Wangenitzsee

The Wangenitzsee is an alpine lake high in the Schober group of Hohe Tauern National Park. It sits at 2,465 metres above sea level, just south-east of the Hoher Perschitzkopf and close to the border with East Tyrol. A small hut called the Wangenitzsee Hut stands on its north bank, marking the route of the Wiener Höhenweg. The lake covers 21.57 hectares and reaches a depth of 48 metres in places. Its shoreline stretches for two kilometres, and three small islands dot the south-western end. The water flows in from the nearby Kreuzsee and drains through the Wangenitzbach into the Möll. The catchment area is small, covering only 1.94 square kilometres. The lake’s volume totals 3.487 billion cubic metres, making it a significant body of water in the range. The surrounding flora includes Carex curvula and Scheuchzer’s cottongrass, typical of high-altitude wetlands. Visitors reach the lake along the Wiener Höhenweg, a long-distance trail that passes the Wangenitzsee Hut. The clear waters reflect the rugged peaks of the Schober group, offering quiet spots to rest. The islands in the south-west provide sheltered places to sit and take in the view. The high altitude means the lake remains cool even in summer, and the air is crisp and clean. The contrast between the dark water and the pale limestone cliffs makes the scene striking.