First time visitors to Gosau (700 metres above sea level) are overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of their natural surroundings. The valley is characterised by the vast, rugged "Gosaukamm" mountain range, two church spires and steep, wooded valley sides.
Gosau is situated along the Gosaubach stream in the Salzkammergut region. The center of the town is at an elevation of 767 (2,516'). 58.9 % of the municipality is forested.
At the southern end of Gosau there is a road leading to the Vorderer Gosausee, a lake with a scenic view of the Dachstein.
Gosau is one of the few Lutheran communities in Austria with about 71% of the population being Lutheran.