Traunsee

Traunsee (Austrian German: [ˈtʁaʊ̯nˌzeː] German pronunciation^ⓘ, German: [ˈtʁaʊ̯nˌseː]) is a lake in the Salzkammergut, Upper Austria, Austria. Its surface is approximately 24.5 km² and its maximum depth of 191 metres makes it the deepest and by volume largest lake located entirely within Austrian territory; only Lake Constance on the border is deeper and bigger. It is a popular tourist destination, and its attractions include Schloss Ort, a medieval castle.

Traunsee
Aerial view of the Traunsee from the south
Traunsee Show map of Austria Traunsee Show map of Upper Austria
Location	Salzkammergut
Coordinates	47°52′N 13°48′E
Primary inflows	Traun River
Primary outflows	Traun River
Basin countries	Austria
Max. length	12 km (7.5 mi)
Max. width	3 km (1.9 mi)
Surface area	24.5 km2 (9.5 sq mi)
Max. depth	191 m (627 ft)
Surface elevation	423 m (1,388 ft)
Settlements	Gmunden, Ebensee, Altmunster, Traunkirchen

At the North end of the lake is Gmunden, at the south end is Ebensee. The lake is surrounded by mountains, including the Traunstein, and a number of other towns and villages surround the lake, including Altmünster and Traunkirchen.

There is a local legend that speaks of a waterhorse that lives in the lake. Records mention a mermaid riding on the back of a creature who lives in the waters. Locals refer to it as "Lungy" and photographs have been taken of the creature.^[1]