Understand
The Wörthersee is Carinthia's biggest lake and one of Austria's top tourist attractions in Summer. The visually stunning setting is reason alone to stop by for a few hours, though the only way to truly experience it is to take a dip.
Many consider it Austria's best destination for bathing and swimming, for several reasons: a) With water temperatures averaging 21-23 C often reaching a pleasant 25 C in August, it is one of Austria's warmest lakes. b) Its water is clear, has a characteristic blue-green colour, and is clean enough to be safe for drinking, at least in early June, before the tens of thousands of swimmers arrive in high season. c) Its location south of the Alps means it gets one of the highest number of sunny days in Austria, and it is also protected from strong winds, making ideal bathing weather in the months of July and August.
Ever since Austria's aristocracy has chosen the Wörthersee as their summer retreat in the 19th century it has been associated with glamour, though in recent decades it has lost a little of its shine. Nevertheless, the lake still attracts the rich and famous, and food and accommodation prices along its shore are very high compared to the rest of Carinthia.
