Millstatter See (Lake Millstatt) in southern Austria stretches for 7.5 miles (12 km) through a narrow valley with the village of Dobriach on one end and Spittal near the other.
The village of Millstatt, with an abbey that originated as a monastery in the 1100s, is located midway from either end. There is a winding road that leads from Millstatt thorough the nearby village of Lammersdorf to a mountain hut with a view of the lake (a popular high elevation starting point for hikers).
In Spittal there is a renaissance castle (Porcia castle) dating from the 1500s. It is considered to be one of the most significant renaissance buildings in Austria. Today it houses a museum for folk culture (Volkskultur) telling the history of the region with 20,000 items donated by people from the region.
The tourist season is winding down so we did not have to fight the summer crowds. The day had the feeling of early fall.
The tourist season is winding down so we did not have to fight the summer crowds. The day had the feeling of early fall.
View of Lake Millstatt from the terrace at
the vacations apartment we rented.
A view of he lake and the village of Millstatt
from the road leading to the Lammersdorf hut.
Views at Lammersdorf hut.
(a popular starting point for hikers)
1650 meters = 5,400 feet
In German speaking areas
WC = water closet = restroom
They are always modern and clean no
matter how remote.
The morning clouds had not burned off when
we arrived at the hut but started to clear over
the next half hour.
Views on the way to Spittal
A spring in a small park in Obermillstatt
where we stopped for a picnic lunch.
Frequently seen along the roads in Catholic regions.
Signs showing directions to various
vacation rentals.
Views in Millstatt
Views at the Abbey
Etchings proportedly made by prisoners in a room in
the abbey that was used as a dungeon. This etching
had the year "1538".
A diving tower by the lake.
There are several beaches along the lake
popular in the summer. But now, just like
in Nebraska, the swimming season has ended.
Unique flowers by the lake.
Does anyone know what they are called?
Some views of the Porcia Castle in Spittal
(located in the city center with a park beside it)
Entrance leading to the castles central court.
A little history about the castle.
Information about the cultural museum in the castle.
One side of the central court.
Some of the only remaining original furnishings.
Most was auctioned off before the city took
possession of the castle.
Some items in the museum.
All of the 20,000 items were donated by local citizens
or businesses. Nothing was purchased.
The last castle owners coat of arms
(on a center court wall)
