Discovering the Wonders of Diving in Carinthia, Austria

Carinthia may not be the first place that comes to mind when you talk about Austria, but it’s definitely worth exploring, especially if you love diving.

Located on the southernmost part of the country, Carinthia boasts of more than 1,300 lakes, each offering a different experience for anyone who seeks adventure in the water. Here are some of the best spots to go diving in Carinthia:

• The Ossiacher See. One of the best spots in Carinthia for night and ice diving, the Ossiacher See is not only filled rich wildlife such as catfish, pike and eel but also different relics from World War II as well as some old household items that found their resting place at the bottom of the lake through the years.

• The Millstatter See. At 141 meters deep, the Millstatter See is the deepest lake in Carinthia. But this lake is not only famous for its depth. It’s also known to have some of the best underwater cliffs and rich marine life in all of Carinthia. One of the highlights of the Millstater See is the “Die Mowe” motorboat that sank in the summer of 1972 after it collided with another ship. A lot of divers dive to the wreck at 40 meters deep to explore it and its surroundings.

• Weissensee. Known for being one of the best spots for free diving and ice diving, the Weissensee offers beautiful turquoise water that makes it ideal for both beginner and experienced divers. This lake is especially popular in the winter when divers from all around the world flock this destination to explore the sunken forest and see its rich marine life under more than 40 centimeters of ice.

Rounding up this list is the Worthersee, which is the best spot for beginner divers, although a lot of professionals also dive in this area. This lake is especially ideal for diving during the summer when the water temperature is at a warm 27 degrees Celsius. Underwater, you’ll see rocky landscapes, schools of fish and even deep slopes that transcend the lake’s depth.

So, if you’re looking for your next diving destination, you might want to consider Carinthia in Austria and for sure, you’ll never be disappointed.