Lake Mattsee near Salzburg – a place to breathe deeply
We don't want to withhold our impressions from the Mattsee near Salzburg. I don't know about you. But sometimes you stumble upon a real gem by chance. This was how it was with our flying visit to the Mattsee in the Salzburg Lake District in Austria. If you have been following us on our social media channels for a long time, you know that we have moved this year. We live only a few kilometers from the Austrian border. That is why the border acts like a magnet on us. It attracts. It seduces us. We want to know what is behind it.
Lake Mattsee is idyllically situated in the Salzburg Lake District – a region that is perfect for relaxing days and slow-paced travel. You can find more tips for beautiful excursion destinations in the region here.

So far we always bypassed large areas in the northern regions in Upper Austria and in the Salzburg country. Instead of taking a closer look at the region, either the cities, the high mountains or the Adriatic attracted us. These can be reached quickly via the Munich — Salzburg motorway or Passau — Vienna. However, you drive past beautiful places just as quickly. That should change now. After all, we want to get to know our immediate surroundings. That is why, in addition to our more distant travel destinations, we always present places from Bavaria, the Salzburg region and Upper Austria. Linz and Bad Mühllacken have made the beginning. More places will follow. Mattsee near Salzburg is one of them.

Impressions from the Mattsee near Salzburg
I read about Mattsee already in the Blog of the Waltzing Meurers. Monika and Achim Meurer spent a whole week in Mattsee and surroundings. Their report made us curious. At the beginning of September we were in Salzburg at a press presentation. In the morning, discussions were on the program, but the afternoon was free. That's why we wanted to use the return trip for a flying visit at Mattsee. The lake and the town of the same name are only 30 minutes drive from Salzburg. And not far from the route to our new home. Perfect to drive home on secondary roads through the Salzburg Lake District. With a stopover in Mattsee.
Despite our navigation device, we first missed the sharp turnoff from the thoroughfare into the place. However, this only proved to be a stroke of luck a few hundred meters later. From the parking lot, which we discovered for reversing, we had a nice view of the town and the lake. Mattsee with its abbey and castle lies on a promontory that extends into the lake. We were surprised. Nothing had prepared us for this sight. The sight reminded me of Canadian lake landscapes. The church tower and the castle, however, did not quite fit into this picture.

The place Mattsee
The café terraces on the main street through the place were full. However, the lake lured us more anyway. Water exerts a great attraction on us, whether lake, river, or stream. When we realized that a wedding was celebrated in the castle café, we decided to enjoy the lake on a walk along the waterfront. The lake promenade is not long. But there is a lot to see: Sailboats rock gently in the wind in the small harbor. Below the castle, a tour boat collects its passengers. And at the other end of the bay, we hear children chuckle, enjoying the freedom of the last days of vacation at the beginning of September in the swimming pool. On a bank by the lake, we make ourselves comfortable and absorb the sun's rays, until it gets too hot for us.
Particularly beautiful: the walking paths along the lake. If you want to explore more natural paradises around Salzburg, you can find great ideas here.
Travelling by SUP on Lake Mattsee
The lido now also offers a cool SUP offering. You can rent boards, join SUP yoga, or venture out onto the water with others at sunrise. It's incredibly relaxing – and a great way to experience the lake from a different perspective.
The Ferdinand Porsche Experience
By the way, something you definitely shouldn't miss: fahr(T)raum – the Ferdinand Porsche Experience – now has a new flight and event hall. There, historic aircraft like the Hansa Brandenburg C1 simply hang from the ceiling. Technology fans (and, frankly, everyone else) will be truly amazed. And if you're looking for a special event location – you've come to the right place!

Slowly, however, it was time to break up. But we know one thing for sure: that was not our last visit to Mattsee. And who knows: maybe next time we take a closer look at the abbey and the castle or take a boat out to the lake? Our first impressions of the Mattsee make you want more.
New events, new vibes – what's happening in Mattsee in 2025
Even though the place itself has a rather relaxed feel, there's a lot to offer in terms of events. The Diabelli Summer is now in full swing, and in 2025, highlights such as big band swing with Herb Berger and virtuoso gypsy jazz with Sandro Roy and Diknu Schneeberger will be on stage.
Or how about theater with a difference? On August 21, a modern production of "Jedermann" will take place at the fahr(T)raum—amidst vintage cars. This is culture with horsepower!
And in the fall, things will get really deep: A talk concert with Klassik & Sport will focus on mental strength – featuring, among others, former Austrian Football Association captain Julian Baumgartlinger. Sounds strange? It is. But totally inspiring!
Continue reading:
- Even in winter the place has its charm – especially if you want to experience Salzburg during AdventThe Christmas markets and the snow-covered old town are simply magical.
- Insider tips for a city trip to Salzburg
- Where to eat well in Salzburg – Restaurant tips
- Discover traditional shops in Salzburg – shopping with charm
Travel Arrangements:
Parking at the airport
Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.
Arrival:
Compare and book flights here* (Advertisement). Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and Swiss fly to Salzburg.
Car Rentals:
Cheap car hire - book quickly and easily!
Hotels for your impressions of Mattsee:
Hotels near Mattsee * You can also book through our partner booking.com.
Looking for a retreat with sustainability vibes? Then check out The Seehäuser A boutique hotel right on Lake Mattsee, featuring a collection of tiny wooden houses. They're surrounded by greenery, each with its own terrace, and are all about regionality. It's beautifully quiet, yet still super stylish.
The restaurant in the hotel directly on the lake serves creative cuisine with regional influences. If you would like to try the typical Salzburg specialties, you will find a small gourmet guide here.
If you book via a link marked *, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
Slow travel destinations and experiences in the Salzburg region:
You will also find beautiful lakes on the Bavarian side in the Blog parade "Seenliebe" in the WellSpaPortal.
Do you already know?
Source: Impressions of Lake Mattsee: our own on-site research. Our opinions remain, as always, our own.
Text Impressions from Mattsee: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Dear Monika, dear Petar,
I recently drove past Salzburg when I was on my way to a short stay in Kaiserwinkl. By the way, that was my first stay in Austria. Otherwise I just drove through. :)
But it gave me so much joy and relaxation that I am happy about new suggestions, where I could go soon. How convenient that you now live near Austria. The Mattsee looks very good. :)
Sunny greetings,
Nicolo
Dear Nicolo,
yes, we are quite surprised what Austria has to offer. It used to be too close for travel. If so, then - and sometimes it still has to: D - had to go to at least one other continent. Due to our proximity to Austria, we are meanwhile often there for short trips and discover more and more sight and experience. By now you will find a whole range of Austria travel tips, and there are certainly more to come. Enjoy browsing.
Best regards,
Monika
That looks really great! But you also had great weather ... I have never been in this area. Maybe I should change that;)
Best regards,
Barbara
It's really nice here, Barbara. There are still real insider tips to discover.
Best regards,
Monika
Hi
that looks really picturesque and I could also like it.
Best regards,
Anja
Hi Anja,
We also liked the view. The location on this lake is really nice.
Best regards,
Monika
As you can see again that sometimes also wrong turns and can be worthwhile;)
That's right, Julia. We discover then often real insider tips, with which we had not expected.