Exploring Am Ossiacher See: Austria's Lakeside Gem

Located in the Austrian state of Carinthia, Lake Ossiach (Ossiacher See) is a popular tourist destination. The lake is situated in the southern Nock Mountains range of the Gurktal Alps, between the mountain ranges of Gerlitzen Alps and Ossiacher Tauern. It is the third-largest lake in Carinthia, with a surface area of approximately 10.8 square kilometres and a maximum depth of 52.6 metres. The primary villages on the lake include Annenheim, Sattendorf, Bodensdorf, Steindorf, and Ossiach, which is known for its historic monastery and Baroque abbey church. The area offers a wide range of leisure activities, such as water sports, hiking, cycling, and skiing, making it a popular holiday destination.

Water sports and activities

Lake Ossiach is a famous lake in Carinthia, Austria, known for its water sports and activities. The lake is 25km wide and has a depth of up to 52m. It is surrounded by the mountain ranges of the Gerlitzen Alps and Ossiacher Tauern, and its shoreline is shared by four cities: Ossiach, Villach, Treffen, and Steindorf.

Ossiacher See offers a wide range of water sports and activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the most popular ones:

• Water-skiing and Wakeboarding: For those who enjoy speed and adrenaline, water-skiing and wakeboarding are popular choices.
• Fishing: With 21 species of fish, including pike, zander, carp, and rainbow trout, the lake is a great spot for both professional and beginner anglers.
• Swimming: The clear and refreshing waters of the lake are perfect for a swim on a hot summer day.
• Sailing: Visitors can take sailing lessons or rent a sailing boat to explore the lake at their own pace.
• Kayaking: Kayaking is another popular activity, with training courses and kayak rentals available.
• Surfing: Surfing lessons and surfboard rentals are also on offer for those who want to catch some waves.
• Boat Rentals: Electric boat rentals are available for those who want to explore the lake at a leisurely pace.
• Parasailing: The Gerlitzen Alpe, rising from the northern shore of the lake, offers one of the most beautiful spots for parasailing in all of Austria.

In addition to these activities, there are also public beaches, large campsites, and hotel complexes along the lake that provide further water-based entertainment, such as banana boat rides, stand-up paddleboarding, and more.

Ossiach's historic monastery and Baroque abbey church

The historic Ossiach Abbey, with its Baroque collegiate church, is a former Benedictine monastery founded around 1000 CE. It is located in the municipality of Ossiach, on the southern shore of Lake Ossiach, in the Austrian state of Carinthia. The Romanesque church was first mentioned in 1215, built on the ground plan of a basilica, with a tower above the crossing.

The abbey is of great cultural and historical significance to the region. It was established by Count Ozi around 1024, making it the first Benedictine abbey in the medieval Duchy of Carinthia. The abbey's monks likely descended from the Niederaltaich Abbey in Bavaria. Ozi's son, Poppo, successfully freed the abbey from the influence of the Salzburg archbishops, instead affiliating it with the Patriarchate of Aquileia.

In the centuries that followed, the abbey passed through the hands of various noble families, including the Styrian Otakar dynasty, the Austrian House of Babenberg, and finally, the Habsburgs in 1282. The abbey was extensively altered during the Baroque period, including the addition of stucco decoration by the Wessobrunner School.

Emperor Joseph II dissolved the abbey in 1783, after which the buildings served various purposes, including barracks and stabling. Despite the majority of the premises being demolished in 1816, the church has continued to serve the local parish. The church is renowned for its music festivals and has been the venue for the annual "Carinthian Summer" international music festival, as well as opera and theatrical productions.

According to legend, King Bolesław II of Poland found peace at the abbey after he was banished in 1079 for the murder of Saint Stanislaus of Szczepanów. Bolesław allegedly lived humbly in the monastery for eight years, performing lowly tasks until he confessed his identity and past sins on his deathbed. His supposed tomb is embedded in the northern side of the church wall, featuring a Roman marble relief of a horse with a Latin inscription alluding to his crime.

