Leopoldsteinersee is a beautiful mountain lake with crystal clear water and a great place to cool down on hot days (the water temp is max 20ºC). 1 hr 15 mins from Graz by car via A9 and the toll tunnel or 1hr 30 mins via S35 past Bruck an der Mur to avoid the €10.50 tunnel charge. Parking can be limited on busy weekends but you can usually find a spot if you get creative.

There is a cafe by the entrance to the lake and a snack bar at the other end. A 4 km shaded walk goes all the way round (less than an hour to walk all the way). The bottom path leading from the parking lot is a wide flat path suitable for pushchairs, bikes and wagons. It runs past the boat hire where you can rent paddle boats and electric boats. (Note: SUP paddleboards and private boats are NOT allowed on the lake). The path leads you to the other end where there is wide beach area with shallow water.

Another option is a taxi service boat that will ferry you between both ends. The path on the other side of the lake is narrower and passes by lots of small beach places to access the lake (my favourite places to relax and swim as they are quieter and more secluded).

Dogs on leashes are allowed on the paths and in the lake away from the beach areas.

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