Mattsee

Snapshot

A small, peaceful lake in the Flachgau north of Salzburg, below the hill town of Mattsee and its Carolingian collegiate church. Local summer favourite; easy cycling circuit with nearby lakes.

The Story

A small, peaceful lake in the Flachgau north of Salzburg, at the foot of the hill town of Mattsee with its ancient Carolingian collegiate church. Less visited than the famous Salzkammergut lakes, the Mattsee is a local summer favourite: warm and shallow at its edges, ideal for swimming, and easily circled on foot or by bicycle. The medieval silhouette of the Stiftskirche rising above the water gives Mattsee a quiet, timeless character. Combines naturally with the nearby Obertrumer See and Grabensee for a half-day cycling circuit.

Visiting

Freely accessible year-round. Strandbad near the town with small summer admission fee; free shoreline access at several points. Water warm and shallow at edges, suitable for children. Lakeside path for walking or cycling. Stiftskirche Mattsee is a natural companion visit on the hill above. Approximately 25 km from Salzburg, about 25 minutes by car. Local bus connections available.