Weißensee, Nature park municipality in Spittal an der Drau district, Austria.
Weißensee is a municipality in the Spittal an der Drau district centered around a large mountain lake surrounded by the Gailtaler Alps. The settlement sits at about 930 meters elevation with forested slopes and mountain peaks that define the valley's character.
The municipality was formed in 1850 from the former Techendorf commune and renamed in 1968 to reflect the region's growing tourism focus. This name change marked a turning point in the local identity and economic direction.
The municipality maintains a notable Protestant majority population, with 73.6 percent of residents identifying with this religious denomination as of 2001.
The municipality is accessible via the B87 road, which connects different valleys in the region and links the Drau and Gail valleys. Year-round access is available, though winter conditions should be considered.
In winter, the lake transforms into Europe's largest natural ice surface, creating a remarkable spectacle for ice sports enthusiasts and visitors. This transformation depends on sufficiently cold temperatures and makes the location a rare winter destination.
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