Gosau Guide

Gosau is a quiet alpine village in Upper Austria’s Salzkammergut valley, best visited for its three mountain lakes—Vorderer Gosausee, Gosaulacke, and Hinterer Gosausee—and the dramatic Dachstein ridge. A full day suffices to explore the village and the first lake, while a second day lets you hike to the other two lakes or linger by the turquoise waters. The most convenient access is by car or seasonal bus from Gmunden or Salzburg; trains do not serve the valley.

Gosau sits at 767 m in a long side valley of the Salzkammergut, within the Gmunden district of Upper Austria. With a population of just under 1,900 (1,853 as of 1 January 2026), the village’s houses are scattered along the Gosaubach stream, offering a tranquil setting that contrasts sharply with the bustling lakeside town of Hallstatt on the Traun shore.

The valley’s crown jewels are its three alpine lakes. The road from Gosau climbs to Vorderer Gosausee, a clear, cold mountain lake that is swim‑worthy for those who enjoy crisp waters. From there, the Dachstein massif looms in the distance, with the Gosaukamm ridge to the west and the Bischofsmütze peak (2,458 m) dominating the skyline. Gosaulacke and Hinterer Gosausee lie further along the same road; reaching them requires a car or a pre‑arranged ride, as the paths become steeper and more exposed.

A single day is enough to wander the village, stroll along the Gosaubach, and visit Vorderer Gosausee if the mountain road is open. A second day allows for a leisurely hike to Gosaulacke and Hinterer Gosausee, or simply to sit by the lakeside and watch the Dachstein wall change colour with the light. For hikers, the trails around the lakes are well marked and take three to four hours round‑trip; a quick 30‑minute bus ride from Gmunden can bring you close to the starting point.

Transport to Gosau is primarily by road. The B 166 runs from Gosauzwang on Hallstätter See, through the village, and over Pass Gschütt toward Abtenau. There is no train service in the valley, so check local bus schedules before traveling, as they vary seasonally. Once in Gosau, the main movement is along the lake road—either by foot or by car—to reach the three lakes.

Nearby routes From Gosau you can easily drive to Hallstatt (≈20 min) for a contrasting lakeside experience, or head toward Salzburg for a broader exploration of the Salzkammergut region. The scenic drive along the Dachstein wall offers panoramic views that are especially striking in early morning or late afternoon light.