Walk around Lake Gosausee with the Dachstein opposite

What it is

The Vorderer Gosausee is a mountain lake at the end of the Gosau valley, at 940 m, with the bulk of the Dachstein and its glacier in the background. When the water is still, the glacier is reflected in the lake: it is one of the best-known views in the Salzkammergut. The walk around the lake is 4.2 km on an almost flat path, which the Dachstein Salzkammergut tourist office rates as very easy. It takes an hour without hurrying, is free and can be done with a pushchair and with a dog.

The walk, step by step

1. Start at the Gasthof Gosausee, at the end of the road, next to the car park.
2. Along the left shore. The tourist office recommends starting on that side: that way you walk with the Dachstein in front of you.
3. Under the cliffs. The path passes rock walls and goes through woodland, and reaches a meadow by the water, a good place to rest.
4. The end of the lake. From there a forest track leads to the Hinterer Gosausee, the upper lake, if you want to extend the outing. To continue the loop, keep to the right.
5. The return shore. Clear streams and springs; with luck you will see fire salamanders. You finish back at the Gasthof.

When to go

It can be done from May to October, depending on weather and snow. In winter it is not recommended: there is a risk of avalanches and rockfall, and the path is neither cleared nor secured. Early in the morning, without wind, is when the Dachstein's reflection is best seen and there are fewer people.

Getting there and parking

By car, from the Pass Gschütt junction continue about 7 km to the end of the road. The car park has 516 spaces, two for people with reduced mobility, seven for coaches and a paid electric charging point; the tariff is on the sign at the entrance.

By bus, line 541 runs from Bad Ischl to Gosaumühle, and there the 542 goes up to the lake; the last stop is called Hintertal b. Gosau Gosaukammbahn. From Abtenau, the 470 to Gosau Abzw. Pass Gschütt and change to the 542. On Sundays the buses run on an irregular timetable: check it beforehand.

With children, a pushchair and a dog

It is a flat, short walk suitable for pushchairs. Dogs are welcome; keep yours on a lead where there are people. On the meadow along the way children can play by the water.

Swimming

The tourist office describes the meadow on the path as a place to rest and swim. It is a mountain lake, with cold water: go in gradually and keep an eye on children.

Eating and facilities

At the start is the Gasthof Gosausee, with food and drink. Beside the car park the Gosaukammbahn also leaves, the cable car that climbs the slope of the Gosaukamm; check its season if you want to combine it.

If the weather changes

In a storm, heavy rain or wind, stones and branches can fall: do not stop under the rock walls and respect any closures. In an emergency, the mountain rescue telephone number in Austria is 140.

To round off the day

From Gosau, you can combine the lake with the Hallstatt salt mine or with the Krippenstein cable car in Obertraun.