Forstsee

The Forstsee lies on a ridge just north of the Wörthersee in Carinthia, between the villages of Pörtschach and Velden. It sits at 601 metres above sea level and covers 29 hectares, with a maximum depth of 35 metres. The lake holds 6.5 million cubic metres of water, fed by a steep stream that once powered mills before dwindling to a trickle. A pressure pipe built in 1925 links the Forstsee to the Wörthersee, allowing water to flow down to the hydro-electric plant at the northern shore. Apart from two toilet blocks, no buildings mar the shoreline, and the lake remains free for swimming. The lake attracts naturists and anglers alike, with fish stocks that once supported thriving villages in the 19th century. Surveys still rate its water as ‘very good’ in hygiene and low in nutrients. Hecht, Wels, Karpfen and Zander swim alongside Brachse, Laube and Edelkrebse, drawing regular fishing competitions for children and adults. A memorial stretch of ancient road lies preserved on the western shore, while the Vereinshütte of the local fishing club stands at the northern end. A circular path of about two kilometres encircles the lake, passing information boards on glacial traces and historic fishing. The route enters from the north via the Römerschlucht and leaves at the eastern dam, dropping to the Metaubach where another panel explains old water-power use. Beyond the lake, the trail continues through Tibitsch and Sekull, two hamlets of Techelsberg, offering quiet woodland and lakeside views without any commercial distractions.