10 things you didn't know about Lake Walchsee

1. beware of confusion: Walchsee ≠ Walchensee ≠ Wallersee ≠ Walensee

Let's start with the basics: if you want to visit Lake Walchsee in Tyrol, you need to programme your sat nav to the municipality of Walchsee or Kössen in the district of Kufstein (Tyrol, Austria!). This is because Walchsee can easily be confused with Walchensee in Bavaria, Wallersee in Salzburg or Walensee in Switzerland. For a long time, it was assumed that the name Walchsee originally came from the Wallen/Welschen (Romansh population), but in more recent years this theory has been viewed more cautiously. The term "walch" is ambiguous and can also mean "moist, lukewarm, mild".

2. legendary: A dispute that was buried in the water

As befits a proper lake, the wildest myths and stories also surround Lake Walchsee. It is said that there used to be a beautiful, productive forest on the site of Lake Walchsee, which was claimed by several locals and thus became the subject of dispute. A dairymaid, who was walking through the forest one day to milk the cows on the other side, saw a small pit filled with water on the way there. When she wanted to return, a large lake had formed in the place of the forest. So the disputes about the forest were buried once and for all and the people were able to enjoy a beautiful lake instead.

3. women and men together at the lido - are they allowed to do that?

A new lido was opened at Walchsee, which has been family-owned for more than 100 years, in 1928. The special thing about it: it was one of the first lidos in Austria where women and men could swim together, whereas other lidos still required strict gender segregation. Not even the parish priest could prevent this. In protest, he had a sign erected at the entrance to the village: "Entering the village in swimwear prohibited".

4. cruising across the lake in style: the water ski pioneers

Water sports have a long tradition at Walchsee, especially water skiing. The owner of the lake at the time, Karl Karl (his real name), played a pioneering role. Back in the 1950s, he glided across Lake Walchsee on two boards, pulled by a boat with an outboard motor. Even today, Lake Walchsee is the only lake in Tyrol where you can go waterskiing on a boat. Perhaps you will be the next one to glide across the lake on two boards.

7. a sweat-inducing challenge: the Kaiserwinkl-Walchsee Challenge

Yes, there are truly more leisurely ways to get to know Lake Walchsee and the surrounding area than this competition - but probably none more challenging. The triathlon, which has been held annually since 2010, is a half-distance event: you "only" have to swim 1.9 kilometres, cycle 90 kilometres and run 21 kilometres. The swim course naturally leads through Lake Walchsee, the bike course into the surrounding communities and finally you have to run around the lake four times (!). A sweat-inducing challenge, even for trained athletes. I have to admit: I prefer to watch this event.

8. shallow water, high temperatures: it's good to splash around here

If the mere sight of a lake normally gives you goosebumps, you can rest assured when it comes to Walchsee. The fact that the fourth-largest lake in Tyrol, with an area of around one square kilometre, is a popular swimming lake is not only due to its idyllic location, but also to the water temperatures: in summer, they climb up to 25 °C. This is favoured by the fairly shallow water, as Walchsee is only 21 metres deep at its deepest point. Therefore: just take a running start and - splash! By the way: it's not just two-legged friends who enjoy themselves here, there is even a separate beach section for dogs.

9th Alles Walzer: The singing gendarme from Walchsee

When you hear a waltz, you naturally think of Vienna at first. But few people realise that this Alpine lake between the Kaiser Mountains in the south and the Chiemgau Alps in the north can be proud of its own waltz. Hubert Klier - "the singing gendarme from Walchsee" - was an Austrian composer, lyricist and singer and dedicated the "Walchsee Waltz" to his adopted home town in 1955. So watch out when the Bundesmusikkapelle Walchsee plays again: The "Walchsee Waltz" is almost certainly on the playlist.

10. fun factor 100: a lake that never gets boring

If splashing around in the water, water skiing, fishing or the circular path around the lake is not enough, you can let off steam in the 800 square metre Aqua Fun Park on the eastern shore of the lake. The bouldering wall, water trampoline, blobbing, slides and beach volleyball provide plenty of variety here. At sunset, it's best to relax at the beach bar and round off a perfect day at Lake Walchsee in a cosy atmosphere.

Lake Walchsee is not just a paradise for swimmers, you can also explore it and its shores on foot. The beautiful circular path is ideal for walking and jogging and is also easy to do with a pushchair - another plus point for families. There are regular benches for a breather, with magnificent views of the lake, the Zahmer Kaiser and the village of Walchsee. And you might even like to train here for the Kaiserwinkl-Walchsee challenge (see point 7)...