Visit Fuschl, Austria

Water sports on the lake, luxe-yet-traditional spa hotels and quiet retreats amid the popular Salzkammergut region, all in Fuschl.

Surrounded by Alpine cliffs and nestled on the banks of an emerald-green lake, Fuschl provides a peaceful countryside escape that’s centrally located in the Salzkammergut region. While many lake district towns have seen an influx of visitors, Fuschl has remained a quiet retreat.

While visiting, you can go to the lake to swim or sail, or head up the mountains to hike. You can also dine on fresh fish, caught daily in the lake, at the distinguished Schloss Fuschl Fischerei restaurant in the luxe Schloss Fuschl hotel.

Though secluded, Fuschl isn't isolated, and is just a short drive from Salzburg and Munich. Its location in the Salzkammergut region means it’s easy to visit on your way from Salzburg to some of the more popular lake district towns like Saint Wolfgang and Hallstatt. Fuschl is also a few hours’ drive from the brightly painted buildings of Innsbruck and the capital city of Vienna.

Fuschl is one of the quieter towns in the resort-filled Salzkammergut region, making it a good option if you want to spend some time unwinding. This area, sometimes referred to as the lake district, is known for its stark contrasts between the sharp snowy peaks of the Alps and the shimmering, blue-green waters of the glacial lakes.

The crystal-clear waters of Lake Fuschl provide ample opportunity for swimming, kayaking and sailing, and in the surrounding mountains, you’ll find many hiking trails with rewarding views of the glimmering waters below.

For indulgent relaxation, you can head to Fuschlseebad, a lakeside spa that offers a Finnish sauna, bio sauna, steam room, infrared cabins and massage treatments. The spa encourages you to warm up in the sauna, and then walk outside to cool off in Lake Fuschl to improve circulation.

In the woods outside the main area of town, the Ruming Mill is an old water mill that offers demonstrations a few times a week, as well as a variety of small bites to enjoy.

Fuschl is also home to the Hotel Schloss Fuschl. Dating back 450 years, the carefully preserved castle offers two restaurants to visit for a bite to eat. The menu at the Schloss Restaurant features French and Austrian fare, consisting of upscale dishes that elegantly combine the two cuisines. The Schloss Fuschl Fischerei is more casual and serves a smoked catch of the day straight from Lake Fuschl or a delicate fish soup at lunchtime.

Due to its central location in the Salzkammergut region, Fuschl is easy to reach, just a 25-minute drive from Salzburg.

Best time to visit Fuschl

To make the most of your time in Fuschl, we recommend visiting between May and September, when the weather is most conducive to outdoor activities. However, the climate in Fuschl is fairly temperate, making visits possible year-round. During December, you’ll find Christmas markets to explore.