Best Swimming Lakes near Salzburg
published on July 3, 2025
Lake today or lake tomorrow ?
With temperatures rising fast, that’s the only question on our minds right now. Because let’s be honest: summer in Salzburg is basically a never-ending search for the best swimming lakes near Salzburg.
First things first – all these lakes have paid swimming areas with facilities like toilets, cafés, piers, and changing rooms. But if you’re feeling thrifty or just want a quiet corner to yourself, there’s almost always a way to swim for free. The trick? Ask around or check with locals. These little entry spots might not have sunbathing lawns or kiosks, but they make up for it with their wild, natural charm.
Fuschlsee
❄️ crisp turquoise vibes that wake you up.
Take Fuschlsee, for example. She’s the turquoise heartbreaker with more swimming options than you’d think, both paid and free. For an official free spot, check out the public Strandbad right in Fuschl village – no entry fee, just pure clear water and mountain views. But honestly, our favourite is the Naturstrandbad in Hof. It’s paid, but that long wooden platform stretching into the lake makes you feel like you’re walking straight into a holiday postcard.
Mondsee
🌤 refreshing but comfy.
Then there’s Mondsee, Salzburg’s unofficial beach holiday. Warm (ish) water, mountain views, and a promenade lined with ice cream stands just waiting for your post-swim strut. The main Strandbad is paid, but if you’re looking for free swimming spots with facilities, check out Badeplatz Tiefgraben, Badeplatz Schwarzindien, and Badeplatz Plomberg. All three have toilets, nearby restaurants, and offer that classic Mondsee vibe without the entry fee.
Mattsee
🌞 warm and dreamy, perfect for floating.
Mattsee is for those days when you want to float endlessly without freezing your toes off. It’s one of the warmest lakes around, perfect for paddleboarding and sunset swims that turn the horizon gold. The main Strandbad Mattsee is paid, but honestly great for families – huge grassy areas, a big swimming zone, great burgers, and plenty of space for everyone.
Obertrumer See
🌞 mellow and easygoing.
And then Obertrumer See, Mattsee’s laidback sibling. Less touristy, more local, and full of quiet places where you can swim without an audience. Think reeds, ducks, and enough space to practise your best mermaid dive in peace. There are lots of free swimming spots here, but you’ll definitely have to ask a local for directions – they’re the classic park-and-jump kind of places with no signs, just a narrow path through the reeds and straight into the water.
Hintersee
🥶 alpine cold plunge queen.
If you’re craving mountain views while you swim, Hintersee is your spot. Small, clear, and surrounded by peaks, it feels like you’ve wandered into an alpine postcard. There are plenty of free swimming areas here, including Badeplatz Hirschpoint, which offers amenities, is kid-friendly, and easily accessible – perfect for a chilled family day out in the mountains.
Wallersee
🔥practically a summer bathtub.
Don’t forget Wallersee, the sociable one. Warmer water, wide grass banks, and a family vibe with playgrounds, volleyball courts, and a lively café scene. The Strandbad in Seekirchen is actually free, with a kiosk, playground, and volleyball court. Strandbad Henndorf is also a great option for a chilled summer day that doesn’t break the bank.
Salzachsee
🔥very warm, super kid-friendly, not the prettiest but perfect for a quick city swim.
Salzachsee, It’s not exactly alpine turquoise or framed by dramatic peaks, but what it lacks in scenic vibes it makes up for in pure practicality. Just a quick tram or bike ride from the city centre, Salzachsee is the ultimate kid-friendly swimming spot warm water, shallow entry, playgrounds, and even a small kiosk for those essential post-swim ice creams. and free entry - a city dream.
Wolfgangsee
And finally Wolfgangsee, the classy one. Blue-green water, old villas, and mountains that frame your paddle yoga perfectly. Waldbad Fürberg is our favourite, with its peaceful forest backdrop and long wooden piers stretching into the lake – but it’s paid. Luckily, there are plenty of free options too, like Badeplatz Franzosenschanze, the Strandbad in St. Gilgen (which also serves a great burger), and Badeplatz Bacherlwiese in St. Wolfgang. Each offers that iconic Wolfgangsee view without denting your wallet. Plus, Wolfgangsee is full of hidden paradisiacal adventures, so take some time to research if you’re up for discovering a few secret spots.
As always, be respectful of private property, take your garbage with you, and be mindful of the environment. These lakes have been here for thousands of years – let’s keep them magical for thousands more.
So yes, Salzburg is about to melt. But lucky for you, there’s always a lake near Salzburg waiting to cool you down, clear your mind, and remind you that summer here isn’t just a season – it’s a lifestyle.
