I have to confess something to you… Since I moved from Brazil to Austria, I’ve felt incredibly lucky to live in a country full of beautiful landscapes and amazing nature. You might say, “Yeah, but you came from Brazil, where there’s stunning nature too.”

Yes, that’s true, but I think what makes Austria so beautiful is the way life here is integrated with nature. Austria is a great place for people who love outdoor activities, especially in the summer.

The clear lakes are perfect for a refreshing swim or a peaceful walk along the shore. If you’re in Graz, there are many lakes nearby that are great to visit before summer ends. In this article, I’ll share some of my favorite lakes, perfect for a relaxing family day, a solo trip, or a romantic getaway.

Here’s a list of places perfect for a day trip from Graz before summer says goodbye. In this article, I’ll share some of my favorite lakes.

Well Welt Kumberg – Nature Close to Home

• Distance from Graz: 20 km (25 min by car)
• Public Transport: Buses from Graz to Kumberg.
• Parking: Available.
• Entrance: Paid.
• Depth: About 6 meters.
• Recommended for: Families, children, and pets.
• Best Time to Visit: Anytime during the day.

Well Welt Kumberg is known for its calm waters and family-friendly environment. This is the perfect spot for a relaxing day, especially if you’re with kids or pets. Accessible by public transport, it offers a variety of services to make your visit even better.

Stubenbergsee – A Local Favorite

• Distance from Graz: 50 km (50 min by car)
• Public Transport: Bus available from Graz.
• Parking: Available.
• Entrance: Paid.
• Depth: Up to 7 meters.
• Recommended for: Families, children, and pets.
• Best Time to Visit: Mornings to enjoy the calm waters.

Stubenbergsee is one of the most popular lakes near Graz, known for its clear waters and good services. This lake is perfect for families looking for a full day of fun, with many activities for everyone.

Seerosenbad – A Hidden Oasis

• Distance from Graz: 35 km (38 min by car)
• Public Transport: Available.
• Parking: Available.
• Entrance: Paid.
• Depth: About 4 meters.
• Recommended for: Families, children, and pets.
• Best Time to Visit: Afternoon, when the sun is strong.

If you want a quieter place, Seerosenbad is a great choice. This lake is perfect for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful environment. It’s ideal for a family picnic or a relaxing afternoon by the water.

Pibersteinersee – The Adventure Paradise

• Distance from Graz: 40 km (40 min by car)
• Public Transport: Limited; car recommended.
• Parking: Available.
• Entrance: Paid.
• Depth: About 8 meters.
• Recommended for: Families, children, and pets are welcome.
• Best Time to Visit: 10 AM to 6 PM, especially on June 23rd for the beach party.

Pibersteinersee is the perfect place for those who want fun and excitement. With a lively atmosphere, this lake is great for families and friends who want to enjoy the summer. Pets are welcome, making it a great choice for travelers with their dogs.

Schwarzlsee – Easy and Comfortable

• Distance from Graz: 15 km (15 min by car)
• Public Transport: Bus available from Graz Hauptbahnhof.
• Parking: Available.
• Entrance: Paid.
• Depth: Around 12 meters.
• Recommended for: Families, children, and pets.
• Best Time to Visit: Mornings and late afternoons to avoid crowds.

Just 15 minutes south of Graz, Schwarzlsee is a convenient choice for anyone looking for an easy and well-equipped lake. With many water activities and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a popular spot for families and groups of all ages.

Bad Weihermühle – A Natural Refuge Near Graz

• Distance from Graz: 22 km (25 min by car)
• Public Transport: Available.
• Parking: Available.
• Entrance: Paid.
• Depth: About 5 meters.
• Recommended for: Families and children. Pets allowed.
• Best Time to Visit: Afternoon.

This lake is a peaceful spot, perfect for those who want to relax and enjoy nature. It’s a great place for a walk or an outdoor picnic.

Grundlsee – Alpine Beauty

• Distance from Graz: 135 km (2h10 by car)
• Public Transport: Limited; car recommended.
• Parking: Available.
• Entrance: Free.
• Depth: Up to 64 meters.
• Recommended for: Couples, adults, and families with older children.
• Best Time to Visit: During the day to enjoy the views.

Grundlsee is located in the beautiful Salzkammergut region. This lake is surrounded by mountains and offers stunning landscapes. It’s perfect for boat rides and hiking, but not ideal for swimming.

Bodensee (Schladming) – Hidden Alpine Gem

• Distance from Graz: 155 km (2h20 by car)
• Public Transport: Limited; car recommended.
• Parking: Available.
• Entrance: Free.
• Depth: Up to 36 meters.
• Recommended for: Adults and couples. Not ideal for swimming, but great for hiking.
• Best Time to Visit: Full day to explore the area.

Bodensee, in the Schladming region, is perfect for mountain lovers who want to disconnect from the busy world. It’s best known for its hiking trails and peaceful walks around the lake.

Leopoldsteinersee – Natural Beauty

• Distance from Graz: 110 km (1h30 by car)
• Public Transport: Limited; car recommended.
• Parking: Available.
• Entrance: Free.
• Depth: About 31 meters.
• Recommended for: Adults and couples. Not ideal for swimming, but perfect for hiking and photography.
• Best Time to Visit: Mornings to enjoy the soft light.

Leopoldsteinersee is a deep lake surrounded by tall mountains. It’s great for hiking and taking photos of the beautiful scenery.

Altausseer See – Charm and Peace

• Distance from Graz: 160 km (2h20 by car)
• Public Transport: Limited; car recommended.
• Parking: Available.
• Entrance: Free.
• Depth: Up to 53 meters.
• Recommended for: Couples and adults. Not ideal for swimming, but perfect for boat rides and walks.
• Best Time to Visit: Afternoon to see the sunset.

Altausseer See is a beautiful lake that looks like it’s from a fairy tale. It’s the perfect place for a romantic walk or to take stunning landscape photos.

Extra Tip: Wörthersee – The Dream Lake in Carinthia

Although Wörthersee is in the neighboring state of Carinthia, it’s worth the trip. Wörthersee is one of the largest and most popular lakes in Austria, known for its turquoise waters and elegant atmosphere. It’s a great destination for families and couples looking for a day of luxury and relaxation.

Each of these lakes offers a unique experience, perfect for enjoying the last days of summer near Graz. If you’re planning to visit, make sure to check official information before you go, as conditions and access can change. Also, remember to respect nature and help keep these beautiful spots in good condition for everyone to enjoy.