Located in the heart of Dachstein in the Salzkammergut region, Gosau in Austria stands as a wonderful summer destination. With the summer of 2024 upon us, this picturesque village invites adventurers and tranquility-seekers alike to many wonderful things to do. Embark on journeys through peaceful nature, go hiking, swimming in lake Gosau and enjoy outstanding cultural highlights. We got you!
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Situated at an altitude of 767 meters, Gosau is cradled in a valley surrounded by the majestic Dachstein mountain range. The scenic village boasts a population of just over 2,000 residents, offering a quaint and intimate atmosphere. Summer in Gosau is a time when the lush green meadows bloom with wildflowers, and the clear skies reveal the true splendor of the Alps. The climate in Gosau during summer is ideal for all outdoor activities. With average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C, the weather is neither too hot nor too cold, perfect for hiking, cycling and exploring the great outdoors.
We have visited Gosau in Austria multiple times and even though the village is small, the adventures are endless, we can tell! We always start off our Gosau summer adventure strolling around the village looking at the beautiful, typical austrian houses, listening to the church bells echoing in the valley while we take in the breathtaking views. Take a quiet moment and breaaaath. Now, you are ready to drop your shoulders, take it slow and go explore Gosau and the many great summer adventures.
These are best summer adventures in Gosau for 2024: Visit Gosausee where you will be able to have lovely days swimming, boat rentals or eat at Gosau Lake Restaurant. Gosau is also the perfect summer destination for hiking and outdoor activities and then, you cannot miss the Gosaukammbahn or the summer tour to the Hallstatt.
One of the all time best adventures to do in Gosau in the summer is visiting Gosausee, also known as “Vorderer” Gosausee. Gosausee is a crystal-clear lake mirroring the majestic Dachstein glacier and is a remnant of the last ice age. It is located only a short distance of 8,4 kilometers, or 15 minutes drive, from Gosau.. and the journey from Gosau to Gosausee is nothing short of magical. Gosausee is a wonderful highlight in the region of Salzkammergut and is by the way, also a wonderful centre of many of the best summer activities to do in Gosau.
As you traverse the winding paths from Gosau in course towards Gosausee, each turn offers a new vista more enchanting than the last. The lush greenery of the Gosau Valley peppered with traditional Austrian architecture, creates a picturesque backdrop and is a great experience in itself. If you are more into hiking, you are also able to leave the car in Gosau and go for a hike to Gosausee – we assume it will take around 2-3 hours, a little uphill. Whether you are up for a trek, taking your car or a bike, wonderful summer adventures are waiting for you at Gosausee. We had the most wonderful summer memories from here.
Not only does the beauty of Gosausee invite to the most unreal views and nature experiences. The beauty itself makes it a must-see when in this region of Austria. But, visiting Gosausee does also offer a variety of activities that cater to both nature enthusiasts, outdoor activities and those seeking more relaxation. In the sections below you see some of the top things to do at Gosauseee.
When the summer sun warms the idyllic landscapes of Gosau, Austria, there’s no better way to cool off and enjoy the season than at Gosausee Lake. Take a dip in the alpine waters; bathing in Gosausee Lake is not just a swim; it really is an immersion into pure, unspoiled nature. The lake’s refreshing waters, flanked by the imposing Dachstein mountains, offer a revitalizing escape from the heat and swimming here really works as conditioner to every soul. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just looking for waterfun, the clean turquoise waters of Gosausee welcomes all. So many children and young adult were having fun jumping into the lake from the cliffs, where others were sunbathing and playing at the waterline. All the way around the lake there are small lawns waiting for you to settle down.
Another adventure to make your summer in Gosau the best is renting a small boat and paddleboards at Gosausee. You find the rental company just in front of the restaurant in the one end. We rented a boat for 20 euros for 1 hour and it was so much fun. But, cash only, so remember to bring! Still cannot believe the view with the glacier in the background is even real ?!
