Lunzer See (Lake Lunz) – Tips for a perfect day trip

Who doesn’t dream of a day trip that feels like a mini-vacation? Escaping the stress of every day life in a green idyll without having to do without modern amenities. All of this is possible at the charming Lunzer See in Lower Austria, just under 2 hours from Vienna, offering all of this and more.

Whether you want to be active by choosing one of the many hiking routes, or simply relax by the lakeshore or on a boat, Lunzer See has something for everyone. In this article, you’ll not only get to know this mountain lake a little better but also discover what makes it so special and why, for me, it’s a lovely change from the usual day trip destinations.

The relaxed idyll of Lunzer See

Everything at Lunzer See feels slow-paced; I notice this as soon as I arrive. The route is easy to find, and the parking lots are located just a few meters from the water. Yet, there’s no disturbing noise from cars since vehicles cannot freely drive around the lake. The people in the nearby town of Lunz am See and around the lake are friendly and seem relaxed, which immediately rubs off on me as well. The hustle and bustle of the city is far away, and it seems like the small community has not yet been fully touched by it. Mass tourism is nowhere to be found here.

I asked an employee at the local boat rental if it’s always this peaceful here. From his answer, I gathered that while weekends can be a bit busier, it’s still nothing compared to other tourist spots.

Despite the relatively low number of visitors, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort here. From the parking lot, it’s just a short walk to the lake. There, on the western shore of the lake, you’ll find a restaurant, a souvenir shop that also sells ice cream, and a boat rental. A few meters further on the northern shore, there’s also a beach area. But more on the activities in a moment!

MY TIP: Thanks to the boats and boathouses, you can take particularly beautiful photos on the western shore (“Fotopunkt Lunz am See”).

The lake is not only peaceful and relaxing but also simply beautiful. The water is clear and emerald green, and its shores are adorned with lush woods and rustic houses. The surrounding mountains provide a backdrop that is almost kitschy, but no, it’s actually just right. Mountains rise up around the lake, giving the place a sense of being nestled in a protected valley.

Activities at Lunzer See

The activities at Lunzer See can be roughly divided into three categories: boating, swimming and sunbathing, and hiking. In theory, you could have time for all three activities in one day since the lake is quite small. How much time you want to spend on each activity is entirely up to you.

Boating on Lunzer See

At Bootsvermietung Leichtfried (boat rental), you can easily rent a boat to explore the lake on the water. I chose an electric boat, but pedal boats and rowboats are also available. Everything here feels much cozier and less bureaucratic than in Vienna, a welcome change.

For a relaxed lake tour, you should plan about an hour with the electric boat, especially if you want to stop and rest briefly. The boat is slow but sufficient for the small lake. You’ll notice that there are some houses on the northern shore, while the southern side is still very natural with dense forest. Both have their charm, especially since the houses are beautifully rustic and fit perfectly into the area. I spent about 1.5 hours on the water, and thanks to the sunroof, it was quite comfortable even on this sunny summer day.

MY TIP: If you want to jump into the lake from the boat, rent a pedal boat, as swimming from the electric boat is prohibited.

Boat Rental Prices (as of August 2024)
Electric boat: 1/2 hour – 17 €, 1 hour – 23 €
Pedal Boat: 1/2 hour – 12 €, 1 hour – 18 €
Rowboat: 1 hour – 4 €/Person

The boat rental also offers a lake tour (6 € for adults, 4 € for kids) on a larger boat if there’s enough demand. This is recommended especially for groups and/or visitors who just want to relax and not worry about anything during the ride.

Swimming in Lunzer See – Seebad (Beach Area)

After a sunny boat ride, a cool dip in the lake is just what you need. And yes, at Lunzer See, you can really speak of a cool down. The water was about 20°C (68°F) during my visit, and honestly, it felt just as cold. In general, Lunzer See is known for its low water temperature, but it does leave you feeling truly refreshed.

The Seebad is just a few meters from the boat rental. This is mainly a grassy area with several simple access points to the lake. Additionally, the beach area also offers two diving boards, free umbrellas, a ping pong table, and a small snack bar. Certainly one of the easiest ways to experience the coolness of Lunzer See for yourself. Personally, I enjoyed it a lot.

Entry fee Seebad (beach area)
Daypass Adults: 6 €
from 3:00 pm: 4,50 €
from 5:00 pm: 2 €
Day pass for children and teenagers (6-18): 3 €
Children 6 and under: free

Another, and especially free, option for swimming is the public bathing pier on the northeastern shore. From the boat, it looked very inviting, but whether and how much space is available will depend on the specific number of visitors on the day and time. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the Seebad to the pier; by car, you’re faster, but parking is very limited.

From the boat, we also saw people swimming from the wooded southern shore. Certainly a bit more adventurous, but you’ll likely have the place to yourself.

Hiking at and around Lunzer See

The area around Lunzer See also attracts many hikers. It’s no wonder that Lunz am See is called a mountaineering village – understandable with this nature. Depending on your experience and preferences, there are various marked hiking trails, ranging from a lake loop to climbing one of the mountains. The Lake Shore Trail (Seeuferweg) is about 3.5 km (2.2 miles) long and offers a great way to explore different sides of the lake during a 1.5-hour walk. On one side, you walk through greenery, while on the other, you pass idyllic houses and piers that lead into the lake. This trail is not only suitable for beginners but is also advertised as stroller-friendly. Other routes for more experienced hikers lead, for example, to the summit of Maiszinken or to the remote Obersee, and can take over 6 hours. One thing is for sure: There’s something for every hiker’s heart!

A few tips

So, have I convinced you yet? Below are a few tips to make your visit to Lunzer See easier.

Getting to Lunzer See

Lunzer See is located in the Mostviertel region of Lower Austria and is about a 2-hour drive from Vienna or Graz. By public transport, you can reach Lunz am See from Vienna only with multiple transfers, and it takes at least 2.5 hours, but realistically closer to 3 hours. After that, you’ll still need to walk to the lake. Therefore, I’d recommend travelling by car.

Parking at Lunzer See

There are two paid parking lots near the boat rental and beach area. A full day costs 7.50 €, 90 minutes cost 2.50 €, and 3 hours are 5 € (as of summer 2025). You can pay either in cash (note: the machine does not give change), by debit card, or using the EasyPark app. In common navigation apps, you’ll find “Parkplatz Lunzersee” as the first and larger option. The second is located right in front of the Seebad. Either way, you’ll make a good choice.

Dining at Lunzer See

If you don’t bring enough food and drinks from home, there are several options to satisfy your hunger on-site. In the village of Lunz am See, there’s a small, pleasant supermarket that offers all the essentials. I especially recommend the sweet pastries—it’s best to stop here on your way to Lunzer See so you’re well-stocked. At the lake itself, there’s the Seeterrasse next to the boat rental, which has a nice outdoor area right on the water. Additionally, the souvenir shop offers snacks like ice cream. The snack bar at the Seebad sells classic swimming pool food like fries, sausages, or toast.

Lunzer See offers a beautiful idyll where you can truly relax. The place has a certain charm that’s hard to put into words. Everything is very natural, simple, and almost a bit old-fashioned (in a positive way), but that’s exactly what makes it so special. At the same time, you don’t need to take a long hike to this mountain lake, and there’s also food and activities available. It’s this mix, which is becoming increasingly rare these days, that I truly enjoyed!