Weissensee lake in Carinthia
With these tips you are well prepared for a weekend of enjoyment at Lake Weissensee in Carinthia. We spent two days at Lake Weissensee and came across a real insider tip in Austria. The lake is perfect for a holiday in Austria with hiking. The Seehotel Enzian had invited us for two nights. Until then we had never heard of this lake. Well, we knew the Ossiacher See or the Millstätter See, both also in Carinthia, from previous trips. We already knew how beautiful the Carinthian lakes are. But somehow we had never ended up in the Gitschtal right behind the Italian border near Tarvisio. Our short stay at Weissensee Carinthia shows what we missed.
The lake is the fourth largest lake in Carinthia. It is located at an altitude of 930 m and its water is so clean that we can look down to its sandy bottom. In the crystal-clear water we can see the numerous fish that live in this alpine lake. The Weissensee is narrow and extends over a length of about eleven kilometers between the Gailtal Alps and the Latschur group. In summer, the water temperature at Weissensee warms up to 24 degrees. These are ideal temperatures for a beach holiday at the lake. In winter, a thick layer of ice forms on half of the lake - ideal for all kinds of winter sports.
Current facts
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- Water temperature at Weissensee reaches up to 24 ° Celsius in summer
- Weissensee weather
- Weissensee webcam
- A Weissensee Carinthia Card
A hotel for connoisseurs at the Weißensee Carinthia
The Seehotel Enzian is located almost exactly halfway along the lake on its northern shore. Due to the shortness of our stay, we refrain from visiting the lido on Lake Weissensee in Carinthia. It doesn't have to be either. It's worth looking for accommodation that offers direct access to the lake. This hotel is one of them. But first we want to see more of the lake. The lake cannot be bypassed by car. You have to decide beforehand where you want to go: to the east or west bank. The only connection that exists between the two banks are the boats, which travel several times a day from May to October on Lake Weissensee in Austria. We don't need to be told that twice, as we like to travel by boat or ship.
Weissensee Carinthia Hotel Enzian *
New to 32
9762 Weissensee (Carinthia)
Austria
Book your Hotel on the Weissensee * here
Do you like to travel by motorhome?
- Camping at Lake Weissensee in Carinthia goes here:
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- Seecamping Müller Oberdorf, Weissensee
- Camping Knaller, Techendorf
- Camping Ronacher, Mösel
- Do you want to rent a mobile home? Then you can find information here, for example, and booking options *. Or would you prefer to stay overnight instead in a roof tent on the car? In addition, the overnight stay in camping tents is possible.
- Be sure to check our packing list for campers to see whether you have packed everything for your motorhome tour.
- Austria has a nationwide network of campsites. There are pitches in all parts of the country. However, you are only allowed to stay a maximum of one night outside of campsites and pitches. But be careful: there are additional regional bans (Tyrol, Vienna). Camping Guide for Austria * You can therefore buy it here.
- Why is a folding e-bike useful when camping?
If you purchase via a link marked *, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
By electric boat across the lake
We ask for Weissensee tips in the hotel. Our landlady explains to us that we only have to walk a few steps to get to the next landing stage for the boat. However, we don't find any signs indicating where that should be. So we decide to drive our car to the end of the road on the south bank of the lake. From the parking lot at the end of the tarred road we see the landing stage that extends out into the lake. Here, too, there is no sign on the road. But to reach the landing stage, we go back a few hundred meters down the tar road and turn off at the first inn on the lake shore. We walk past the beer garden and stand on the landing stage.
The tickets are on board and we buy tickets with which we can drive all over the lake. On the way we can get off as often as we want and can later go back with another boat. Although there is a timetable, but you better stand on the jetty, if you want to ride. The ship stops when you wave it or tell the boat staff where you want to get off. The whole thing is wonderfully uncomplicated, really relaxed and fits perfectly with the Weissensee.
