Weissensee, Alpine lake in Carinthia, Austria
Weissensee is an alpine lake in the Gailtal Alps that stretches through a narrow mountain valley. The water is ringed by steep rocky shores and sits at significant elevation.
The lake formed during the last ice age when glaciers carved out the valley and left behind a deep basin. This natural depression remains filled with water that maintains excellent clarity.
The lake hosts an annual ice skating competition that has drawn participants from across Europe since the late 1980s. This event has become part of the region's winter rhythm and culture.
Access points are scattered around the shoreline at several locations, giving visitors flexibility in where they arrive. The best time to visit depends on your intended activity: summer months suit swimmers, while winter draws ice skating fans.
In winter months, the surface freezes completely and becomes Europe's largest natural ice expanse. On this frozen surface, competitions take place that would be impossible to stage at this scale elsewhere.
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