There are several distinct reasons to visit Weissensee: the car-free lakeside path with views of the Lienz Dolomites, the 25-kilometre ice-skating loop on the frozen lake, and riding lessons. Nearby Tscherniheim adds a cultural and historical dimension with its history of glassmaking. These activities differ in nature and, in the case of ice skating, depend on ice conditions. When planning, a few practical questions take centre stage: Which activity interests you, which direction of the Slow Trail would you prefer, and does seasonal ice skating fit your stay?
By the lake: the Weissensee Slow Trail
The Weissensee Slow Trail runs for 6.7 kilometres along a car-free lakeside path, with views of the Lienz Dolomites. The route is flexible: you can walk from Neusach (Ronacherfels) to the eastern shore, or in the opposite direction. You can also combine the Slow Trail with the “MS Alpenperle” scheduled boat service. If you’d like to do this, check the timetable for your chosen travel date. You can plan around two practical questions: Which direction would you prefer, and would you like to include the scheduled boat service in your tour?
Ice skating on the frozen lake
When Weissensee is frozen, there is a 25-kilometre loop for ice skating. This makes the winter activity distinct from the lakeside walk: one option follows a loop across the lake, while the other follows a path along the shore. Whether the skating loop is available depends on ice conditions. If ice skating is one of your reasons for visiting, it’s a good idea to check the latest conditions in advance. The length of the loop and its dependence on the ice are two practical points to keep in mind when planning.
Glassmaking and history
Nearby Tscherniheim has six information stops with display boards on the historical, cultural and social background of glassmaking in the forest glassmaking village, which existed from 1621 to 1879. The village existed from 1621 to 1879. The boards connect glass production with the historical and social context of the place, while the dates give its history a clear timeframe. Another historical date: Weissensee Church was consecrated in 1903. Weissensee Church and glassmaking in nearby Tscherniheim represent different cultural subjects: the consecration of a specific building in one case, and the history of a forest glassmaking village over more than two centuries in the other. If you’d like to include culture as well as outdoor activities, these offer two distinct topics to explore.
Riding lessons and hiking buses
Pferdehof Rupitsch at Weissensee offers riding lessons in an outdoor riding arena with views of the lake. This adds a guided activity to the options of walking, ice skating and learning about local history. If you’d like to plan riding lessons specifically, ask about the current programme in advance, as details may change.
There are also hiking buses at Weissensee. Timetables can change, so check the service for your chosen day if you’re planning to take a bus. This will help you coordinate the connection with your planned activities.
Discover more destinations: Sachsenburg, Teuchl, Weinberg, Rangersdorf, Rennweg Am Katschberg, Maltaberg, Oberkolbnitz, Lieserbrücke.
Return to the main travel overview: Spittal An Der Drau.
