Naturjuwel Egelsee

Hidden on the chain of hills between Millstätter See and the lower Drau Valley lies the "natural jewel Egelsee" at an altitude of 650 meters. It is an enchanted moor lake that fascinates everyone who sees it for the first time. The hiker can only reach the protected lake directly via wooden footbridges; off the wooden footbridges, the area may not be entered. The small lake can be reached from Molzbichl and Rothenthurn, from the southern shore of Lake Millstätter See or via the hiking trails on the Millstätter See ridge. The moor lake does not owe its name to the leeches, as one could easily believe, because they are also at home at the Egelsee. In the past, people used to let these leeches suck on their bodies to lower high blood pressure. No, the name Egelsee is rather derived from the original name "Ecksee".

Varied flora: The special feature of this natural jewel that tempts to dream is its fauna, the lake is surrounded without exception by dense, swaying oscillating grasses. Because the lake is located in the middle of a vast bog, its water color is mystical deep brown. Due to the bog acids, the pH-level is very low. Botanical peculiarities are the papillary peat moss, the carnivorous round-leaved and long-leaved sundew and the water hose, the rusty-leaved alpine rose, the scabious cotton grass, the rosemary heath (Andromeda polifolia) or the bog bilberry. Fauna and flora are explained in detail on the information boards around the lake.

The water of the Egelsee can get up to 28 degrees warm and has health-promoting effects. A "Kneipp-path", which starts at the inn "Lug ins Land", completes the offer!