Pießling-Ursprung (TILOS / no diving)
Diving is prohibited. The Pießling-Ursprung south of Roßleithen near Windischgarsten is one of the largest karst springs in the Eastern Alps and a protected natural monument. Water wells up with great force from a spring pool about 32 m deep – around 2,000 litres per second in summer and 7,000 or more during snowmelt. Behind the pool are air-filled passages ending in another sump, explored to about 120 m length and 40 m depth; the first dives took place in 1962. After a 1987 accident in which a diver and a gendarme sent to rescue her died, diving in the spring pool was banned.
Facts
- Region: Austria – Salzkammergut lakes
- Area: Pyhrn-Priel (Upper Austria)
- Depth: 0–40 m
- Level: advanced
- Current: strong
- Type: cave
- Coordinates: 47.6914382, 14.2758669 (approximate)
- Highlights: DIVING BANNED after a fatal accident in 1987, one of the largest karst springs of the Eastern Alps, about 2,000 l/s in summer, 7,000+ l/s in floods, spring pool about 32 m deep with strong upwelling, end sump explored to about 120 m length and 40 m depth, protected natural monument (Naturdenkmal), viewing platform
- Closed / banned site: Diving ban: after a 1987 accident with two fatalities, diving in the spring pool is prohibited (Upper Austria's tourism site: 'strictly forbidden'). Check current terms.
- Tips: Visit only from the viewing platform (about 20 minutes' walk from the Roßleithen hiking car park); the path is not accessible when snow-covered. Do not enter the water with diving gear.