The lake is set in a mountain valley where the heavily forested dark green mountains seem to shoot straight up from the water's edge, one of the best Alpine settings I guess. It also offers a wide variety of athletic facilities, walking and hiking are popular pastimes around lake Gleinkersee. In addition to the circular walking path around the lake you can explore the surrounding mountain tops (where panoramic views will spread out before your eyes), Alpine huts as well as the Piessling Spring. The name derives from the church Gleink in Steyr, which possessed the lake in 1125. It's only accessible from the south end.
But hanging around, sun bathing and swimming are the most important things to do here of course. Iris was in the lake within a few seconds, Sam was a bit afraid and only paddled his feet. His fear was mainly because of the fish we saw like carp, perch, trout and pike. And whenever you need some refreshments, enjoy the culinary delights at the restaurant Seebacher, situated next to the lake with inviting sun terrace and shady chestnut tree garden.
Address: Edlbach 123, 4580 Windischgarsten.
Directions: A9 Pyhrn motorway, exit Windischgarsten and follow the signs.
Written Jul 30, 2009
Phone: +43-664-34 08 935
Website: www.gleinkersee.at
The Gleinkersee is 0.13 km2 (600 meters long and 400 meters wide) and up to 24.5 meters deep, with an exeption at the western part of the lake where it steeply drops to over 120 meters of depth! The water mostly comes from underground sources, but in the rear there are some small inflows visible. The weak flow of fresh water and the sheltered position behind some high mountain peaks, allows a rapid warming of the upper water and therefore high temperatures. This favor not only the swimmers, but also algal to bloom, so be aware.
Like I said before, lake Gleinkersee is a charming small Alpine lake surrounded by green meadows and lush forests. A well groomed lawn swimming pear and children's playground invited us to spend some idyllic and relaxing moments, as being a single parent of two young kids. Boat rides on the lake are available, but be aware that on a busy day the waiting time can be over two hours!
Address: Edlbach 123, 4580 Windischgarsten.
Directions: A9 Pyhrn motorway, exit Windischgarsten and follow the signs.
Written Jul 30, 2009
Phone: +43-664-34 08 935
Website: www.gleinkersee.at
About two thirds of Austria is dominated by the Alps and during the last ice-age, mighty glaciers covered essentially all of what Austria is today. When they melted away to some very few areas in high altitudes, the glaciers left a landscape under their weight, like smooth hills, rubble and many lakes. Today, there is a total of more than 300 lakes in Austria. They are a crucial factorin the country's tourism industry and appeal particularly to domestic and Central European tourists who come for water sports, hiking and natural beauty rather than sightseeing Vienna. The largest and probably most famous lake in the area of Hinterstoder is the Gleinkersee and is best accessed from Spital or Windischgarsten, it lies within the Kalkalpen National Park.
At a beautiful day a good activity is to go swimming together of course! For Iris and Sam this is always a favorite summertime activity. Just go splashing, wading and paddling - this always means a great day in the water! Also just playing by a lake like the Gleinkersee can be a real treat on a hot day.
Address: Edlbach 123, 4580 Windischgarsten.
Directions: A9 Pyhrn motorway, exit Windischgarsten and follow the signs.
Written Jul 30, 2009
Phone: +43-664-34 08 935
Website: www.gleinkersee.at
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