Mondsee (lake)

Mondsee is a lake in the Salzkammergut region of Upper Austria. It is one of Austria's warmest lakes and is a popular tourist destination.

Geography:

Mondsee lies at the foot of the Drachenwand (Dragon Wall) mountain range and is bordered by the towns of Mondsee (on the western shore) and St. Lorenz (on the eastern shore). The lake is approximately 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) long and 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) wide, with a maximum depth of 68 meters (223 feet). Its surface area is approximately 14 square kilometers (5.4 square miles).

Geology:

The lake was formed during the last glacial period, around 18,000 years ago.

History:

Evidence of human settlement around Mondsee dates back to the Neolithic period, with significant findings from the Mondsee culture (around 3800-3300 BC). The area has been continuously inhabited since then. The Mondsee Abbey, founded in 748 AD, played a significant role in the region's history.

Tourism:

Mondsee offers a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, sailing, windsurfing, diving, and fishing. Hiking and cycling are also popular in the surrounding area. The picturesque town of Mondsee, with its historic abbey church (Basilika St. Michael), is a major attraction. The basilica gained fame as the location for the wedding scene in the movie The Sound of Music.

Ecology:

The lake is known for its high water quality and supports a diverse range of fish species, including trout, pike, perch, and whitefish. Efforts are made to protect the lake's ecosystem and water quality through sustainable tourism practices and wastewater management.

See also:

• Salzkammergut
• Mondsee (town)
• Mondsee culture
• Basilika St. Michael