Erlaufsee – Tauchzone
The only true mountain lake in this region, on the Styria–Lower Austria border near Mariazell. Diving is limited to the south-western (Styrian) shore, from about road km 3.1 of the Erlaufsee road to the Steinbach inflow, and you may only enter at the two signed entry points. Flooded trees, a steep wall and plenty of fish – lake trout, grayling, pike, perch, rudd and char – are the attractions; visibility can reach 30 m in spring and autumn, but the bottom is silty and plant growth is sparse. Divers also report training platforms to the right of the main jetty.
Facts
- Region: Austria – Styria, Lower Austria & Burgenland
- Area: Styria
- Depth: 0–38 m
- Level: intermediate
- Current: low
- Type: wall, bay, night
- Coordinates: 47.7905, 15.2645 (approximate)
- Highlights: flooded trees, steep wall, large pike, lake trout (Seeforelle), grayling, perch, rudd, arctic char, visibility up to 30 m in spring and autumn, training platforms at 6, 9 and 12 m (diver reports), mountain lake – altitude correction
- Permit: The lake belongs to the Austrian Federal Forests (ÖBf); diving only with a valid ARGE Tauchen Dive Card (digital EUR 18/calendar year, plastic EUR 20/365 days). Hours 08:00–19:00, only in the signed zone and at the two marked entries. Night diving is free with the Dive Card since 2025; ask ARGE about ice diving. Check current terms.
- Issuer / contact: ARGE Tauchen Österreich (Dive Card)
- Website: https://www.arge-tauchen.at/divecard
- Tips: Buy the Dive Card in advance or at the Neptun base and keep it with you – ÖBf staff, fishery wardens and ARGE check it. Diving hours are 08:00–19:00 all year; from 1 November to 1 March there is no diving within 100 m of the Steinbach inflow (spawning protection). Use the reserved diver car park at entry 1 only while diving.