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Ice-skate in Carinthia
Lace up your skates; we're hitting the ice. Sitting pretty at the foot of the Gailtal Alps, in the scenic state of Carinthia, Lake Weissensee is an unspoilt paradise year-round, with drinking-quality water that, come winter, freezes over to form Europe's largest natural ice rink. It's a crystal-clear spectacle with a 25km circular track that caters for all skill levels, against a backdrop of forest-trimmed mountains. It's also home to the biggest traditional curling tournament on the continent, held in January. Book in at Hotel zum Weissensee, a cosy, family-run inn offering modern rooms within its centuries-old walls, as well as a salt sauna and free rental of winter sports equipment. For a fantastic lakeside meal, feast on fine Weissensee fish and locally harvested plants from award-winning chef Hannes Müller at Geniesserhotel Die Forelle.