photo : Sammy Davis
Deep in the heart of Europe lies Steiermark (Styria), a province of Austria renowned for its ancient and snow-assured mountain massifs; lush and verdant Swiss pine forests….. and cool, enticing lakes that draw visitors during the Mediterranean heat of summer.
Three of these lakes lie close together, with easy access on a walk from the Turracher Hohe plateau.
Lake Turracher See
The largest of the lakes at Turracher Hohe lies some 1763km above sea level on a plateau, where back in WW2 British soldiers made their mark and to this day are remembered locally by the first ski lift in the area – the “Englanderlift”.
With some 33m depth of clear mountain water, Lake Turracher See poses an impressive sight from the lofty heights of the Turracher Höhe ski resort.
During the summer months and for the 6 months of the year when its waters are frozen, Lake Turracher See plays host to a range of leisure activities to thrill and please visitors to the cosy cafes, chic restaurants and boutique shops that line its shores.
Summer greets fishermen, swimmers and paddle boats, whilst winter brings the horse drawn sleigh ride, cross country skiers and children’s Nursery ski school onto its snow covered expanse.
Lake Grunsee
The smallest of the lakes in the area and with only 12m depth. The lake is an emerald green oasis drawing its colour from the green algae lining the lake bed.
Lake Schwarzsee
The highest of the Styrian lakes at 1841m above sea level, Lake Schwarzsee’s 4m depth of water is dark and foreboding, drawing its colouring from the bleakness of the surrounding moorland.
These Styrian lakes are joined by a pathway of trails through the surrounding Swiss pine forests, taking visitors on a breath-taking walk through some of the most picturesque scenery Austria has to offer.
A little further afield in neighbouring Carinthia lie other lakes of beauty and interest, including:
Lake Worther See
The Carinthian capital of Klagenfurt boasts Lake Worther See as Austria’s seaside resort in the mountains. Flanked by the foothills of the Nockberge alpine range, its distinctive dark blue and green waters have an unparalleled transparency.
It is the largest and warmest lake in the Austrian Lake District and offers an excellent alternative to summer holidays in the other crowd packed areas of Europe. In days of yore, the aristocracy and wealthy of Austria’s cities flocked to Lake Worther See earning it the reputation of being the country’s ‘Monte Carlo’ resort.
Lake Millerstatter See
With a length of 12k and width of 1.5 k, this lake has a depth of 141m and is calculated to hold the most water of all the lakes in the area. Its steep shoreline gives it a fjord-like character, with the sheltered environment giving rise to water temperatures of around 25C in summer months.
Lake Weissensee
Despite being at 930m above sea level, the Lake Weissensee’s water temperatures rise to around 24C during summer making it an excellent bathing area, whereas winter sees it freeze over completely and skaters soar across its surface. The limestone mountains surrounding its shores give it a characteristic white colour and hence the name ‘White Lake’.
The ‘Lake District’ of Austria– truly a sight to behold and enjoy all year round.
