Lake Erlauf is a true gem for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Vienna and experience a genuine summer retreat. Situated at 827 meters above sea level, this picturesque mountain lake stretches right along the border between Lower Austria and Styria, nestled in dense forests not far from the famous pilgrimage site of Mariazell. While popular swimming lakes are often overcrowded in the summer, Lake Erlauf has largely retained its natural and relaxed character.
Emerald-green water and pure nostalgia
What makesLake Erlauf so unique is, first and foremost, its exceptional water quality. The crystal-clear, emerald-green water is of drinking-water quality and offers a wonderful way to cool offeven on sweltering days, as the water temperature rarelyrises above 22 degrees. On the southern shore, a spacious pebble beach invites visitors to sunbathe.
Those who prefer a more active experience can rent a pedal boat or electric boat on site, explore the underwater world while diving, or walk around the lake on a flat, shaded hiking trail in about an hour. Another real highlight is the historic museum tramway. In the summer, the world’s oldest steam tramway rattles directly from the Mariazell train station to the lakeshore, exuding pure nostalgia.
Travel to Lake Erlauf by train—a romantic journey instead of highway traffic jams
Even the journey from Vienna is an experience in itself, as it swaps the hustle and bustle for scenic beauty. From Vienna Central Station, you first take the fast Railjet to St. Pölten in just about 30 minutes. There, the real highlight of the trip awaits. The Mariazellerbahn, the famous narrow-gauge railway, winds its way through the picturesque Ötscher region, past deep gorges and over imposing viaducts, all the way to Mariazell.
The train ride from St. Pölten takes about two hours. Once you arrive at the Mariazell train station, only a few kilometers separate you from the cool water. During the summer months, you can cover this distance either in style on the museum tram or with complete flexibility on the regional bus. This way, even the journey to Lake Erlauf becomes an unforgettable part of the trip.
