Gosausee
Gosau, Austria
An alpine lake under the Dachstein glaciers, with a flat path around the shore and mirror-like reflections on calm mornings. Park at the lower car park, bring a jacket as it is cooler than in the valley, and allow about two hours for the loop.
The Vorderer Gosausee lies at around 940 m in Gosau in Upper Austria and is famous for its view of the Dachstein and its glacier. Alexander von Humboldt is said to have called it "the Eye of God". A 4.2 km circular path leads around the lake; it is rated very easy and has practically no change in height, taking about an hour to walk. It runs partly through woodland, past steep rock faces and springs and streams where fire salamanders can sometimes be seen. The path is open from May to October; in winter there is a risk of avalanches and rockfall.
The walk starts at the Gasthof Gosausee, where there is a car park with more than 500 spaces. If you want to walk further, you can continue to the Hinterer Gosausee. Come early in the morning, when the lake is usually calm, and bring a jacket, as it is cooler here than in the valley.
- Nearest town
- Gosau, Austria
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 47.5313, 13.4979
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Austria: Vignette needed for motorways. Vehicles over 3.5 t need a GO-Box for distance-based tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping Klausner-HöllCampsite11 km from GosauseeTentsCaravansElectricityWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping DachsteinCampsite13 km from GosauseeTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Ennspark coworking StellplatzMotorhome stopover18 km from GosauseeMotorhomesDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Wohnmobilstellplatz KellerbauerMotorhome stopover19 km from GosauseeMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- CampbertCampsite21 km from Gosausee · 23 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping TemelCampsite23 km from GosauseeTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalNo dogsWi-Fi
All campsites in Austria · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Gosausee?
Gosausee is in Gosau, Austria, at GPS 47.5313, 13.4979. It is about 12 km from Hallstatt.
Can you camp near Gosausee?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping Klausner-Höll, about 11 km away; within 25 km there are 34 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Gosausee?
Places worth a stop nearby: Hallstatt (12 km), Eisriesenwelt (23 km), St. Wolfgang (23 km) and Hohenwerfen Castle (24 km).
When is the best time to visit Gosausee?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)