An experience not to be missed: skating the remarkable Weissensee yourself

Every winter thousands of Dutch people take a skating holiday to the Weissensee in Carinthia. A remarkable winter paradise. The Austrian mountain lake has a pull of its own. Skating the Weissensee yourself turns out to be an experience not to be missed.

‘Anyone can’ skate the Weissensee

You will know the 11-City Tour in Friesland. The Alternative Dutch 11-City Tour on the Weissensee is a little less well known. Even so, every year there is a migration to this unique nature reserve. In almost every winter there is a huge sheet of ice.

Because of that ‘ice guarantee’, skating tours are organised, the Alternative Dutch 11-City Tour among them. And rather remarkably: in principle ‘anyone’ can take part. Which is why many recreational skaters come to the Weissensee to be part of it.

The Weissensee is truly beautiful

For the setting alone the Weissensee deserves a place on your bucket list. The lake lies at 930 metres, between the Alps and the Dolomites. The air is exceptionally clean, the water crystal clear. In the shallows you see every detail of the bottom.

Often enough that view is obscured by snow. But the snow makes for glorious scenes of its own. The white stuff creates a magical world on and around the frozen mountain lake. Besides this lovely scene, there are 3 more reasons for a skating holiday on the Weissensee

1. The atmosphere is wonderful

For decades there has been an exceptionally pleasant atmosphere around the pride of Carinthia. You can do your own thing there. See how far you get. It is fun enough to ‘simply’ skate on that great sheet of ice. And you might have a go at those 200 kilometres after all. Your holiday, your party.

2. The source of calm and zest for life

Carinthia stands for lust am leben. An appetite for life. Or, loosely translated, zest for life. You may have it already. You may have none of it at all. Either way, it is certain that you will come by some, or more, on the Weissensee.

Besides a skating resort it is a spa resort with saunas, pools and quiet corners. Prefer something more active? You can also ski, walk and mountain bike there. And there are authentic family restaurants and mountain huts. The word pleasure does apply here.

3. The sporting challenge

A relaxing skating holiday suits us perfectly. Between the relaxing there is room for some sport. Which is why here is a challenge to take on the skating adventure.

Set yourself a distance. Who knows, 100 kilometres? That is quite an achievement already. Or double it after all? And then, of course, comes a reward. A medal, a cross and a certificate with your lap times. Raise your glass, you did it, champion.

Skating it yourself: start training for the Weissensee

An old piece of training wisdom says: what you put in during the summer and early autumn comes out in winter. You may feel the Weissensee tempting you. In which case this is the moment to get fit, or fitter. Certainly if you plan to devour kilometres. Every week dionvacation shares news, tips and inspiration so you can prepare properly.