Lake Toplitzsee Between nature and history
The mystical dark waters of Lake Toplitzsee lays about a 20 minutes walk from Lake Grundlsee. This outrageously gorgeous lake must not be missed when visiting the area! The walk is undemanding and it is safe for young and old folk alike!
Lake Toplitzsee – a scenic treasure hunt
There are four varied paths that lead to Lake Toplitzsee. The vehicle access road is closed to normal traffic but it is possible to take a horse and carriage up this peaceful gravel road to the spectacular shores of Toplitzsee. From this point the only way forward is to take a “Plätte” boat across to the east shore as there is no access paths going around the side of this lake. From the east shore of Toplitzsee it is a short walk to the secluded natural wonder that is Kammersee.
Lake Toplitzsee is fed by beautiful waterfalls as well as an underground tributary from Lake Kammersee. From the surface, the Toplitzsee appears dark and mysterious…this is an unusual natural phenomenon that is caused by multiple layers of different water solutions. Twenty meters below the surface is a second layer of water that has a very little oxygen and a low level salt content. These mixing layers cause an effect where the light is “swallowed” and gives the lake its black appearance from above.
Toplitzsee is located in a Nature Reserve, which means that there are restrictions on what activities are permitted there. Swimming is allowed but all other types of water activities such as SUP boards, any type of boating or diving equipment is forbidden. The natural diversity of Toplitzsee thanks you for you cooperation!
An eventful history
A memorial stone commemorates the first meeting between Archduke Johann and Anna Plochl, a great and unusual love story that began at Lake Toplitzsee in 1819.
More closely related to the Lake itself are the reports of treasures from the Nazi era – the lake has seen many treasure hunters in its past, even submarines were used in search of gold and objects of art. In fact, vast quantities of counterfeit British pound banknotes were found at the bottom of the lake; forged on behalf of the Nazi régime with the purpose of causing lasting damage to the British economy.
Movies on the subject
The Treasure of Lake Toplitzsee, 1959
Die Fälscher, 2007 (Oscar for ‘Best Foreign Language Film’)
Dining
If you would like to learn more about the history and at the same time enjoy the local culinary delights, then the “Fischerhütte” at the Toplitzsee is the perfect place for you. The restaurant’s terrace is located directly on the west shore and the regional cuisine is famous for char and trout from the local waters.
Restaurant is closed on Wednesday.
Reservation, especially for larger groups, is recommended!
