Gosausee at a glance
The Vorderer Gosausee, the front lake, lies at 933 metres in the Gosau valley. It is about 1.8 kilometres long and 82 metres deep. Behind it rise the Gosaukamm and the Dachstein glacier, so the view across the water to the rock walls is the reason most people come.
Most people visit as a second-day trip from Hallstatt. The lake is quieter than the village, the path is easy, and you can add a cable car ride if the weather is good. A second, higher lake, the Hinterer Gosausee, lies further up the valley for those who want a longer walk.
How to get to Gosausee from Hallstatt
By car it is straightforward. By bus you change once, so check the timetable before you set off.
| Option | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Car | About 30 min | The road from Gosau to the lake is about 8 km. Parking is paid at all car parks. |
| Bus from Hallstatt | About 30 min on the last leg | Change at Gosaumühle to bus 542 for the lake. |
| Bus from Bad Ischl | – | Buses 541 and 542 run via Bad Goisern and Steeg-Gosau to the lake. |
| Frequency of bus 542 | – | Roughly hourly on weekdays, about twice an hour at weekends. |
Rail works on the Salzkammergut line mean replacement buses between Attnang-Puchheim and Bad Ischl or Steeg-Gosau until 1 November 2026. If you come by train, check the ÖBB timetable first. In icy conditions bus 542 does not run up to the lake. Our guide on getting to Hallstatt covers the wider network.
Gosausee and Dachstein tours
Guided trips to the lakes and mountains around Hallstatt, with live prices and availability.
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The Gosausee lake walk
The path around the front lake is about 4 kilometres long. Other sources give 4.4 or 4.5 kilometres, so treat the figure as approximate. Allow 1 to 1.5 hours at an easy pace, longer if you stop for photos. The surface is well built and suitable for prams, and the gradient is gentle.
Check the weather before you go. The Dachstein glacier only shows on a clear day, and rain is common in the Salzkammergut, even in summer.
The Hinterer Gosausee is further up the valley. Plan on roughly 1.5 to 2 hours of walking from the front lake to reach it, depending on the source you read. That makes it a half-day trip, not an add-on.
Gosaukammbahn: prices and times 2026
The cable car runs from the lake up to the Zwieselalm, a walking area in the Dachstein West region. Prices below are for the 2026 summer season, from dachstein.at.
| Ticket | Adult | Youth | Child | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Return | €24.50 | €22.10 | €13.50 | €23.30 |
| Single (up or down) | €17.20 | €15.40 | €9.40 | €16.30 |
| Family, 2 adults + 2 children | €69.20 | – | – | – |
The season runs from 9 May to 1 November 2026. Cabins depart every 15 minutes. Operation is from 8:15 to 17:00 until 3 July and from 14 September, and from 8:15 to 18:00 between 4 July and 13 September. Free loan prams are available at the top station.
Gosausee parking
Since summer 2024 every car park at the lake charges a fee. Sources give different tariffs, so we do not quote exact rates. A day ticket costs roughly 10 to 15 € (2026), depending on the car park and how long you stay. Parking is barrier-free in 2026: cameras read your plate and you pay online, via a parking app or at a machine.
- Overnight: parking is not allowed between 23:00 and 4:00.
- Busy days: arrive early at weekends in July and August.
- No car: the bus stops at the lake, so you can skip parking entirely.
When to visit
Gosausee works in all seasons, but the cable car and some buses follow a calendar.
Summer
The walk, the cable car and the bus are all running. Rain is common in the Salzkammergut even in July, so keep the day flexible.
Autumn
The water was around 14 °C on average on 16 October 2026. The Gosaukammbahn closes for the season on 1 November.
Winter
The Dachstein West ski area in Gosau is due to open at Advent, on 4 December 2026, if there is snow.
Bad weather
If the Dachstein is hidden, the lake walk is still pleasant. For a rainy day, look at the salt mine instead.
Combine Gosausee with other trips
One lake is not a full day for everyone. These pair well with it.
Things to do in Hallstatt
The Bone House, the market square and the viewpoints, for the other half of the day.
Dachstein Krippenstein
Cable car, ice cave and the 5fingers platform on the other side of the massif.
Bad Ischl
The imperial spa town, linked to the Gosau valley by buses 541 and 542.
Gosausee: frequently asked questions
How long is the walk around Gosausee?
About 4 kilometres, which takes 1 to 1.5 hours. Some sources give 4.4 to 4.5 kilometres. The path is easy and well built, and suitable for prams.
How far is Gosausee from Hallstatt?
About 30 minutes by car. By bus you change at Gosaumühle to line 542 for the last stretch to the lake.
Is parking at Gosausee free?
No. All car parks charge since summer 2024. Expect roughly 10 to 15 € for a day ticket in 2026, depending on the car park.
How much does the Gosaukammbahn cost?
A return ticket is €24.50 for adults in the 2026 summer season. Youth pay €22.10, children €13.50 and seniors €23.30. The cable car runs from 9 May to 1 November 2026.
Can I swim in Gosausee?
The water is cold. It averaged around 14 °C on 16 October 2026. Check local signs for rules before you swim.
Is Gosausee worth it in autumn?
Yes, if you go before 1 November, when the cable car still runs. After that the lake itself stays open, but the cable car is closed for the season.