Spa facilities, lake views, hearty Austrian cooking and a cozy atmosphere; all this and so much more is at hand when you stay in luxury accommodation on any one of Austria’s gorgeous lakes. On Lake Constance you will have access to Southern Germany and Switzerland, while Wörthersee and Ossiacher See are located high in the stunning Austrian Alps with access to winter sports and summer activities making them an idyllic location for a lake hotel in Austria no matter when you plan your escape.

Lake Hotels in Austria: Escapio’s Picks for the Most Romantic & Active Escapes in the Alpine Lakes of Austria

Lake Constance: Bliss on the Swabian Sea

This stunning 63-kilometer lake straddles Germany, Switzerland and Austria, making it a truly one-of-a-kind location for visitors wanting to get out and explore. The third largest lake in Europe, Lake Constance will charm you with morning sunrises over the Alps, hikes ending in sublime vantage points and fairytale towns boasting Benedictine monasteries and medieval castles. Lake hotels on Austria’s shoreline are a stone’s throw from both the border with Germany and Switzerland, and therefore is one of the best locations in the world to visit all three countries in a single day. The largest city on Constance’s Austrian shore is Bregenz. A lake hotel here offers plenty to do and see. Start by getting your bearings with ride on the Pfänderbahn to the top of Pfänder Mountain which offers gorgeous views over the city and lake, and serves as a fantastic ski resort in winter. For hiking, nothing beats the heart-stopping moments found at the Dachstein Glacier – those with a fear of heights might want to skip this one, or just go and enjoy the Ice Palace found deep inside the glacier itself! Every year the Bregenz Festival attracts around 200,000 visitors to this nature-rich location for a whole month of music, art and opera on the lakeshore. The event has been running for over 70 years and is a huge part of life in Bregenz.

Combine Lake Hotels in Austria with an Activity Rich Vacation

In winter, visitors to lake hotels in Austria flock to the country’s various bodies of water for their access to exceptional ski facilities in winter, and hiking and swimming opportunities in summer. In the east, Ossiacher See is a compact lake providing everything you need for a quiet and active vacation. A loop of the whole lake by bike only takes a couple of hours and is suitable for all experience levels. Bikes and E-bikes can be rented from various points on and around the lake. Ossiach Abbey – a charming 10th century Benedictine Monastery – hosts the annual Carinthian Summer Music Festival devoted to classical music for a month during summer. Another lovely location for a 5-star hotel in Austria is Wörthersee and the city of Klagenfurt. The area is a popular summer vacation spot thanks to the cool clear Alpine waters of the lake and the abundance of activities, including boat trips and water sports. The nearest major city is Klagenfurt, a historic area packed with trendy bars and cool boutiques alongside Renaissance architecture. For little ones, Minimundus – a miniature park with models of famous landmarks – is a great day out, followed by a trip to the top of the Pyramidenkogel, which provides sweeping views over the region.

Salzburg & Vienna: Combine a Lakeside Retreat with an Exploration of Austria’s Glamorous Cities

If you have organized a lake hotel in Austria on the lakes around Salzburg, then a visit to this beautiful city should also factor into your stay. Salzburger Land is gifted with several gorgeous Alpine lakes ideal for a hotel stay; these include Fuschlsee, Wolfgangsee and Hallstätter See. Retreats here are found in medieval villages’ right on the water surrounded by the majesty of the Alps. Hallstatt’s gorgeous old town and market square is particularly romantic. Before you explore the nearby lakes, take advantage of hotels in Salzburg. The city is the location of several historic fortresses including Hohensalzburg. This fortress was built in 1077 and looks out over the city – a permanent fixture in its skyline. Salzburg is also the birthplace of Mozart, and movie fans will adore the opportunity to discover the filming locations of the classic 1965 movie The Sound of Music on an official tour. Visitors seeking an idyllic lake hotel in Austria are also able to combine their adventure with a stay in the country’s capital, Vienna. An hour from the city is Lake Neusiedl and the Seewinkel National Park. The lowest point in Austria, Lake Neuseidl delights locals in summer who flock to its shores to swim, sail and windsurf on the warm water. Only an hour from Vienna, Austria’s capital is yours to explore. Discover the majesty of the city’s Imperial Palaces, art museums and the Ringstrasse – a vast boulevard that serves as one of Vienna’s best-known sites. No matter which lake hotel you choose, Austria’s mountains, cities and lakes will leave you breathless.