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Gosauseen: Alpine Lakes of Dachstein

Discover Gosauseen, a breathtaking alpine escape in Austria's Salzkammergut, offering stunning lake views, hiking, and a connection with nature.

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Gosauseen, a trio of stunning alpine lakes nestled in Austria's Salzkammergut region, offer breathtaking views of the Dachstein Mountains. Vorderer Gosausee, the most accessible, boasts turquoise waters reflecting the glacier peaks, while hiking trails lead to the more secluded Hinterer Gosausee and the ephemeral Gosaulacke.

A brief summary to Gosauseen

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Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to enjoy the tranquility and capture stunning sunrise photos.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy by the lakeside for a serene experience.
  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes if you plan to explore the surrounding trails.
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
  • Bring your camera—every angle at Gosauseen offers a picture-perfect moment.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From the village of Gosau, follow the Gosausee Bezirksstraße towards Gosausee. The road winds through a scenic valley, offering glimpses of the Dachstein mountains. Continue until you reach the large parking area (Parkplatz Vorderer Gosausee) near the lake. Parking costs €4 per day.

  • Public Transport

    From Bad Ischl, take bus 541 directly to the Hintertal b. Gosau Vorderer Gosausee (also known as Hintertal b. Gosau Gosaukammbahn) bus stop. The bus stop is a 5-minute walk to the lake. The bus ride takes approximately 1 hour. From Hallstatt, take bus 544 followed by bus 541 to reach Gosausee; the journey takes about 55-60 minutes. A single bus ticket costs between €3-€5.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Gosau area, you can hike to Gosauseen from the village. The trail starts at the Gosau village center. Follow the signs for 'Gosauseen' and enjoy a scenic hike that takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Make sure to wear appropriate footwear and bring water.

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Discover more about Gosauseen

Gosauseen, also known as the Gosau Lakes, is the collective name for three alpine lakes in the Salzkammergut region of Austria: Vorderer Gosausee, Gosaulacke, and Hinterer Gosausee. Cradled by the Dachstein Mountains, these lakes offer a blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities. Vorderer Gosausee, often called Lake Gosau, is the largest and most accessible. Its turquoise-green waters mirror the Dachstein range, creating a captivating panorama. The lake is popular among families, hikers, and photographers. A relatively flat, well-maintained path loops around Vorderer Gosausee, making it suitable for strollers. The Gosaulacke, the smallest of the three lakes, is a karst spring lake that only fills during heavy snowmelt or rainfall. At other times, it may be completely dry. Hinterer Gosausee offers a more tranquil experience. The hike to Hinterer Gosausee follows a mountain stream, passing waterfalls and offering views of the surrounding peaks. The Holzmeisteralm mountain hut provides a place to rest and enjoy traditional Austrian food. The Gosau Valley has a rich geological history, carved by glaciers during the ice age. The surrounding mountains are composed of Dachstein limestone, formed over 200 million years ago. The Gosau Valley was settled in the 13th century, with lumberjacks playing a vital role. Today, Gosauseen is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

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