By boat across the lake
We are on the way with the Alpenperle, Austria's first electric hybrid boat. Except that we cross it environmentally friendly across the lake, this ship has the advantage that it slides almost noiselessly on the water. A great experience! We let the wind blow around our nose and enjoy one of the beautiful late summer days that September has to offer. We first drive to Weissensee, the village that bears the same name as the lake. There, a low bridge prevents the approach to the west bank, and so the boat turns around and crosses the lake several times from one bank to another until we reach the eastern end of the lake, where a breathtaking view of the South Tyrolean Dolomites awaits us from the Austrian side ,
A view from the eastern end of the lake to the Dolomites to South Tyrol
On the way we pass the small villages, which are located on the north shore. From time to time, there are some huts on the south bank, which the peasants use as barns for their hay or hikers to shelter in bad weather. Also in the north of the lake, the settlement is less and less until after the end of the tar road only isolated hikers on the lake are to be recognized. From time to time there are jetties where they can board.
In the tavern Ronacherfels, hikers can rest comfortably on their way from Neusach to the Dolomites view at the eastern end of the lake, or the boaters take a break on their journey across the lake. An idyllic place where you can find peace.
Look from the Weissensee in Carinthia to the Dolomites
We drive to the eastern end of the lake, curious to see what the view of the Dolomites will be like. We are lucky! In bright blue skies and sunshine, the Dolomites are clearly visible between the nearby mountain ranges. If you want, you can start from here for short walks along the lakeshore or for longer hikes over the steep slopes on the lakeshore.
Our time is limited, because we still want to try the lake sauna in the Seehotel Enzian, so we climb back into the Alpenperle and take it back to the starting point of our tour at the east end of Neusach. We were on the Weissensee Austria for almost two hours and enjoyed the trip across the lake, as did the anglers, canoeists, swimmers and hikers we met on our tour. The Weissensee is a quiet mountain lake with a breathtaking view and many beautiful hiking trails. A real insider tip for everyone who likes to enjoy actively. A highlight in our Weissensee Carinthia experience.
Hiking at the Weissensee Carinthia is fun
Am Weissensee Austria Hiking is fun. There are hiking trails that run relatively flat along the lake. For those of you who prefer to go uphill, there are also opportunities.
Hiking trails on Lake Weissensee in Carinthia
You can find some suggestions for where you can hike at Weissensee Carinthia here:
- The North bank path from Neusach is of medium difficulty. It takes about 3 hours and is 15,6 km long. Details can be found here.
- The hike from Weissensee to the Hermagor Bodenalm is easy. It's best to plan one right away with a snack on the Alm . Tour details.
- The hike from Weißbriach over the Kreuzberg to the Weissensee is easy. It takes about two and a half hours and is well over 7 km long. In doing so you overcome a height difference of 307 m. Information about the tour can be found here.
Questions and answers about Lake Weissensee in Carinthia:
Are there any special events at Lake Weissensee in Carinthia?
Events take place at Weissensee all year round. In winter, the Weissensee Ice Skating Marathon weekend is a particular highlight, attracting skaters from all over the world. In summer, you can look forward to music festivals, culinary events and sporting competitions instead. These events offer you a great opportunity to get to know the culture and community around the lake.
What outdoor activities can I do in summer at Weissensee Carinthia?
In summer, Lake Weissensee also offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can go hiking, cycling, swimming, sailing and fishing. For the more adventurous, there are also opportunities for stand-up paddling and diving. The surrounding mountains and forests also invite you to go on long exploration tours where you can enjoy nature in all its glory.
What is the water quality of Lake Weissensee?
The Weissensee is known for its exceptionally good water quality. The water is so clear that you can often see up to 6 meters deep. It is regularly checked and is considered one of the cleanest bodies of water in Europe. This makes the lake ideal for swimming and diving. You can be sure that you are bathing in crystal clear water here.
Are there family-friendly accommodations at Weissensee?
