Attersee
Oberösterreich
Attersee, also known as Kammersee, is a prominent lake located in the Upper Austrian part of the Salzkammergut region within the Vöcklabruck district. Situated at an elevation of 469 meters above sea level, it covers over 46 square kilometers, making it the largest lake entirely in Austria. The lake reaches a maximum depth of approximately 169 meters, ranking it as the second deepest lake in Austria after Traunsee. Its nutrient-poor waters and diverse shoreline create rich habitats supporting various animal and plant species, which contributed to its designation as a Natura 2000 protected area in 2006. The lake's outflow is the Ager River, which drains into the Danube via the Traun. Attersee is a popular destination for tourism, offering opportunities for swimming, diving, and sailing. The shores are heavily developed with settlements such as Seewalchen, Schörfling, Weyregg, Steinbach, Unterach, Nußdorf, and the town of Attersee itself. The landscape around the lake is characterized by forested gentle hills on the west and east sides, while the south shore features the steep slopes of the Schafberg and Höllengebirge mountain ranges, rising up to 1100 meters. The lake basin is divided into three parts: southern, central, and northern basins, each with distinct underwater topography including notable underwater elevations like the A.-Müller-Peak and Laichberg. The shores hold archaeological significance with remains of Neolithic pile dwellings that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Prehistoric Pile dwellings around the Alps." Despite extensive shoreline development, some natural shore sections remain, preserving the lake's ecological value. Attersee is owned by the Austrian Federal Forests and remains a vital natural and recreational resource in Upper Austria.
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Tip: The best time to visit Attersee is during the late spring to early autumn months when weather conditions are ideal for water activities like swimming, sailing, and diving. Visitors are advised to explore local tourism offices for information on guided tours and to consider booking accommodations in advance during peak seasons. While much of the shoreline is privately owned and developed, some natural areas remain accessible for hiking and nature observation. Discounts may be available for group bookings or through regional tourism passes. Early purchase of tickets for boat tours or diving excursions is recommended to ensure availability.
Zajímavosti
- •Attersee is the largest lake entirely within Austria's borders, covering over 46 square kilometers.
- •It is the second deepest lake in Austria with a maximum depth of about 169 meters, with some reports of divers finding spots up to 172.6 meters deep.
- •The lake's shoreline is about 48.5 kilometers long, with approximately 87% heavily developed and only 13% remaining in a natural state.
- •Remains of Neolithic pile dwellings along the lake are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Prehistoric Pile dwellings around the Alps."
- •The lake basin is divided into three sub-basins with distinct underwater features such as underwater mountains and peaks.
- •The southern shore is bordered by steep mountain ranges like the Schafberg and Höllengebirge, reaching heights of up to 1100 meters.
- •Attersee's outflow is the Ager River, which eventually drains into the Danube via the Traun River.
Historie
Attersee has been inhabited since prehistoric times, evidenced by Neolithic pile dwelling settlements along its shores, now recognized as part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Over centuries, the lake has been an important natural resource and transport route in the Salzkammergut region.
In the 20th century, the shores underwent significant development, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, leading to extensive construction of residential and recreational facilities.
Since 2006, the lake has been protected under the Natura 2000 network due to its ecological importance.
Ownership by the Austrian Federal Forests underscores its value as a managed natural area and tourist destination.