Vorderer (front) Gosau lake
The Vordere Gosausee is a mountain lake in the Upper Austrian part of the Salzkammergut in the municipality of Gosau, at the northern foot of the Dachstein massif and lies at 933 m above sea level. A.
At the beginning of the lake, which is accessible via the main road from Gosau and has plenty of parking spaces, there is the valley station of the Gosaukammbahn to the Gablonzer Hütte, an entry point to the Dachstein-West ski area and, in summer, to many hiking routes. From the Vorderen Gosau lake, mountaineers also start the ascent of the Hohe Dachstein via the Adamekhütte at the foot of the great Gosau glacier.
The view from the lake outflow towards the Dachstein is one of the most famous mountain motifs in Austria. Especially when there is no wind, but also when the sun sets, the almost symmetrical image of the Dachstein glacier framed by the Gosau ridge offers a wonderful sight.
The natural water level of the Vorderen Gosau lake was originally a few meters lower and the lake was not accessible on the left side when looking towards Dachstein. The path to the alpine pastures on the Gosaulacke and the Hinterer Gosau lake led right below the falls of the Gosaukamm ridge
The lake is very popular with divers because of its clear water in the summer months.
Every year in May, a 2-person relay race takes place on the approximately 4.5 km long flat circular hiking trail around the lake.
A forest road leads to the rear Gosau lake.
We hiked from the Vorderen to the Hinterer Gosausee. Here is our experience report!