Lake Gosau

Gosau, Oberösterreich, Österreich

pets allowed

Gosau
4824 Gosau

water report

Report dated:

03.09.2026 - 08:00 o’clock

Water temperature:

16°

The Lake Gosau is a small mountain lake, embedded in beautiful nature with a view of the Dachstein!

One of the region’s most famous photo spots

This small mountain lake, which is a protected nature reserve , is characterized by very cold, clear water of drinking-water quality.

Lake Gosau provides the ideal habitat for numerous fish species.

Lake Gosau stretches out at the foot of the Salzkammergut’s highest mountain. Even the world-traveling naturalist Alexander Freiherr von Humboldt, deeply impressed and overwhelmed by Lake Gosau—this crowning glory of the valley situated directly before the mighty walls and peaks of the Dachstein—described it as “the Eye of God.”

Note on the water level: Lake Gosau was dammed in 1913 and has since been used as a reservoir for energy generation as well as a flood control basin. Every fall, the water level is lowered to its original level. In the spring, the lake is refilled by rainwater, meltwater, and additional water pumped in, and usually reaches its highest level between mid-June and late June.

Experience a 360° panoramic tour through the Gosau Valley…

Please note: The loop trail around the Vorderen Gosausee runs through alpine terrain. Therefore, pay attention to current weather conditions and hike the trail only when conditions are safe.
During thunderstorms, heavy rain, or storms, there is a significantly increased risk of rock and boulder falls, as well as falling branches or tree parts. If weather conditions warrant it, you should turn back or avoid using the trail.
Even in winter and spring, avalanches as well as freezing and thawing cycles can increase the risk of rockfalls and boulder falls. Snow, ice, and icy trail sections can further compromise safe travel. There is no snow removal service.
Pass through the marked danger zones quickly and without lingering. In particular, do not stop beneath rock faces, and be sure to observe any barriers in place.

Contact

Lake Gosau

Gosau
4824 Gosau

+43 6132 26909 - 400
gosau@salzkammergut.at

https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/

You can also visit us on

Contact person

Tourismusverband Inneres Salzkammergut
Gosauseestraße 5
4824 Gosau

+43 6132 26909 - 400
gosau@salzkammergut.at
www.dachstein-salzkammergut.at

Legal contact information

Gosau
AT-4824 Gosau
gosau@salzkammergut.at
http://www.dachstein-salzkammergut.at

Opening hours

Lake Gosau can be visited all year round.
The circular hiking trail is accessible from May to October.

always open (24/7)
opened daily
open to the public

Arrival

Elevation

937 m

Accessibility / arrival

by car
from Salzburg:
Motorway exit Golling via B162 Abtenau and B166 to Gosau

from Linz:
Motorway exit Regau on Salzkammergut street B145 towards Gmunden and Bad Ischl to Bad Goisern, in Bad Goisern turn right onto B166, at the Gosaumühle junction turn right towards Gosau

from Vienna/Graz:
Motorway exit Liezen on the B320, in Trautenfels turn on Salzkammergut street B145 to Bad Aussee, turn on Koppen street through Obertraun and Hallstatt, at the Gosaumühle junction turn left towards Gosau

from Villach:
Tauern motorway to exit “Eben im Pongau”, via the B166 Pass Gschütt federal road to Gosau

by train
Attnang-Puchheim - Steinach-Irdning lines
Arrival by train in "Steeg / Gosau" then continue with bus 541/542 in the direction Gosausee

By bus
Bus 470 (Abtenau - Gosau) direction Gosau, stop Gosau Abzw. Pass Gschütt
Bus 541/542 (Bad Ischl - Gosausee) direction Gosausee, stops Haltestelle: Gosau Klaushof, Gosau Bärnausiedlung, Gosau Ressenbachweg, Gosau Vordertal B166, Gosau Ramsau B166, Gosau, Gemeindeamt, Abzw. Pass Gschütt, Hauptstraße, Gosau Wirtsweg, Gosau Leitenweg, Gosau Schüttmannweg, Mittertal b. Gosau Ort, Mittertal, Hornspitzlift, Hintertal b. Gosau Falmbach, Hintertal b. Gosau Mühlradl, Hintertal b. Gosau Ort, Hintertal b. Gosau Madlgasse, Hintertal b. Gosau Schmiedweg, Hintertal b. Gosau Freilichtmuseum,Hintertal b. Gosau Zwieselalmbahn (Panoramajet), Hintertal b. Gosau Gosaukammbahn

Detailed information on the respective train and bus times can be found at https://www.oebb.at/en/ (train) and https://www.postbus.at/en(bus).