Pichlinger See
You can dive the clear waters and enjoying seeing everything from perch and zander right through to pike and carp in the Pichlinger See.
Explore Upper Austria
Upper Austria, or Oberösterreich, is a hidden gem for freshwater diving enthusiasts. The region offers a mosaic of lakes, mountain reservoirs, and quarries that provide a diverse range of diving experiences. Lake Mondsee, known for reaching a warm 26°C/79°F in summer, offers recreational divers the chance to explore its pleasant waters. Meanwhile, the vast Lake Hallstatt is famed for its impressive fish population, presenting a unique underwater spectacle for divers. For those seeking more technical or adventurous dives, Upper Austria doesn't disappoint. The area features thrilling steep face-dives and intriguing rock formations that are perfect for technical and cave diving. Some lakes are crystal clear, providing excellent visibility, while others have mysterious, darker waters due to plankton. The surprising addition of submerged artifacts like car wrecks and an old phone box adds an element of discovery and intrigue. The stunning mountain scenery provides a breathtaking backdrop, enhancing the allure of diving in this region. With the possibility of combining diving with other outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, Upper Austria offers a comprehensive adventure package, making it a must-visit destination for divers seeking something truly unique and exhilarating.
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Diving in Upper Austria
Upper Austria offers unique freshwater diving experiences in the serene waters of Lake Attersee and Lake Traunsee. Lake Attersee, the largest in the region, is renowned for its clear waters and fascinating underwater landscapes. Divers can explore steep rock faces and underwater forests, providing exciting shore dive opportunities. Home to diverse aquatic life, including pike and perch, the lake enhances the underwater adventure.
Lake Traunsee is another popular spot, known for its dramatic underwater cliffs and caves, appealing to those interested in more challenging dives. The Gassel Caves offer thrilling experiences for cave divers, with intricate formations to explore. Both lakes cater to novice and experienced divers, promising unforgettable encounters with local aquatic life and natural underwater beauty.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Upper Austria
Divers exploring the freshwater sites of Upper Austria can expect to encounter a diverse array of aquatic wildlife. Common fish species include perch, pike, and zander, which flourish in the region's lakes and rivers. Upper Austria is also known for occasional sightings of catfish, particularly in deeper waters where they seek refuge. Sturgeon, though rare, might be spotted by lucky divers during specific periods.
Visibility in these waters can vary considerably with the seasons. Spring and autumn often provide clearer conditions due to reduced algae growth, enhancing the chances of observing spawning activity among species like trout. Depth also plays a crucial role; many larger fish tend to inhabit deeper areas, requiring divers to descend further for sightings. Planning dives according to these factors can significantly enhance the underwater experience in Upper Austria.
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: 5
iStock-abadonian
Pike
4.8k Sightings
J
39
F
27
M
33
A
102
M
347
J
530
J
875
A
1.1k
S
912
O
688
N
131
D
72
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
4.4k Sightings
J
79
F
49
M
76
A
199
M
584
J
531
J
647
A
739
S
641
O
577
N
147
D
84
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
1.2k Sightings
J
4
F
6
M
5
A
32
M
122
J
131
J
257
A
274
S
227
O
147
N
12
D
19
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
403 Sightings
J
2
F
1
M
1
A
10
M
11
J
33
J
123
A
105
S
89
O
24
N
1
D
3
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
319 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
2
A
2
M
21
J
22
J
66
A
89
S
73
O
37
N
2
D
3
The best Months to dive in Upper Austria
Freshwater diving in Upper Austria offers a unique experience year-round, with distinct seasonal variations. During winter, water temperatures can drop significantly, reaching around 4°C/39°F, often causing ice cover on lakes such as Traunsee and Attersee. Divers should be prepared for reduced visibility due to ice and sediment disturbance, yet winter provides a unique underwater landscape.
Spring and summer bring warmer water temperatures, peaking at approximately 20°C/68°F in the summer months, with visibility improving as sediment settles. These months, particularly late spring through early fall, are ideal for diving due to clearer waters and more stable weather conditions. However, autumn can bring increased rainfall, potentially affecting visibility. Overall, the best time for diving in Upper Austria is between May and September when environmental conditions are most favorable.
