Top 17 Lakes in Vienna Surroundings

For swimming and a variety of water sports, the Old Danube within Vienna is highly popular, offering clear water for swimming, sailing, and stand-up paddling. Just outside the city, Lake Neufeld (Neufelder See) is known for its crystal-clear water and family-friendly amenities, including diving and boating. The Gerasdorf Bathing Lake and Silver Lake, Kritzendorf also provide excellent spots for a refreshing dip.

Yes, several lakes are ideal for families. Lake Neufeld offers shallow entrances, secure swimming areas, and a large water slide. The Old Danube has public beaches like Gänsehäufel with sunbathing areas and waterslides. The Silver Lake, Kritzendorf and Gerasdorf Bathing Lake are also noted for their family-friendly facilities and bathing opportunities.

The lakes offer diverse outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on extensive paths around Lake Neusiedl and the Wienerwaldsee Dam. Hiking and walking are popular around the Wienerwaldsee Dam and Lake Neufeld. For more specific routes, you can explore options like the 'Mannsworth Round - Danube-Auen National Park' for hiking or the 'Danube Cycle Path - Vienna' for cycling. Find more routes in the Hiking in Vienna Surroundings or Cycling in Vienna Surroundings guides.

The Old Danube is exceptionally accessible by subway, making it a convenient urban oasis. Lake Neusiedl is also reachable by train from Vienna in about an hour, offering a great day trip option without a car.

Lake Neusiedl, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a significant haven for over 340 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers due to its extensive reed beds. The Old Danube Oxbow at Schönau in the Donau-Auen National Park is a tranquil spot known for its pure nature and diverse bird species like swans, egrets, and cranes. The ornamental pond in Mannswörth also allows you to spot turtles and pond fowl.

Yes, the Old Danube is lined with various restaurants and cafés. Near the Hochramalpe Inn by the Lake, you can enjoy regional home cooking and even a boat trip. The Silver Lake, Kritzendorf also features a guesthouse, and the Gerasdorf Bathing Lake has a snack bar.

The lakes are generally best visited during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (May to September), for swimming, water sports, and cycling. This period offers pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities. Some lakes, like the Old Danube, even offer ice skating in winter, depending on conditions.

Absolutely. The Wienerwaldsee Dam is a popular destination for walkers, with well-developed paths around the lake. Lake Neufeld also has paths ideal for hiking. For specific routes, consider the 'Wienerwaldsee Dam – Wienerwaldsee loop from Pressbaum' which is an easy hike. More hiking options can be found in the Hiking in Vienna Surroundings guide.

The Wienerwaldsee Dam, while man-made, offers a peaceful natural setting for cycling and walking in the Vienna Woods. The Silbersee, Kritzendorf is an idyllic bathing lake easily accessible via the Danube Cycle Path, providing a serene environment for relaxation. The ornamental pond in Mannswörth is a small, artificially created foil pond perfect for fishing and recreation.

Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse recreational opportunities, from swimming and water sports to cycling and hiking. The accessibility of many lakes from Vienna, especially the Old Danube, is highly valued. The natural beauty, tranquility, and family-friendly amenities also receive positive feedback, as seen in tips mentioning 'pure nature' and 'beautiful bathing ponds'.

Absolutely. Lake Neusiedl, about an hour from Vienna, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique steppe landscape and exceptional biodiversity, especially for birdlife. It's excellent for water sports like sailing and surfing, and the surrounding region offers extensive cycling paths and wine-tasting opportunities. You can find more information about the lake at visitacity.com.