{{Short description|Lake in Upper Austria}} {{Infobox body of water | name = Traunsee | image = Aerial image of the Traunsee (view from the south).jpg | caption = Aerial view of the Traunsee from the south | image_bathymetry = | caption_bathymetry = | location = Salzkammergut | coords = {{coord|47|52|N|13|48|E|type:waterbody_region:AT|display=inline,title}} | pushpin_map = Austria#Austria Upper Austria | type = | inflow = Traun River | outflow = Traun River | catchment = | basin_countries = Austria | length = {{convert|12|km|abbr=on}} | width = {{convert|3|km|abbr=on}} | area = {{convert|24.5|km2|abbr=on}} | depth = | max-depth = {{convert|191|m|abbr=on}} | volume = | residence_time = | shore = | elevation = {{convert|423|m|abbr=on}} | islands = | cities = Gmunden, Ebensee, Altmunster, Traunkirchen }} '''Traunsee''' ({{IPA|de|ˈtʁaʊnˌzeː|lang|De-Traunsee.ogg}}, {{IPA|de-AT|ˈtʁaʊnˌseː|lang}}) is a lake in the Salzkammergut, Upper Austria, Austria. Its surface is approximately 24.5&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> and its maximum depth of 191 metres makes it the deepest and by volume largest lake located entirely within Austrian territory; only Lake Constance on the border is deeper and bigger. It is a popular tourist destination, and its attractions include Schloss Ort, a medieval castle.

At the North end of the lake is Gmunden, at the south end is Ebensee. The lake is surrounded by mountains, including the Traunstein, and a number of other towns and villages surround the lake, including Altmünster and Traunkirchen.

There is a local legend that speaks of a waterhorse that lives in the lake. Records mention a mermaid riding on the back of a creature who lives in the waters. Locals refer to it as "Lungy" and photographs have been taken of the creature.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Eberhart |first1=George M. |title=Mysterious Creatures: A Guide to Cryptozoology [2 Volumes] |date=17 December 2002 |publisher=Bloomsbury Academic |isbn=978-1-57607-283-7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=z9gMsCUtCZUC&dq=traunsee+waterhorse&pg=PA661 |language=en}}</ref>

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== *{{commons category-inline|Traunsee}}

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Category:Lakes of Upper Austria Category:Upper Austrian Prealps

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