The Gosau River (Gosaubach) flows throughout the entire region, connecting several beautiful lakes known as the Gosau Lakes. There’s a small road leading from the central village of the valley, also called Gosau, towards three impressive lakes: Hinteren Gosausee. Surrounding the lakes are mighty mountains with high peaks touching the sky, and vast forests cover most of the valley area.
The Gosau Valley was settled as early as the 13th century by monks who came from Salzburg. The main industry in the area during the Middle Ages was timber felling for construction and heating, as well as salt mining in Hallstatt. Today, the area is mostly engaged in tourism and some agriculture.
Many travelers come to the area throughout the winter to enjoy the large ski resorts in the Dachstein Mountains. In the summer, travelers come to enjoy the lake views and hike in nature.
The Gosau area is relatively central for star trips in Salzburg, Upper Austria, and Styria. If you are planning to visit this area, it is worth considering staying there as a starting point for your trip. You can see a list of recommended accommodations in the Lake District of Austria here.
This is what the spectacular Gosau Lakes area looks like:
Gosau Lakes
South of the village of Gosau, there is a chain of beautiful lakes called the Gosau Lakes (Gosauseen). The first lake is called Vorderer Gosausee, and it is the largest of the lake chain. From it, you can overlook the Western Dachstein Mountains. This is an extraordinary view, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in this area!
The second lake is the flat lake (Gosaulacke), located between the other two lakes. This lake is not always full, and it is mainly fed by melted snow and rainwater. The last lake is the Hinterer Gosausee, and it is further away from the others.
The lake waters are very cold and incredibly clear, and the water quality is like regular drinking water. The lakes are home to fish species typical of this area.
There is a beautiful hiking trail between the lakes. You can start from the Vorderer Gosausee and walk to the Hinterer Gosausee. The beginning of the trail is where the cable car ascends to the peak of Mount Gosaukamm, which overlooks the area. There is a large car park at this spot, and from there, you start the experiential hike.
The walk from the first lake to the second takes about an hour, and from the second lake to the third takes about 50 minutes.
Most of the walk is a moderate ascent. The elevation difference along the trail is about 200 meters. Along the trail, there are two hiker’s huts – Niedere Holzmeisteralm and Hohe Holzmeisteralm – where you can stop and refresh.
The Cable Car Overlooking the Vorderer Gosausee
Near the large Gosau Lake, there is a cable car that allows easy access to the peak of Mount Gosaukamm. From the summit, you can gaze upon the wonderful scenery of the entire area and see the beautiful lakes from above. Additionally, there is a circular hiking trail around the summit.
Operating Hours:
The cable car operates from May 10th to November 2nd, daily starting at 8:15 AM. The cable car departs every 15 minutes.
- May 10th to June 27th: Daily from 8:15 AM to 5:00 PM.
- June 28th to September 7th: Daily from 8:15 AM to 6:00 PM.
- September 10th to November 2nd: Daily from 8:15 AM to 5:00 PM.
Cost (Ascent and Descent):
Prices are for tickets booked in advance through the cable car’s website. Tickets at the ticket office cost 2 Euros more.
- Pensioner: 21.5 Euros
- Adult: 22.6 Euros
- Youth: 20.3 Euros
- Child: 12.4 Euros
For more information on prices and the option to book tickets in advance, visit the cable car’s website here.
Address: Gosau 4, 4824 Gosau
Additional Essential Information for Visiting Gosau Lakes
Live webcams from the location to check weather and visibility.
Address: Gosau
Additional Attractions in the Gosau Area
Gosau is close to several wonderful attractions that you can combine with your trip to this area:
- Abtenau There’s a nice mountain coaster on the summit of Mount Karkogel. It’s a 15-minute drive from Gosau village. Read more information about the mountain coaster here.
- Dachstein Mountain and 5 Fingers Viewing Platform A 25-minute drive from the village. Read more information about all activities on Dachstein Mountain in this area here.
- Hallstatt Village A truly picturesque place. Considered one of the most popular sites in Austria. It’s a 20-minute drive from the village. Read more information about Hallstatt and all recommended activities there here.
- Bad Ischl A royal spa town where Emperor Franz Josef had his summer residence. The town has a luxurious spa. It’s a 30-minute drive from Gosau. Read more information about Bad Ischl and all recommended activities there here.