The Carinthian capital, Klagenfurt

Klagenfurt, the capital of Carinthia, is a city of leisure and culture. Located on the eastern bank of Lake Wörthersee, it offers cultural treasures and nearby mountains. The small town, which is around 800 years old, features perfectly restored palaces, courtyards, and squares. The New Square (Neuer Platz) is home to the Lindworm Fountain, and the city boasts many museums, including the Museum of Modern Art, The Provincial Museum, the Wappensaal (Coat of Arms Hall), and the Landhaus Gallery.

Klagenfurt has been awarded the prestigious Europa Nostra Diploma three times for its lovingly restored arcaded Renaissance courtyards, which today accommodate modern boutiques, trendy bars, and authentic beer gardens. The city's Mediterranean influence is evident in its climate and the Benedictine farmers' market, where traders from Carinthia, the Italian Friuli region, and Slovenia, sell their produce.

Klagenfurt is also known for its adventure and sports activities, including water sports on Lake Wörthersee, which is one of the warmest Alpine lakes in Europe. The lake offers water skiing, wakeboarding, SUP paddling, sailing, diving, and more. There are also hiking and biking trails, a golf course, and yoga classes. In winter, the lake freezes over and becomes one of Austria's largest natural ice rinks.

The Gerlitzen Cable Cars

The Gerlitzen Cable Car is a popular tourist attraction in the heart of Carinthia, Austria. It offers stunning panoramic views of Italy, Slovenia, and over half of Carinthia from a height of 1,900 metres above sea level. The cable car ride takes approximately 30 minutes and provides a unique combination of mountain and lake views. The adventure mountain is accessible from the village of Annenheim, located on the north-western shore of Lake Ossiach, where the mountain ranges directly from the lake's shores to the Gerlitzen Alps.

The Gerlitzen Cable Car system consists of various lifts and cable car lines that converge at the summit of Gerlitzen. From Klösterle, two long detachable 4-person chairlifts ascend to the summit. A 4-person gondola lift travels from Annenheim at Lake Ossiach to Kanzelhöhe, and a detachable 4-person chairlift with weather protection covers completes the journey to the summit. Additionally, the 8-person Neugarten 8er Carving Jet chairlift provides access to wide carving slopes, while the Wörthersee 6er Family-Jet chairlift offers a comfortable ride with heated seats.

The Gerlitzen Cable Car operates daily during specific seasons. In summer, from May to October, the service times are from 9 am to noon and 12:45 pm to 5 pm, without a lunch break from July 1st to August 31st. During winter, from December to April, the ascent duration is approximately 20 minutes. The cable car station in the valley has several car parks available, and it is also accessible by public transport via bus, train, boat, or bike.

The Gerlitzen mountain offers a range of activities for all ages. It is a popular ski resort in winter, with 42 kilometres of pistes catering to different skill levels, and it also provides hiking opportunities during summer. The adventure arena at Kanzelhöhe offers alternatives to family hiking, including summer tubing, a forest high rope park, a kids' bike park, and a wooden ball track. Rustic alpine cabins serve traditional dishes, enhancing the overall experience.

The Ossiach Abbey Music Academy

The Academy's restaurant, CMA – KULINARIK.CAMPUS OSSIACH, serves Carinthian dishes and has a large sun terrace. The Academy also offers a common area and a gaming room for its guests, with activities such as a pool table, table tennis, and darts.

For music seminars, the Academy generally provides accommodation in shared rooms, with single or double rooms available upon request and for an additional charge. Linens and towels are provided, and vegetarian dishes are served regularly. The Academy is wheelchair accessible, and free Wi-Fi is available for all participants.

The surrounding area offers a variety of activities, including hiking and cycling trails, a public beach, and water sports on the lake. The town of Ossiach itself is known for its unspoilt town centre and attractions such as the Familywald Ossiacher See, a nature family park, and the Climbing Forest (Kletterwald) Ossiacher See.

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