Yes, there are many family-friendly accommodations at Weissensee. From hotels to holiday apartments to campsites, there is a wide selection tailored to the needs of families. Many accommodations also offer special services for children, such as playgrounds, childcare and family rooms. This means you can enjoy a relaxing holiday with the whole family.
What culinary specialties are there at Weissensee?
The region around Lake Weissensee is known for its culinary specialties. You can try many regional delicacies here, such as Carinthian Reindling, a type of sweet yeast cake, or Kasnudeln, filled dumplings. Freshly caught fish from the lake, such as trout or char, is also served in the restaurants. Enjoy the variety of Carinthian cuisine in one of the idyllic restaurants around the lake.
What you need for a pleasure trip to the Weissensee in Carinthia
- When hiking we wear solid hiking boots, They also are good on uneven paths.
- On a hike you definitely need a backpack, in which you have drinks, snacks, a jacket and store odds and ends.
- Check our hiking checklistwhether you have packed everything you need for your hike.
- You can book an lunch box with board and other practical things for hikers can be found here.
- Travel Guide* and Cards* on the way for good information
- Use our checklist for a beach vacation and put everything in the This must be in your suitcasewhat you need for it.
- For an evening in the restaurant you need comfortable pumps.
If you purchase via a link marked *, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
Travel Arrangements
Parking at the airport
Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.
Arriving by plane and / or car
Compare and book flights here*The closest airport is definitely Salzburg. From there you can travel by rental car or your own car. You can also rent a car at the airport. The journey time from Salzburg to the Weissensee in Carinthia is around 2 hours 10 minutes. From Munich, on the other hand, it takes 3 hours 15 minutes, from Vienna it takes around 4,5 hours and from Graz 2 hours 45 minutes.
Car Rentals:
Cheap rental cars - book here! *
Accommodation:
For example, book yours here Accommodation at Weissensee *
Other slow travel destinations and experiences:
- The Lesach Valley in Carinthia
- Such is a monastery holiday in the Benedictine monastery in Lavanttal
- Hohe Tauern by car - the Grossglockner High Alpine Road
- Monastery Wernberg - from Brennesselschloss to guest monastery
- Discover Carinthian specialties on holiday in the Gailtal
- Heiligenblut in Carinthia on the Grossglockner
Do you know this?
- 5 wine places for a wine weekend in the Main Valley
- Where to eat well in Salzburg restaurants
- Camping Waging am See in Chiemgau
- Kassel water features
- Nile cruise
- Gifts for hikers
- Discover Carinthia travel destinations
- Hotel full of stories - Seehotel Enzian am Weissensee
- Packing list winter vacation
- Holiday in Austria with hiking
- A wild herb hike in Northern Italy in May
Source Weissensee Lake in Carinthia: own research on site. We would like to thank Genuss Reisen Austria and the Seehotel Enzian am Weissensee for the invitation to this stay at Weissensee Carinthia. However, our opinion remains our own.
Text: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Video: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Hi Monika and Petar! Thanks for making us aware of this beautiful lake, perfectly crystal clear water, this place truly gives the vacation vibes, loved the surrounding areas too!
Our pleasure and thanks for your nice commentary. The Weissensee is one of our favorite lakes in Austria.
Hello Monika and Petar! Just taking your beautiful photo of Weissensee already makes you feel like you're on holiday :-) So far, we only know that we want to go camping in Carinthia in September. The route is still open. So thank you for this good tip! VG, Nina & Thomas
Hello Nina,
I am glad, if you like our contribution. Have fun at Weissensee.
Greetings,
Monika
Ui, that really looks like an insider tip and is so completely to my liking! A large lake in an idyllic location with many recreational opportunities, surrounded by majestic mountains. There you can feel comfortable and relax.
We really liked it there, Sabine. And let your soul wander, goes well. The lake exudes tranquility, and somehow it colors people. On our boat trip I saw an angler, who made himself comfortable in his rowing boat with a book, while beside him his fishing rod was waiting for biting fish. Is there something more relaxing?