Wherever we live, we are shaped by the unique character of our surroundings every day. Here on Lake Weissensee, that unique character is embodied by the meadows, the forests, the mountain pastures and, of course, the lake itself. A very special natural setting, nestling at 930 metres above sea level. Join us on a tour of the region to get an impression of what awaits you when you visit us.
930 Metres Above Everyday Life
The Weissensee Region
Our surroundings
The Weissensee Nature Park covers an area of 7.6 hectares in the eastern Gailtal Alps. There is no industry here to cloud the sky, or through traffic to disturb the peace. But there are 830 native species of flowering plant and 154 local species of bird, and the lake is home to a population of European crayfish that is unique to the continent. The impressive landscape is also shaped by centuries of sustainable agriculture – a tradition borne out by the contented cows, the well-kept meadows and the pristine forests.
The lake at the heart of the region
The Weissensee is not only the highest lake for bathing in the Alps, but also one of the cleanest. The water is so clear that you can see down to a depth of six metres and its colour changes with the light, from deep blue to turquoise and even emerald green. You can explore this majestic play of colours along a total length of 11.6 kilometres and width of 900 metres. By the way, Lake Weissensee owes its name to the banks of marl that form its shores, lending them a weiss (white) appearance
In summer …
The mountain meadows fill with colour. The lime-rich soil gives rise to a remarkably diverse flora, including rare species such as rayed-branch broom and lady's slipper. A mountainous forest dominated by spruce and copper beech runs around the lake. The water can reach a temperature of 25 degrees while remaining crystal clear. And when night falls, a starry sky spreads out before your eyes, the sort of sky that you haven't seen in the city for a very long time.
… as in winter
When the cold days arrive, the surface of the water freezes to form a thick sheet of ice. At the western end of the lake, this generally holds between at least mid-December and early March. This makes this Europe's largest regularly freezing area of natural ice – and a unique setting for you to let the blades of your ice skates run free. Snowy forests and mountains surround the lake, creating a meditative aura of space and silence.
This all forms the DNA of the region, which shapes the Gralhof and our approach to hospitality. Since 2006, Lake Weissensee and its surroundings have also been officially recognised as an area of nature conservation, in order to safeguard the region for future generations.
For you to discover
Summer
In summer, the waters of the lake invite you to take a swim, but also to explore it in a rowing boat or by taking a boat trip. If you like to cycle, you can discover the region on or off road. And the area is also ideal for hiking, both in the forests and up between the mountain pastures with the help of the chairlift.
Winter
In winter, the frozen sea becomes an arena: for ice skating, on up to 25 kilometres of prepared tracks – as well as for cross-country skiing, winter hiking and snowshoeing. And there are also ski slopes very close by.
More information at weissensee.com