Traunsee

47°52′N 13°48′E / 47.867°N 13.800°E / 47.867; 13.800Primary inflowsTraun RiverPrimary outflowsTraun RiverBasin countriesAustriaMax. length12 km (7.5 mi)Max. width3 km (1.9 mi)Surface area24.5 km² (9.5 sq mi)Max. depth191 m (627 ft)Surface elevation423 m (1,388 ft)SettlementsGmunden, Ebensee, Altmunster, Traunkirchen

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.

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]