Vorderer Langbathsee

The Vorderer Langbathsee is a mountain lake in the Salzkammergut region of Upper Austria, set at the northern foot of the Höllengebirge range. It lies within the municipal boundaries of Ebensee on the Traunsee, draining into the Traun and then the Danube. The lake sits at 664 metres above sea level and is surrounded by steep, largely unspoilt shores that support rare plants and animals. Since 1965 it has been protected as a nature reserve to preserve its ecological balance. The lake is owned by the Austrian Federal Forests and remains a popular spot for swimming and day trips. The lake stretches 1,100 metres from west to east and reaches a maximum depth of 33 metres. Its water volume is 5.5 million cubic metres, renewed every ten months, with summer surface temperatures rising to 19.3 °C. The steep northern shore is dominated by the Vorderer Signalkogel, while the southern side rises to the Alberfeldkogel and Eiblgupf peaks. The western and eastern ends are gentler, with grassy banks and woodland. Underground springs feed the lake alongside surface streams such as the Pfrillenbach from the Hinterer Langbathsee. Visitors find a quiet mountain lake where the clear water reveals submerged tree trunks and rocky formations that attract divers. A restricted forest road circles the lake, allowing peaceful walks along its shores. The eastern shore has a small reed belt and a lakeside inn offering refreshments. Stock ducks, great crested grebes and goosanders glide across the surface, while native fish include trout and char. The surrounding Hangmischwald forest of spruce, beech and sycamore adds to the scene of natural beauty.