Neufelder See
Scuba diving in Neufelder See is fun and adventurous with a great visibility all year around.
Explore Burgenland
Burgenland, nestled in the Pannonian lowlands of Austria, offers a unique freshwater diving experience that combines serene landscapes with intriguing underwater adventures. The region's centerpiece, Lake Neufelder, is renowned for its excellent water quality, fed by numerous underground springs. This lake, once a lignite mining site, now serves as a recreational diving haven just a short drive from Vienna. Its clear waters are a paradise for underwater photographers, boasting a diverse array of fish species and impressive large crayfish. The lake's interesting topography adds to the allure, making each dive a new exploration of submerged terrains.
Aside from Lake Neufelder, Burgenland's mild climate and over 300 sunny days per year make it an inviting destination for both recreational and technical divers. The surrounding landscapes, featuring the Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park and several nature parks, create a tranquil backdrop for diving excursions. This flat region, unlike Austria's mountainous counterparts, offers a gentle contrast and a peaceful escape from urban life. For those looking to combine diving with other outdoor activities, Burgenland's renowned cycling trails and lush vineyards provide additional avenues for exploration, truly making it a multifaceted destination for nature enthusiasts.
Places to explore
Dive Activity
Diving in Burgenland
Burgenland, Austria's easternmost region, offers unique freshwater diving experiences, especially in Lake Neusiedl. This shallow lake is ideal for shore diving and is known for its murky waters, which can create an exciting challenge for divers. The submerged reeds and unique mud formations provide a distinctive underwater landscape that attracts divers seeking something different from traditional clear-water environments.
Another noteworthy spot is the quarry in Rust. The clear waters here offer excellent visibility, making it perfect for exploring the submerged rock formations and spotting local aquatic life, such as various fish species and crustaceans. This site is popular for training dives and offers an accessible environment for both novice and experienced divers. Whether exploring the unique ecosystem of Lake Neusiedl or the clarity of Rust's quarry, Burgenland presents engaging dive experiences for enthusiasts.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Burgenland
In Burgenland, divers exploring freshwater bodies like Neusiedler See can encounter a variety of fish species. Common sightings include pike, carp, and perch, well adapted to the shallow, often turbid waters. The lake's unique conditions support a diverse ecosystem, providing opportunities to observe these species in their natural habitat.
Special sightings such as catfish are more frequent in deeper, less disturbed areas, often during the warmer months when visibility improves slightly. While sturgeon are rare, their presence adds to the allure of diving in this region. Seasonal changes, particularly during spawning periods, offer a chance to see increased fish activity, though reduced visibility can pose challenges. Planning dives during late spring or early summer might increase the chances of witnessing these events.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 30
Shutterstock-Rostislav Stefanek
Carp
3.9k Sightings
J
15
F
3
M
10
A
63
M
296
J
600
J
1k
A
1.1k
S
648
O
147
N
29
D
19
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 19
iStock-ANDY_BOWLIN
Bass
3.9k Sightings
J
19
F
6
M
37
A
96
M
307
J
555
J
908
A
981
S
732
O
167
N
50
D
19
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 5
iStock-abadonian
Pike
3.7k Sightings
J
34
F
40
M
50
A
130
M
267
J
583
J
757
A
877
S
591
O
216
N
86
D
65
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 3
iStock-jpa1999
Perch
2.8k Sightings
J
24
F
22
M
45
A
130
M
229
J
437
J
615
A
585
S
437
O
168
N
78
D
46
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 3000
Shutterstock-zsolt_uveges
Catfish
2.1k Sightings
J
19
F
15
M
52
A
78
M
207
J
258
J
484
A
423
S
374
O
130
N
50
D
28
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 600
Shutterstock-dushkovladimir
Crayfish
690 Sightings
J
10
F
0
M
12
A
6
M
34
J
119
J
158
A
128
S
103
O
88
N
24
D
8
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 5
Shutterstock-Rostislav Stefanek
Walleye
215 Sightings
J
4
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
14
J
82
A
65
S
46
O
2
N
0
D
2
The best Months to dive in Burgenland
Diving in Burgenland, Austria, is possible year-round, though conditions vary seasonally. During the summer, water temperatures range from 20°C–25°C/68°F–77°F, providing comfortable diving conditions. In contrast, winter temperatures can drop to 4°C–8°C/39°F–46°F, requiring appropriate thermal protection. Visibility in Burgenland's lakes typically ranges from 5 to 10 meters/16 to 33 feet, though this can be reduced in the fall and spring due to increased runoff and algae blooms. Wind from the northwest can create surface currents, particularly impacting larger lakes like Neusiedler See. While diving is possible throughout the year, the best conditions are generally found from late spring to early fall, when water temperatures and visibility are most favorable.
