Ferlacher Stausee, reservoir in Austria
Ferlacher Stausee is a man-made reservoir in Austria created by damming the Drau river. The water body stretches about 10 kilometers with shorelines bordered by green hills and forests, while calm water reflects the surrounding landscape most days.
The reservoir was constructed to generate electricity as part of a dam system along the Drau that supplies power to the region. Building the dam altered the river's natural flow and created today's lake, while railway tracks had to be raised to prevent flooding.
The reservoir sits in Carinthia, a region shaped by lakes and mountains. Local communities have long relied on this body of water for fishing and recreation, with the shoreline remaining an integral part of daily life in nearby villages.
The site is easily accessible by car or bike, with paid parking available during summer months. A beach with shallow family areas, volleyball courts, and a children's playground are present, plus free bicycle parking and a dog-friendly space.
The water is continuously renewed by groundwater, maintaining excellent quality and making it a popular fishing spot with diverse fish species. The varying depths from deep central areas to shallow edges create distinct zones suited to different activities.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.