Diving Hallstätter See

Site Overview

Hallstätter See is a alpine lake dive site in Upper Austria – Salzkammergut, Austria, set among the country’s varied freshwater landscapes. Hallstätter See sits beneath the UNESCO village of Hallstatt, a deep, cold lake with a dark, moody character unlike the brighter Salzkammergut lakes. Submerged ancient tree trunks lie on the slope, relics of a landscape drowned long ago, adding a haunting quality to the dive. The historic town backdrop and the steep shore make for a memorable drift along the wall beneath the houses. Cold, low-light water means a drysuit, lights and experience with depth and gentle current are important. The "floating" sensation in the dark, still water is frequently cited by divers as the lake’s signature feeling. It is best suited to experienced divers; beginners are better on the shallow bays of neighbouring lakes. Conditions are typical of Austrian inland water: visibility generally runs from 6 to 18 metres, the current is moderate and the water temperature ranges between 4 and 18 degrees Celsius depending on season and depth. The marine life is freshwater and centred on lake trout (brown trout), arctic char, european perch, with the full community described below for those planning a dive. Because of its advanced rating and the need for Advanced Open Water certification, Hallstätter See 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.