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Smooth sailing: Austria’s best boat trips
There's plenty of reasons why Austria’s a fab summer holiday spot, and its boat trips are one of them. Whether you can’t get enough of knockout city views or crave that at-one-with-nature feeling, Austrian lakes and rivers have loads to offer. We’ve rounded up the best boat trips in Austria, so you can find one that matches your vibe.
Lake Zell
Best for: Panoramic views
When in Zell am See, consider sticking a boat trip on your itinerary. It’s got to be the top way to get out on the lake – and one of the best things to do in Zell am See. Take a stroll down to the promenade to catch one of the four boats that set off every hour during the summer. Grab a spot on the classy MS Schmittenhöhe for a relaxed cruise with open-top deck views of alpine meadows and the Hohe Tauern mountains, mirrored in the lake.
Around once a month during the summer, you can treat yourself to a brunch on board and take it all in with a glass of bubbly in hand. Be sure to check if there’s any events coming up during your hols.
Lake Wolfgang
Best for: Ferry hopping
There’s a lot to love about the boat trips on Lake Wolfgang. If you’re keen to tick off multiple places in one go, this is one of Austria’s best lakes to do a spot of ferry hopping. Set sail from St Wolfgang and jump off at one of several stops to have a mooch around the quiet waterside towns of Fürberg and Strobl, or sit tight to take in the stunning mountain views from the water. Another unique perk of this boat trip is the onboard bar, fab for taking a sip and a snack as you sail along.
If you really can’t get enough of the scenery, why not pair your boat trip with a ride on the Schafberg cog railway from St Wolfgang – one of the oldest of Austria’s mountain railways.
There’s a lot to love about the boat trips on Lake Wolfgang. If you’re keen to tick off multiple places in one go, this is one of Austria’s best lakes to do a spot of ferry hopping. Set sail from St Wolfgang and jump off at one of several stops to have a mooch around the quiet waterside towns of Fürberg and Strobl, or sit tight to take in the stunning mountain views from the water. Another unique perk of this boat trip is the onboard bar, fab for taking a sip and a snack as you sail along.
If you really can’t get enough of the scenery, why not pair your boat trip with a ride on the Schafberg cog railway from St Wolfgang – one of the oldest of Austria’s mountain railways.
Salzach River
Best for: City views
See a different side of Salzburg as you glide along the Salzach river. This trip’s an absolute must-do in Salzburg, where you can soak up the city’s rich history and snap pics as you go. You’ll start your journey by the Marko-Feingold-Steg bridge in the Old Town and take in views of the city’s historic centre. The leisurely cruise takes you past countless charming waterside buildings, with mountain peaks dotting the horizon in the background.
The tour stops off at Hellbrunn Pier, where you can step ashore and catch a bus to visit the palace, which film buffs might recognise from The Sound of Music.
See a different side of Salzburg as you glide along the Salzach river. This trip’s an absolute must-do in Salzburg, where you can soak up the city’s rich history and snap pics as you go. You’ll start your journey by the Marko-Feingold-Steg bridge in the Old Town and take in views of the city’s historic centre. The leisurely cruise takes you past countless charming waterside buildings, with mountain peaks dotting the horizon in the background.
The tour stops off at Hellbrunn Pier, where you can step ashore and catch a bus to visit the palace, which film buffs might recognise from The Sound of Music.
Lake Achen
Best for: A natural escape
Tyrol’s biggest lake’s been home to boat trips since 1887. Nowadays, three modern boats sail the length of the lake, like the luxuriously decked out MS Achensee, with marble floors and a banqueting room. But the real star of the show is the scenery – as it always has been.
Hop on from Achensee and head out on deck to take in panoramic views of the Karwendel and Rofan mountain ranges. Known to locals as the Sea of Tyrol, Lake Achen’s just the spot if you want to escape from it all and soak up nature, doing its thing. Plus, you can stop off at Gaisalm to get a taste of the Tyrolean eats at its waterside mountain hut.
Tyrol’s biggest lake’s been home to boat trips since 1887. Nowadays, three modern boats sail the length of the lake, like the luxuriously decked out MS Achensee, with marble floors and a banqueting room. But the real star of the show is the scenery – as it always has been.
Hop on from Achensee and head out on deck to take in panoramic views of the Karwendel and Rofan mountain ranges. Known to locals as the Sea of Tyrol, Lake Achen’s just the spot if you want to escape from it all and soak up nature, doing its thing. Plus, you can stop off at Gaisalm to get a taste of the Tyrolean eats at its waterside mountain hut.
Lake Fuschl
Best for: Authentic charm
Hop aboard the Fuschlerin barge for a laid-back cruise, with a touch of authentic charm. With its cherry red cabin and medieval-style decor, this whimsical boat feels like something out of a storybook. As you drift across the lake, you’ll spot a 15th-century castle – and you’ll want to have your camera ready for shots of the alpine cliffs too.
The barge pauses at a small fishery near the castle, but you can stay put for the return trip. The lakeside walk back to the village takes about an hour and a half, so you may want to keep floating if you’re not feeling super active.
St Gilgen’s a great spot to base yourself if this sounds like your kind of thing. From there, a 20-minute bus ride to Fuschl am See will have you set to step on board.
Hop aboard the Fuschlerin barge for a laid-back cruise, with a touch of authentic charm. With its cherry red cabin and medieval-style decor, this whimsical boat feels like something out of a storybook. As you drift across the lake, you’ll spot a 15th-century castle – and you’ll want to have your camera ready for shots of the alpine cliffs too.
The barge pauses at a small fishery near the castle, but you can stay put for the return trip. The lakeside walk back to the village takes about an hour and a half, so you may want to keep floating if you’re not feeling super active.
St Gilgen’s a great spot to base yourself if this sounds like your kind of thing. From there, a 20-minute bus ride to Fuschl am See will have you set to step on board.
Start planning your holiday to Austria and get ready to set sail. Head to our Lakes & Mountains homepage for loads more inspo.
Author: Charlotte Baldwin
Last updated: 29/08/2024
Author: Charlotte Baldwin
Last updated: 29/08/2024