Traunsee

Traunsee
Aerial view of the Traunsee from the south
Traunsee Traunsee
Location	Salzkammergut
Coordinates	47°52′N 13°48′E
Primary inflows	Traun River
Primary outflows	Traun River
Basin countries	Austria
Max. length	12 km (7.5 mi)
Max. width	3 km (1.9 mi)
Surface area	24.5 km2 (9.5 sq mi)
Max. depth	191 m (627 ft)
Surface elevation	423 m (1,388 ft)
Settlements	Gmunden, Ebensee, Altmunster, Traunkirchen

Traunsee (Austrian German: [ˈtʁaʊ̯nˌzeː] , German: [ˈtʁaʊ̯nˌseː]) is a lake in the Salzkammergut, Upper Austria, Austria. Its surface is approximately 24.5 km² and its maximum depth of 191 metres makes it the deepest and by volume largest lake located entirely within Austrian territory; only Lake Constance on the border is deeper and bigger. It is a popular tourist destination, and its attractions include Schloss Ort, a medieval castle.

At the North end of the lake is Gmunden, at the south end is Ebensee. The lake is surrounded by mountains, including the Traunstein, and a number of other towns and villages surround the lake, including Altmünster and Traunkirchen.

There is a local legend that speaks of a waterhorse that lives in the lake. Records mention a mermaid riding on the back of a creature who lives in the waters. Locals refer to it as "Lungy" and photographs have been taken of the creature. [1]

External links

• Media related to Traunsee at Wikimedia Commons