Diving in Austria
Thanks to strict environmental regulations Austria’s lakes are among the cleanest and purest in Europe – and are a paradise for divers.
It has long been known that not just the sea harbours fascinating fauna but
lakes, too, make for a wonderful diving experience. The fauna in Austria’s
lakes and rivers is quite diverse: perch, pike, catfish, swan mussel,
migratory shell, freshwater sponge, lake trout, grayling, freshwater hydra,
crayfish - and in the summer numerous freshwater medusas - are among the
colourful water inhabitants.
Many Austrian lakes are equipped with diving bases and diving schools, such
as the Hallstättersee, which offers excellent diving opportunities. The fish
world in its waters and the abundant flora give it a special flair. In
addition to steep precipices in the south-eastern area, the famous lake
offers shallower but no less interesting banks.
The Traunsee - the lowest lake in Austria with its 191m and surrounded by
the romantic mountain scenarios of the Traunstein, Erlakogel and Sonnstein
ranges, is an eldorado for the practised diver as well. Whether it is the
steep precipices or shallower sediment areas in the northern part of the
lake – partly even with freshwater sponges – it is simply a fascinating body
of water.
With a surface area of 48 km² and a length of over 19 km the Attersee is the
largest inner-Austrian body of water. It is quasi the heart and centre of
the diving sport in the Salzkammergut. Due to its central location it is
also an ideal starting point for excursions to neighbouring lakes such as
Mondsee, Traunsee, Wolfgangsee and Grundlsee.
An interesting variant is river diving, for which the rivers Enns, Steyr and
especially Traun are most suitable.
A number of diving schools and associations assist divers in finding their
way around Austria’s lakes and rivers. ARGE Tauchen provides continuous
up-to-date info on diving areas in consultation with the authorities, lake
owners, biologists as well as the fishery, and leases diving permits in
private waters thus enabling diving in Austria’s nicest lakes.
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