Gosauseen

The Gosauseen are three mountain lakes in the Dachstein range of Upper Austria, close to the town of Gosau. They sit at the foot of steep limestone walls that rise to more than 2,900 metres. The largest, Vorderer Gosausee, lies nearest the valley and has a cable-car station at its lower end. The smallest, Gosaulacke, sits above the others on a high terrace. The highest, Hinterer Gosausee, is reached by a steep path through larch forest. The lakes were carved by glaciers that once covered the Dachstein. Their meltwater still feeds the clear blue waters today. The cable car carries visitors up from Gosau in ten minutes, saving a long climb. From the top station there are views across the valley to the Gosaukamm peaks. The contrast between the dark rock walls and the bright lake water draws photographers all year round. Paths lead around each lake, with the longest route taking about two hours. The shoreline of Vorderer Gosausee is wide and easy to walk. Behind it, the forest path to Gosaulacke passes waterfalls and alpine meadows. At Hinterer Gosausee the trail becomes steeper, ending beside a small dam built in the 19th century.