# Gosausee

> The Vorderer Gosausee lies at around 940 m in Gosau in Upper Austria and is famous for its view of the Dachstein and its glacier.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/gosausee/

An alpine lake under the Dachstein glaciers, with a flat path around the shore and mirror-like reflections on calm mornings. Park at the lower car park, bring a jacket as it is cooler than in the valley, and allow about two hours for the loop.

The Vorderer Gosausee lies at around 940 m in Gosau in Upper Austria and is famous for its view of the Dachstein and its glacier. Alexander von Humboldt is said to have called it "the Eye of God". A 4.2 km circular path leads around the lake; it is rated very easy and has practically no change in height, taking about an hour to walk. It runs partly through woodland, past steep rock faces and springs and streams where fire salamanders can sometimes be seen. The path is open from May to October; in winter there is a risk of avalanches and rockfall.

The walk starts at the Gasthof Gosausee, where there is a car park with more than 500 spaces. If you want to walk further, you can continue to the Hinterer Gosausee. Come early in the morning, when the lake is usually calm, and bring a jacket, as it is cooler here than in the valley.

- **Nearest town:** Gosau, Austria
- **Category:** Nature & parks
- **GPS:** 47.5313, 13.4979

## Good to know

**Best time to go:** The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

**Getting there:**

- **Austria: Vignette needed for motorways.** Vehicles over 3.5 t need a GO-Box for distance-based tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.

## Sources

- [Gosausee – Salzkammergut](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/erleben/sommer-berge-bikes-seen-und-sehenswertes/oesterreich-poi/detail/201041/gosausee.html)
- [Rund um den Gosausee – Salzkammergut](https://www.salzkammergut.at/bergeseen-e-trail/oesterreich-tour/detail/430000685/rund-um-den-gosausee.html?type=2026)

## Nearby

- [Hallstatt](https://camping-spirit.com/places/hallstatt/) – 12 km
- [Eisriesenwelt](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b14-eisriesenwelt/) – 23 km
- [St. Wolfgang](https://camping-spirit.com/places/st-wolfgang-im-salzkammergut/) – 23 km
- [Hohenwerfen Castle](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b14-hohenwerfen/) – 24 km

## FAQs

### Where is Gosausee?

Gosausee is in Gosau, Austria, at GPS 47.5313, 13.4979. It is about 12 km from Hallstatt.

### Can you camp near Gosausee?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping Klausner-Höll, about 11 km away; within 25 km there are 34 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

### What is there to see near Gosausee?

Places worth a stop nearby: Hallstatt (12 km), Eisriesenwelt (23 km), St. Wolfgang (23 km) and Hohenwerfen Castle (24 km).

### When is the best time to visit Gosausee?

The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)