Lake Weissensee in Carinthia
Bathing in the nature park
Introduction
Lake Weissensee in Carinthia is one of Austria's best-known swimming lakes. Depending on the light, the water shimmers in different shades of blue and green, from turquoise to emerald. A morning swim, a hike through Carinthia's mountain landscape, or an outing by kayak, SUP or boat – around Lake Weissensee, water, active pursuits and scenic views shape the holiday experience.
One of the lake's defining features is its largely unspoilt shoreline. Bays, swimming spots and waterside paths are ideal for discovering Lake Weissensee from different perspectives. Whether on foot, by bike or by boat, the scenery constantly changes between the wide expanse of water, forests and the surrounding mountains.
Lake Weissensee takes its name from the light-coloured limestone deposits on its western shore, which form a distinctive white band along the lake.
Discover Lake Weissensee
Lidos and bathing spots
Top Highlights at Lake Weissensee
The most beautiful places by Lake Weissensee
Food and drinks by Lake Weissensee
The cuisine around the Weissensee is shaped by the Alpe-Adria region, where Carinthian specialities meet Mediterranean influences. A key ingredient is Weissensee fish: Reinanke (whitefish), lake trout and Arctic char are caught directly from the lake and feature on many restaurant menus. As Carinthia's first Slow Food Travel destination, the focus is on culinary experiences, regional produce and encounters with local producers.
Genießerhotel Die Forelle: The BERG.SEE.DEGUSTATIONS.MENÜ reinterprets ingredients from the Weissensee region and has been awarded a Michelin star and four Hauben.
Restaurant Rouge Noir at the Neusacherhof: Fine dining with a chef's table and 12-course menu, recognised with a Michelin star and three Hauben.
Strandhotel Weissensee: Austria's first vegan-vegetarian four-star superior organic hotel, with a gourmet kitchen and creative plant-based menus.
Gralhof: An organic lakeside hotel with seasonal cooking, regional produce and dishes that follow the rhythm of the year.
5 things you should know about Lake Weissensee
Special accommodation
Protected areas and car-free options
The Weissensee region was designated a nature park in 2006 — a landscape of lake, forests, meadows and Alpine pastures. Large sections of the shoreline are protected. Hiking trails, themed routes and nature park activities offer plenty of ways to explore the area.
The Weissensee is also a member of Alpine Pearls, an initiative connecting destinations that cater for car-free holidays. Local buses, boat services and a mountain railway complete the transport options, making many of the area's attractions easily reachable by public transport.