Hiking around the Gosau lakes - a family excursion in a class of its own

Hiking around the Gosau lakes is also one of my absolute favourites - alongside the Langbathsee circular trail. Nothing stands in the way of a great family outing here!

As you can see from the title, the Gosau lakes are actually one of my favourite places. Of course, you could say that everything gets boring over time or with repeated visits - but not this excursion destination.

Why? On the one hand, it's a great workout, as you would say in modern German, and on the other, it always offers top photo backdrops 🏞️ with a unique (background) atmosphere.

So for walkers, hikers, sports enthusiasts, families and photographers alike, the Gosau lakes are the Place to be!

Today I'll tell you about our trip in the usual way, list a few key dates and at the end of the post you'll find my Komoot route 🛣️ and pictures I took.

I repeat: an absolutely fantastic place that is well worth a visit. ❤️

Directions & parking facilities

Unfortunately, the only way to get there with Shaggy - our dog - is by car. However, Gosau also offers a public transport connection which you can definitely use - in the next section I have installed a plugin so that you can check out the public transport to the Gosau lakes right away. 🚂

🅿️ There are many, many car parks - but that's what you need, because it's really busy here. If you arrive late, you will have to park further down and walk a few metres uphill before the actual hike (on the pavement next to the road). 

This is no problem for early risers, but spontaneous travellers who arrive later can expect full car parks.

Enquire about public transport now

Start and access - Hiking around the Gosau lakes - Details

I can reassure you on one point: even if the car parks are full, the crowds are spread out. Some people only walk around the front lake, others are there because of the Laserer alpine via ferrata here and some people use the Gosaukammbahn to the Zwieslalm. 🚠

We opted for the hike to the rear Lake Gosau.

Starting from the car park, we headed clockwise 🕖 along the front of Lake Gosau (yes - this is the only true and correct direction - all those that start to the right around the lake are simply suspect to me) 🤪. At the end of the lake, you have the option of turning right and going back to the car park, or continuing straight on to the rear Lake Gosau.

If you decide, as we did, to go straight ahead, you can expect around 350 metres in altitude ⛰️ and then a wonderful lake in a gigantic landscape setting. At the end of the lake, you will also find a refreshment stop with a drinking fountain. 🍻

There are many great photo opportunities along the way 📸 or simply moments to savour. Between the front and rear lakes, you will also find the so-called Gosaulacke, which is definitely worth a short detour.

The way back from the rear to the front Lake Gosau is the same. Once you arrive at the front lake, you can now continue the circular route and walk clockwise back to the start.

I recommend planning approx. 5 - 6 hours for the hike if you value breaks, discoveries and photos. Pure walking time would be approx. 4 hours.

Brief key data

• ✅ approx. 14km
• ✅ approx. 350 metres in altitude
• ✅ Duration approx. 4 hours (pure walking time)
• ✅ Suitable for children and dogs
• Suitable for pushchairs (if you have enough strength and stamina)
• ✅ Basic fitness is a prerequisite
• ✅ Season: May - October
• ✅ Enough parking spaces available
• It's best to bring your own snacks
• ⚠️ Attention: Observe the winter closure in winter
• ⚠️ Sturdy shoes and good equipment recommended
• ⚠️ Grazing cattle in the seasonal months

⚠️ ATTENTION: We expressly point out that we accept no liability for accidents or possibly closed trails. Before hiking, check the availability of the trail and reflect on your own fitness.

Can you swim in Lake Gosau?

Of course, you can also swim in Lake Gosau - the swimming spots 🏝️ around the front lake are best suited for this. In addition to swimming, other sports such as fishing, diving and scuba diving are also possible.

The via ferrata mentioned above, for example, is suitable for climbers.

Season and time of year when hiking around the Gosau lakes

Hiking around the Gosau lakes is only permitted and recommended from May to October. In the winter months, the risk of avalanches and falling rocks is far too high to allow hiking. ❄️

Please follow these instructions and plan an excursion to the beautiful Gosau lakes during the official months.

My overall impression of this trip

As you can easily see, this is simply a highlight of the Salzkammergut. There are many ways to enjoy this special place and let it work its magic on you.

The hike is also a great half-day excursion for young and old, for children and dogs and for all other groups who have no problem covering a few metres in altitude. You need a certain level of fitness for the rear lake, but it is usually manageable.

I always use the excursion to take photos and eat my snack, which I would otherwise have eaten at home, in a much cooler place. That's the whole point of hiking, isn't it? - Eating the same food in much cooler places. 🍕❤️

With this in mind, I wish you lots of fun on your next Gosausee tour and look forward to your comments below.

Komoot tour to follow yourself - hiking around the Gosau lakes

Further recommendation:

For all hiking enthusiasts, I can highly recommend the Grünberg & Laudachsee hiking trail. You can find my report here: Grünberg & Laudachsee hiking trail Salzkammergut - Gmunden