Hike around Lake Altaussee in Austria
- Anna & Tom
- Jun 4
- 4 min read
Altaussee is a village located in the Austrian province of Styria, in the Ausseerland region. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and lakes, it’s a picturesque destination that's worth visiting in every season.
We spent a long weekend in Altaussee and did a scenic hike around Lake Altaussee. In this post, you'll find all the key info about the circular trail, places to stay, and our personal highlights from the trip.
Table of Contents
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1. About the Region
Lake Altaussee is the largest lake in the area and a popular destination for visitors. The village of Altaussee has a rich history, dating back to Roman times. Today, it's a beloved holiday spot that offers plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, swimming, and boating.
The region is also known for its salt mining and traditional festivals like the famous Narcissus Festival, held each spring. One of the town’s unique landmarks is the "Altaussee Nativity Scene" – one of the largest nativity scenes in the world, displayed each year during Christmas.
2. Trail Facts at a Glance
Here’s a quick overview of the most important info about the circular hike around Lake Altaussee:
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3. Route Description & Food Stops
The hike around Lake Altaussee is roughly 7.5 km long and doable with regular sneakers.
The tour starts in the village center near Hotel Seevilla, where you'll find a paid parking lot with a few spaces. From here, your hike begins and within just a few minutes you’ll reach the lakeshore.
You’ll follow the path at the foot of Mount Loser, walking directly along the water until you reach the northern side of the lake. The trail offers stunning scenery, and you’ll find several benches along the way where you can take a break and soak in the incredible views of the mountains and lake.
About halfway through the loop, you’ll reach the Seewiese – a beautiful lakeside area where you’ll find two cozy restaurants. Depending on the weather, you can either relax in the rustic dining room or enjoy the sunshine outside.
Jagdhaus Seewiese
Jagdhaus Seewiese is a popular and charming spot to take a break – and since 2015, it’s also a bit of a film star! A scene from the James Bond movie Spectre was filmed here, adding a little Hollywood flair to the traditional Austrian vibe.
If you’d rather bring your own picnic instead of dining in, there are also several tables and benches in the area where you can sit down, relax, and enjoy your packed lunch with a lake view.
Jausenstation Seewiese
While it hasn’t made it to the big screen, Jausenstation Seewiese is just as cozy. It was bought a few years ago by the former Red Bull CEO Dietrich Mateschitz and now serves delicious local dishes in a laid-back atmosphere.
4. Boat Ride on Lake Altaussee
If you want to skip part (or all) of the hike, you can hop on a boat and cruise across Lake Altaussee instead. The boat service usually runs from May to October, depending on the weather and demand.
You can book scenic round trips or use the boat as a shuttle to different points around the lake. Tickets are available directly on board.
During the ride, you’ll get to admire the stunning alpine scenery and surrounding peaks. The crew will serve drinks and share interesting stories about the lake and the area’s history.
There’s also a little island called Mittersee, which you can visit by boat. It's perfect for a short walk and soaking in the amazing views.
The boat ride on Lake Altaussee is one of the region’s top attractions and a lovely way to experience the beauty of the lake from a whole new angle.
5. Accommodation in Altaussee Austria
If you want to stay in Altaussee for a few days to fully enjoy the nature and surroundings, we recommend booking one of the nearby hotels or renting one of the many holiday apartments.
Here are some places we’ve put together for you:
6. More Day Trips in and Around Altaussee in Austria
If you’re planning to stay a bit longer in the area, there are plenty of other great day trips to explore nearby:
Loser Panoramic Road: A scenic drive from Altaussee to Loser mountain, offering spectacular views of the mountains and valleys
Salt Worlds Altaussee: Visit the salt mines and learn about the region’s salt mining history
Kammerhof Museum: Showcasing traditional local life and culture
Loser Ski Resort: A variety of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels
Koppental Trail: A beautiful hike through the Koppental valley, known for its unique flora and fauna
Eben Waterfall: An impressive waterfall fed by a small stream, set in breathtaking nature
Ausseerland Cabin Village: A collection of traditional Alpine-style cabins now used as holiday homes
Dachstein Ice Cave: One of Europe’s largest and most fascinating ice caves
Admont Abbey: A Benedictine monastery famous for its baroque architecture and stunning library
Looking for even more cool places to visit in Austria? Here are some of our favorites:
Want to see more insights from our travels? Check out our Instagram channels tom_rbg_ und anna_rbg_. And if you have any questions about the routes, feel free to reach out to us there anytime!
