Ödensee, Lake in Bad Mitterndorf, Austria

Ödensee is a lake in Bad Mitterndorf, Austria, set at an elevation of 779 meters. It is a small body of water with clear, greenish tones, surrounded by forest and meadows, and its surface often mirrors the sky and trees.

The lake formed naturally after the last ice age, when glaciers retreated and left a depression that filled with water. Over the centuries, it has remained largely unchanged, with little human intervention beyond the surrounding trails.

Local families often come here for a swim on warm days, and the shore serves as a meeting point for residents of the surrounding villages. The lake's name, meaning 'desolate lake', hints at its setting away from main roads, giving it a secluded feel.

The lake is easily reached by a short walk from the nearby parking area, and a path circles part of the shore. Visitors can enjoy the water and the surrounding woods in all seasons, but the area is most accessible when the ground is dry.

The lake is known for its population of rare alpine newts, which can sometimes be spotted in the shallow waters. Its water is also unusually soft, a detail that swimmers often notice.