

Weikerlsee Linz_c_Lilium Pictures (4)

13. Weikerlsee, Linz

With bridge, viewing platform and nudist area.

© Marktgemeindeamt Haslach an der Mühl

Kranzling am Morgen

14. River bath Kranzling, Haslach

Natural bath on the Große Mühl.

© Boris Mitterlehner

15. Forest bath, Perg

With Kneipp facility, beach volleyball,...

Fuerberg Waldbad

16. Forest bath Fürberg, Wolfgangsee

Idyllic bathing spot and cliff jumping into the lake.

Further information

Here you can find more information about swimming in Upper Austria that might interest you:

Outdoor pools and swimming lakes

Water temperatures

Spas in Upper Austria