Weissensee (lake)

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Weissensee


Location	Carinthia
Coordinates	46°42′24″N, 13°20′28″ECoordinates: 46°42′24″N, 13°20′28″E
Lake type	glacial lake
Primary outflows	Weissenbach to Drava River
Basin countries	Austria
Max. length	11.6 km (7.2 mi)
Max. width	0.9 km (0.6 mi)
Surface area	6.5 km² (2.5 sq mi)
Max. depth	97 m (318 ft)
Residence time (of lake water)	9.2 years
Surface elevation	930 m (3051 ft)
Settlements	Techendorf, Neusach, Gatschach, Oberdorf, Naggl

The Weissensee (orthographically correct: Weißensee) is a bathing lake in the Austrian state of Carinthia within the Gailtal Alps. It shares its name with the municipality of Weissensee on its northern and southern shore.

Despite its elevation of 930 metres (3051 ft), the waters can reach 24 degrees Celsius in the summer months, while in winter the water freezes over completely and allows skaters to move freely on the ice. Due to its steep shore, the eastern part of the lake is almost uninhabitated and can only be reached by footpath. At the eastern end the area of the Stockenboi municipality reaches the lake. Here the Weißenbach brook runs towards the Drava river. Along the shore are banks of chalk originating from the surrounding limestone mountains, which give the waters its characteristic colour and the Weissensee ("White Lake") its name.

About two thirds of the lake's surface are part of a protected area. Except for public transport the operation of motor boats is prohibited. The waters of the lake reach drinking water quality. The area is full of wildlife. It contains many different types of fish, especially trout, common carp, perch and northern pike. Also, there are many different birds, ranging from ducks to geese and herons.

In winter, beside skating, cross-country skiing around the lake is quite popular. A smaller alpine skiing area is situated at the southern shore of the lake. In February 2007 the first underwater ice hockey world championship was held at the Weissensee.

A prominent rock at the northern shore, Ronacherfels, is named after a skater that died on the lake. Taking a shortcut home, he skated over a thin patch of ice, fell in and died. His body was never found. In honour of his memory, the rock and a nearby restaurant was named after him.

Parts of the 1987 James Bond film "The Living Daylights" were shot at the frozen Weissensee.

[edit] Transportation

The settlements at the western shore of the Weissensee can be reached via the Bundesstraße B87 Weißensee Straße running from Greifenburg over the Kreuzbergsattel mountain pass to Hermagor-Pressegger See. A smaller mountain road runs from the Drava valley and Stockenboi to the eastern end. Ship transport on the lake is provided by four vessels.