The Weissensee in Carinthia, Austria

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Typical day at the Weissensee: 

Get up in the morning to take a swim in one of the cleanest mountain lakes of the European Alps. Walking home to find farmers cheese and bacon delivered in the morning to your doorstep along with freshly baked bread/buns from the baker. Heading up the mountain on the chairlift (with your MTB hung onto it) after breakfast to embrace a heart racing alpine downhill trail on the mountain bike. Upon reaching the bottom – do that again and try another downhill track, if your legs are still keeping up. Or head back down to the lake and enjoy a Cappuccino and a platter of ham, cheese and salami on the patio of one of the lovely places overlooking the lake, for instance at the “Draxl-Hof”. 

Relax for the remainder of the day by the pristine lake or get on a paddle board. As evening draws near get ready to head for world-class Sushi and/or a Tomahawk steak for dinner at “Das Bootshaus”. Note: I’ve been to Japan several times and I would like to state that this Sushi is seriously good.

That is a day at the Weissensee in Carinthia, Austria. 

This lake and region is one of the lesser visited places in Carinthia and still very original. No mass tourism here and if you are looking for active night life and disco-dancing this is not the right place.

Motor boating is not allowed on the lake, keeping everything nicely quiet and clean. Only a fleet of a few public transport boats, some electrical, offers round trips or transits for hikers with or without dogs and bikers (bikes are welcome) to the various landing stages. On board one may even enjoy the service of being served drinks and snacks.

A lovely hike for instance is the tour from “Ronacherfels” to “Dolomitenblick”. If done as a sunrise hike it feels as if the lake and trail belongs to you alone. There are lovely places to stop on the way including large reclining swings overlooking the lake. It doesn’t get much better than this. Just before the boat landing stage “Dolomitenblick” the tired hiker can take a swim in the public bath, which is part of a campground. Once on board to head back to “Ronacherfels” order a drink to your table and enjoy the cruise.

  Hiking trails and biking trails are mostly separated. Therefore, hiking and biking can be done without the fear of bumping into one another. 

Gear: Hiking boots, back pack (if possible, with Aqua pack – very convenient). Water bottle for the dog. Layers of clothing as the weather changes if you are visiting the higher elevations. MTB can be taken along as most places offer bike rooms. If you prefer not to haul your bike along, ask at your place - most likely they rent out MTBs, or also enquire at the local bike shop.