Attersee, Alpine lake in Salzkammergut region, Austria.
Attersee is an alpine body of water in the Salzkammergut stretching about 20 kilometers in length and reaching depths of up to 169 meters, nestled between forested slopes and peaks. The water displays shades ranging from green to turquoise depending on the light and stays pleasantly cool for swimming in summer.
The shores were already inhabited during the Neolithic period, as evidenced by pile dwellings near Seewalchen that are now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Middle Ages, the water served as a trade route between Salzburg and the pre-Alpine region.
The body of water attracted painters like Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele during the 20th century, who spent several summers here and captured the surroundings in their works. Today, plaques and walking paths mark the locations where these artists worked and lived.
Several villages along the shore offer access to the water with swimming spots, boat docks and rental stations for surfboards or sailboats. Most facilities open from May to September when the water warms up and the wind conditions are favorable.
A regular east wind, locally called Rosenwind, carries the scent of flowers and gardens across the water on warm days. This steady breeze made the body of water a venue for sailing competitions and training.
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