Refreshingly different

Lakeside Holidays

A lakeside holiday in Steiermark combines nature, relaxation, and activity – from crystal-clear alpine lakes to warm family-friendly paradises in the south and east.

When summer awakens the senses and everyday life fades into the background, there’s hardly anything more liberating than a plunge into cool, refreshing water. In Steiermark, a lakeside holiday means more than just refreshment: it’s an invitation to slow down and savour true nature.

Whether surrounded by alpine mountain scenery in the Ausseerland Salzkammergut or nestled in the gentle hills of the Oststeiermark, Styrian bathing lakes and lakeside accommodations impress with their variety, quality, and tranquillity. Here you can soak up the sun on a grassy shore, enjoy active moments on a SUP board, or relax on a leisurely boat ride.

Diving, breathing, recharging

What makes a lakeside holiday in Steiermark so special:

Diverse landscapes: From the refreshingly cool Grundlsee, known as the “Styrian Sea,” to the warm Stubenbergsee in the Oststeiermark, the spectrum ranges from alpine to almost Mediterranean.
Crystal-clear water & excellent quality: The lakes’ water quality is tested several times each summer by the health agency AGES, and year after year the results confirm its outstanding purity.
Peace & nature experiences: Hiking trails, protected sunbathing areas, and car-free zones around the lakes create space to breathe – far away from mass tourism.
Family-friendliness & comfort: Many lakes feature shallow shorelines, playgrounds, lidos, and leisure activities – perfect for little explorers.
Culinary delights & regional hospitality: Nearby wine taverns (Buschenschänken), restaurants, and charming accommodations await – ideal for conscious travellers.
Culture meets nature: Many lake regions – such as Ausseerland Salzkammergut – combine swimming fun with cultural highlights like summer concerts and traditional festivals.

Holidays with a lake view

What could be better than waking up to the gentle sparkle of water in the morning – and stepping from your bed straight onto the bathing jetty?

In Steiermark, you’ll find accommodations where the lake isn’t just within sight, but right on your doorstep. From charming family hotels to stylish retreats for discerning guests, these selected lakeside hotels and holiday flats combine natural beauty with comfort and genuine hospitality. Perfect for anyone who wants to fully embrace life by the water.

Lakeside camping holiday

For those who love the element of water, there’s nothing better than pitching a tent or parking a campervan right by the lake. For children, endless hours splashing in the water are pure joy. Water sports enthusiasts will appreciate the wide range of activities – from swimming and kayaking to stand-up paddling. And anyone seeking total tranquillity will find it while relaxing with a fishing rod on the shore.

A particularly cosy atmosphere – from gentle mornings to picturesque sunsets – awaits holidaymakers at Sulmsee, Stubenbergsee, or Röcksee. All three are also located along the Weinland Steiermark Cycle Tour. And here the saying holds true: the early bird catches the worm – book early to secure the best lakeside spots!

Thermenland Camping Fürstenfeld

Camping Murinsel

Ramsau Beach

Camping Olachgut

Gasthof Steinmann

Weinland Camping

Camping am Röcksee

Camping am Badesee

Campingplatz am Erlaufsee

50plus Campingpark Fisching

Im Dörfl - Anno 1873

Schwarzlsee Camping

More than just a lake: the full spectrum of summer bliss

A holiday right on the lake is just the beginning – around Steiermark's waters, you’ll find the full spectrum of that true Sommerfrische feeling, nowadays often called a “coolcation.” For those craving activity, the well-developed cycling and hiking trails are perfect – often with lake views and delicious culinary stopovers along the way.

Add to that charming excursion destinations, cultural gems, and the warm hospitality that has a long tradition in Steiermark. What once began as Sommerfrische has become a lakeside retreat with a lasting sense of relaxation. And for anyone longing for more, this is the place to find it.

Family holidays

Discover more refreshing summer experiences in our magazine!

Hikes near water

Rafting, canyoning & canoe

Book waterside experiences

Whether it’s a relaxing boat trip, a leisurely Plätten breakfast, or a guided canoe tour – around Styria’s lakes you’ll find experiences that make your holiday even more special. Discover what brings you joy – and book directly!

Three-Lakes-Tour

Pleasure in the morning with sparkling wine and... ...

Lake Stubenberg: boat trip

Elecrtic Lake

Plätten breakfast Altaussee boat trip

Schiffahrt mit dem Ausflugsschiff Christina am... ...

Music boat ride in the moonlight

Yodeling course on board

Insect lights Toplitzsee

Fairytale trip on the lake Grundlsee

Plättenpicknick Altaussee boat trip

Dusk with Wine and Snacks

Dinner Cruise "Fish by the Lake"

Round trip with the Ausseer Bradlmusi

Natur wirkt! Durch den Sulm-Dschungel schippern

Tour of the Salza Reservoir

Wine on the water

Shooting star night at the lake Grundlsee

Delicacy trip with music

Plätten Enjoyment Seewiese Altaussee

Plätten Breakfast Boote Salzkammergut Altaussee

moving water - Das Sulm-Abenteuer (5,5 h)

Research vessel

Plätten Enjoyment Boote Salzkammergut Altaussee

Give the gift of Joy

With Steiermark vouchers, it’s easy to give the gift of joy. The vouchers open up a world of possibilities: over 120 culinary partners invite you to indulge, more than 120 accommodation providers offer a place to unwind, and 16 excursion destinations are waiting to be explored.

You have the choice and can...

...customise the voucher online and print it at home right away
...have it sent to you in cheque format worth €20, €50, or €100 (free shipping)
...purchase the voucher in person at the Steiermark Touristik office (St.-Peter-Hauptstraße 243, 8042 Graz) and take it with you

Gift Joy