Plansee is a freshwater diving region in Tyrol, Austria, where high-altitude mountain lakes offer exceptional clarity and a character quite unlike saltwater diving. Sites range from shallow, beginner-friendly entries to deeper intermediate dives, with standout features including a submerged forest at Blindsee, artificial reef structures at Urisee and Planseecamp, and cave and reef landscapes at Fernsteinsee and Samaranger See. Common Perch, Pike, Pike Perch, and Catfish are regularly encountered across the sites.
10 operators
Fin maps 17 sites in Plansee (17 scuba diving sites and 1 snorkelling spots, with some suited to both).
10 more sites to explore
Across Plansee's dive sites, May, June, July, August, September and October are most often reported as the best months to visit.
The lakes hold a variety of freshwater species. Common Perch is very commonly observed across the sites, while Pike, Pike Perch, and Catfish are regularly encountered. Trout also appear occasionally, and Freshwater Sponge has been observed at some sites.
Several sites are rated for beginners, including Samaranger See, Blindsee, Urisee, and Altes Emser Bad, all of which offer straightforward shore entries and manageable depths. Intermediate divers have additional options such as Fernsteinsee and Planseecamp, which reach greater depths and include more complex underwater terrain.
The region combines natural and artificial features across its lakes. Blindsee contains a submerged forest of tree trunks created by a historic landslide, while Urisee has an artificial reef and a series of underwater platforms. Fernsteinsee and Samaranger See offer cave and reef structures in a high-altitude mountain setting.
All listed sites in Plansee use shore entry, so no boat is required. Two local operators, Tauchschule Rabediver and Tauchbasis Urisee, are based in the region and can provide support and guidance for visiting divers.
