Grüner See
Grüner See a fantastic dive site for beginners.
Explore Styria
Styria, known as the "green heart of Austria," offers a unique freshwater diving experience that captivates enthusiasts with its breathtaking landscapes and pristine underwater environments. Nestled in the heart of the Alps, this region is famed for its crystal-clear mountain lakes fed by snowmelt, providing exceptional visibility for divers. Recreational divers are drawn to the tranquil waters of Lake Grundlsee and Lake Altaussee, which reveal an extraordinary wealth of fish and aquatic plants beneath their surfaces. These lakes are perfect for exploring the abundant marine life and experiencing the serene beauty of submerged meadows.
For those seeking a more challenging adventure, Styria's quarries and caves offer opportunities for technical and cave diving. With its altitude diving conditions, the Dachstein Mountains provide a thrilling backdrop for exploration beneath the surface. Here, divers can experience the thrill of navigating submerged caverns and marvel at geological formations. The diverse underwater landscapes make Styria a captivating destination, whether you're drawn to the tranquil allure of its lakes or the exhilarating depths of its caves.
Places to explore
Dive Activity
Diving in Styria
Styria, nestled in Austria, offers unique freshwater dive sites that cater to enthusiasts of various diving styles. The Green Lake, or Grüner See, is renowned for its stunning seasonal transformation. During spring, the snowmelt from Hochschwab mountains fills the basin, creating a crystal-clear underwater landscape of submerged meadows, pathways, and even benches, appealing primarily to shore divers.
Another notable site is Lake Leopoldstein, a quarry diving destination with depths that challenge more advanced divers. The lake features intriguing underwater rock formations and is home to diverse freshwater fish, offering a vibrant experience for wildlife enthusiasts. Divers might also explore the cave systems nearby, adding an adventurous twist to their diving itinerary in Styria.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Styria
Divers exploring the freshwater environments of Styria can encounter a variety of aquatic wildlife. Typical fish species include trout and perch, providing a colorful display in the region's clear lakes and rivers. Catfish and sturgeon, though less common, offer special sightings for those venturing into deeper or less frequented waters. These larger species add an element of excitement to the diving experience.
Visibility in Styrian waters can vary with the seasons, often improving during the cooler months when algae growth is minimal. Spring heralds the spawning activity of certain fish, such as the brown trout, which can be a fascinating sight. Divers should plan their trips considering these seasonal changes and the varying depths of lakes, which may impact the likelihood of encountering specific species. Overall, the diverse freshwater life in Styria makes it a rewarding destination for diving enthusiasts.
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: 35
Shutterstock-divedog
Trout
767 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
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0
M
52
J
135
J
210
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227
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118
O
23
N
2
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0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 27
iStock-Zocha_K
Sturgeon
752 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
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0
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37
J
137
J
215
A
228
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113
O
22
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0
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0
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
323 Sightings
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1
F
2
M
2
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2
M
22
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57
J
125
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74
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32
O
2
N
1
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3
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
315 Sightings
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3
F
0
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4
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3
M
23
J
48
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69
A
51
S
51
O
43
N
15
D
5
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
292 Sightings
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2
F
2
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4
A
4
M
25
J
41
J
85
A
70
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34
O
12
N
12
D
1
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 50
iStock-DanBachKristensen
Char
253 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
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0
M
25
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39
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94
A
51
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35
O
9
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0
D
0
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
251 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
A
0
M
10
J
67
J
70
A
46
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31
O
22
N
5
D
0
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
103 Sightings
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2
F
1
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0
A
2
M
10
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25
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28
A
18
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11
O
0
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4
D
2
iStock-wrangel
Common Rudd
74 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
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0
M
11
J
22
J
23
A
16
S
2
O
0
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0
D
0
The best Months to dive in Styria
Diving in Styria offers varied experiences throughout the year. During spring, water temperatures in lakes and rivers range from 10°C–15°C/50°F–59°F, providing cool but comfortable conditions. Visibility is generally moderate, improving as the waters warm and clear. Summer is the best time for diving, with temperatures reaching 20°C–24°C/68°F–75°F and excellent visibility, making it ideal for exploring submerged landscapes.
Autumn brings a drop in temperature to around 10°C–15°C/50°F–59°F, with leaves and organic matter affecting visibility. Winter diving is more challenging due to potential ice cover, especially in higher altitudes, and water temperatures dropping to 4°C–7°C/39°F–45°F. Ice diving requires special training and equipment. The best months for diving are from June to September, when conditions are warmest and visibility is at its peak.