One of best things to do in Gosau and when visiting Gosausee is having a lunch at Gasthof Gosausee. This restaurant, which by the way also offer rooms on the first floor, is located just by the beautiful lake in Gosau with a panoramic view to the mountains and glacier. Eating here with this view was just, wow! The restaurant offer a varied menu with up to 70 different dishes which are complemented by a lot of different sundaes and cakes. We noticed a lot of typical Austrian dishes on the menu, but the restaurant is specialized in local fish- and deer specialities and especially famous is their home-made chamois stew prepared according to an old family recipe. We didn’t try it unfortunately, as our tastebuds hungered for a classic cheese toast. Anyway, whether you are hungry or not, you need to visit this place, at least for a coke after a visit to the lake, to really get in this incredible view from the terrance in front of the restaurant under your skin. Aaaand, a coca-cola has never tasted better, to be honest.
Whether you are a hiker, a family or just a traveler looking for adventures in the Dachstein West region, the Gosauhammbahn Gondola is a great summer adventure in Gosau. The cable car offers a comfortable and swift journey to the Zwieselalm, a stunning alpine landscape, making it an ideal starting point for a variety of hiking- for photography adventures. The upward ride itself provides breathtaking 360° panoramic views over the Gosau valley. The views include the majestic Dachstein Glacier and the serene Gosausee, offering an immersive experience in the natural beauty of the Salzkammergut region. The summer season goes from May to November 2024 and it runs daily from 8:15 am. Remember to check the schedule which will soon be updated for the summer season 2024. In there you are also able to buy your tickets in advance. Go have fun!
Not only do you find awesome and interesting hiking trails when you go with the Gosauhammbahn as mentioned above. In general Gosau and Gosausee is the perfect summer destination for hikers on all levels. With trails ranging from easy to challenging treks, there is definetely something for everyone in Gosau. The Gosauhamm Circular hike and the hike to the Ebenalm are popular choices for the more experienced hikers, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Also, Gosau themed hiking trail is a good choice. It is around 9 kilometers and takes around 2,5 hours. The walk around Vorderer Gosausee is around 8 kilometers and easy accesable for everyone, even for those in wheelchairs. We started with a lunch at the Gasthof and then we went around the lake with some pitstops with swimming. Very lovely for days with a slower race!
Remember to pack your hiking boots or at least at good pair of sneakers, snacks and beverages – aaaand your camera to capture the picturesque landscape in Gosau! We recommend you to get inspiration to your hiking trails here.
When visiting Gosau, Austria, a summer day trip to the enchanting village of Hallstatt is an absolute must. Nestled in the Salzkammergut region, just a stone’s throw from Gosau, Hallstatt offers a fairy-tale-like experience that seamlessly complements your Austrian adventure. Not only is Hallstat recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site making it a bucket list destination for all cultural lovers, but also the picturesque setting by the lake, against the dramatic backdrop of the Dachstein mountains, is a visual treat for every traveler. Go for a stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets of Hallstatt, lined with 16th-century Alpine houses and charming cafes. It feels like a journey through time, showcasing all the rich history and culture of another time.
When you feel hunger you will find a lot of different typical austrian cafes and restaurant in many different price categories. Not only does Hallstat offer a cultural summer adventures and culinary delights, but also you have the beautiful mountain lake named Hallstätter See which invites to further refreshing swims on sunny days. Be aware that there can be many tourist in the middle of the day; Hallstat welcome more than half a million visitors every year, so if possible go visit in the late afternoon and evening or early morning. This will give you the most pure experience of Hallstat in Austria near Gosau. To us it felt like being actors in fairytale movie.
Gosau is a wonderful place to spend the summer if you like the outdoors and cultural sights. Whether you are up for having fun at the water at Gosausee, having a lovely lunch with a view, go hiking in the stunning Dachstein mountain or go visit Hallstatt for a cultural day, we hope you get a great time in Gosau for your summer adventures.
If you liked this article and plan to go to Gosau you might also be interested in how to get from Gosau to Hallstatt. And do not hesitate to sign up at the°travelers’club to ask or find any question or answers you might have to Gosau, Hallstat or any other travel related question.
As always you are very welcome to join our new adventures at Instagram where you probably will find further inspiration and helpful tips for your visit to Austria.
Until next time,
Safe Travels
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