Diving Formarinsee

Site Overview

Formarinsee is a remote alpine lake dive site in Vorarlberg, Austria, set among the country’s varied freshwater landscapes. Formarinsee is a remote high-alpine lake in Vorarlberg, crystal-clear and technical, for independent expeditions only. It is reached on foot or by 4x4 from the Arlberg region, with no facilities and a very cold, elevated environment. The clear water holds char and trout, and the untouched setting is spectacular and quiet. A drysuit, altitude certification and full self-sufficiency are required for any safe dive. It is one of the most committing freshwater dives in Austria, far from any support. It suits experienced technical divers who want true alpine wilderness. Conditions are typical of Austrian inland water: visibility generally runs from 12 to 25 metres, the current is low and the water temperature ranges between 2 and 12 degrees Celsius depending on season and depth. The marine life is freshwater and centred on lake trout (brown trout), arctic char, european minnow, with the full community described below for those planning a dive. Because of its technical rating and the need for Tec 40+ / Altitude certification, Formarinsee is best approached with the right thermal protection and, where relevant, altitude or overhead training. It is a representative example of why Austrian lake diving, with its cold clarity, submerged forests and wrecks, attracts divers who want something different from tropical reefs.