Lake Ossiach

Lake Ossiach (German: Ossiacher See) is a lake in the Austrian state of Carinthia, located in the southern Nock Mountains range of the Gurktal Alps. It is the third largest lake in the state, after Lake Wörth and Lake Millstatt, and has a surface area of about 10.8 square kilometers and a maximum depth of 52.6 meters. The lake has a long and rich history, dating back to the Roman times, and is home to the famous Ossiach Abbey, a Benedictine monastery founded in the 11th century. The lake is also a popular destination for tourists who enjoy a variety of activities, such as water sports, hiking, biking, skiing, and cultural events.

Lake Ossiach is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, as it offers ideal conditions for sailing, surfing, diving, swimming, fishing, and boating. The lake has two main beaches, Wooden Pier and Sunning Lawn, which are well-equipped with facilities and amenities for visitors. The lake also hosts several water sports events throughout the year, such as the Ossiach Lake Festival, the Ossiach Sailing Week, and the Ossiach Triathlon. The lake is also part of the Carinthian Lakes Cycle Route, a 340-kilometer long bike trail that connects seven lakes in the region.

Lake Ossiach is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, which can be explored by hiking and biking. The lake is bordered by the Ossiacher Tauern, a mountain range that offers panoramic views over the lake and the valleys. One of the most popular hiking destinations is the Gerlitzen Mountain, which rises up to 1,909 meters and can be reached by cable car or by foot. The mountain has several hiking trails of different difficulty levels, and also features a summer toboggan run, an adventure park, and a mountain kart track. Another hiking option is the Bleistatt Moor, a wetland area that is being restored to its natural state and is home to many rare plants and animals. The lake also has several biking routes that cater to different skill levels and preferences, such as the Ossiach Round Tour, the Ossiach Panorama Tour, and the Ossiach Family Tour.

Lake Ossiach is not only a summer destination, but also a winter wonderland. The lake freezes over in the cold months, creating a natural ice rink for skating and curling. The nearby Gerlitzen Mountain is also a popular ski resort, with 42 kilometers of slopes, 15 lifts, and a snow park. The mountain offers ski runs for all levels of difficulty, from beginners to experts, and also has a ski school, a ski rental, and a ski bus service. The mountain also has a cross-country ski trail, a winter hiking trail, and a snowshoe trail. The lake and the mountain offer spectacular views of the snow-covered landscape, and also host various winter events, such as the Gerlitzen Ski Night, the Gerlitzen Snow Festival, and the Gerlitzen Ice Party.

Lake Ossiach is not only a place for nature lovers, but also for culture lovers. The lake has a rich cultural heritage, which can be seen in its architecture, art, music, and festivals. The most prominent cultural attraction is the Ossiach Abbey, a Romanesque-Gothic monastery that was founded in the 11th century and was once a center of learning and music. The abbey has a beautiful church, a cloister, a library, and a museum, and also hosts concerts, exhibitions, and workshops. The abbey is also the venue of the Carinthian Summer Music Festival, one of the oldest and most prestigious classical music festivals in Austria, which attracts renowned musicians and artists from around the world. Another cultural attraction is the Landskron Castle, a medieval fortress that overlooks the lake and the town of Villach. The castle was built in the 14th century and was later destroyed by fire. Today, the castle ruins are open to visitors and offer a panoramic view of the surroundings. The castle also hosts a falconry show, a monkey park, and a medieval market.