Best Sailing Resorts in Austria

This stunning lakeside town is surrounded by rolling hills and pine forests in Austria’s beautiful Salzkammergut region. The lake itself is said to be one of the cleanest in Austria, and you can tell – the amazing aquamarine water is crystal clear. The area’s great for rambling and cycling – if it’s sunny, hire a rowing boat or pedalo for a day on the lake.

Kaprun is classically Austrian with wooden chalets and an imposing castle and the surrounding pine forests and pastures are ideal for enjoying the open air. You’ll find a fantastic range of cycling routes from short, gentle jaunts to challenging mountain descents and hiking and walking trails will guide you past Salzberg’s iconic rugged mountains, reservoirs and the glittering Lake Zeller.

It’s easy to fall in love with Zell am See (there’s even a mountain called ‘Schmitten’...) and the surroundings will certainly take your breath away, but not just because they’re so beautiful – the area’s a super base for activities; climb, hike or bike the mountains, sail, paddle or swim the lake and do tonnes more in between.

A sunny little village, Pertisau sits on the shores of the incredible Achensee – the largest and deepest lake in the Austrian Tyrol. Bordered by mountains as well, this is a top spot for an active summer holiday. The village itself is lovely, too, and usually hosts live music events in the summer.

At the shore of Lake Wolfgansee, St. Wolfgang is an attractive old town characterised by its colourful chalets and landmark gothic church. Pilgrims have been visiting here for a millennium, nowadays it’s best known as a mecca of outdoor pursuits – with water sports, lakeside cycle routes and hiking in the Alps just some of many possibilities.

Sankt Gilgen, or Mozart Village (the composer’s mum and sister once lived here), is flanked by rolling meadows and the enticing waters of Lake Wolfgangsee. The town’s packed full of historic buildings and you can usually see magnificent flower displays that would put Chelsea to shame! St. Gilgen’s an awesome base for a whole host of activities – whether it’s scaling the Zwolferhorn, taking a lakeside stroll or trying your hand at the water sports on offer.