Weissensee

The Weissensee, in the Gailtal Alps to the southwest of Spittal an der Drau, is the highest of the four large Carinthian lakes. It is 11.4km/7mi long, some 500m/550yds wide and up to 98m/320ft deep. In warm summers its water reaches a temperature of 25 deg C/77 deg F. Unlike the Millstätter, Ossiacher and Wörther See, it lies somewhat off the beaten track and is popular with those who like a quiet and relaxing summer holiday. Much of the shoreline cannot be reached by car because of the steep wooded slopes which rise directly from the water. The Weissensee offers fishing, bathing, sailing, surfing and waterskiing; motor boats are prohibited. The villages around the lake have tennis courts and horses for hire, as well as being the starting points for walks and climbs. Cross-country ski runs in winter.