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Overview
The depth increases from west to east, the deepest point (114 m) lies south of Sappl. The water is of drinking quality. Visibility is good: in the flat areas from five to ten meters. Underneath sits a layer of cloud where visibility is at only one to two meters, from 15 m the water is clear again, but a torch is needed. Lush vegetation in up to six meters depth.
Wolfgangsee Lake Information
The Facts
| Entering point: | 1. Naval school In Ried, an area of St. Wolfgang, Kaiser Franz Joseph opened and instituted a naval school in 1911. During the Second World War a cadet school for the German navy was established. Small warships were brought to anchor for the cadet training. Today the former naval school is a girl’s boarding school for home economics pupils. In the lake in front of the naval school more than 200 naval knives with handles made of ivory and gold-plated knife sheaths have already been discovered to this day. A safe lying 15 m below the water surface was once blown up by divers from the Linz fire brigade, and the contents were therefore completely destroyed. 2. St. Gilgen The naval school in Ried was abandoned on February 07, 1945. Evidently it was the last station for the Hungarian SS, whose survivors used it as their quarters. The troops had confiscated numerous objects of value from the possession of the Hungarian nobility and from many wealthy individuals. The royal treasure and silverware had also apparently found its way into the hands of the SS troops. A part of the treasure coming from castles, the gentry and manor houses was exchanged for civilian clothes and money at the end of the war as the Americans marched into Austria. On the run from the occupying forces the Hungarian SS sunk the large majority of the treasure in the lake between St. Gilgen and Stockach. Occasional findings of objects of value near the lakeside indicate that this is so. Reports from the local population about the above-mentioned exchange of goods also seem to suggest the possibility of further places in the lake where treasure may be found. In St. Gilgen the famous film actor Theo Lingen was mayor of the town after the war. At the same time it was also a recreational retreat for Professor Dr. Hans Hass during this post war turmoil. Hans Hass was commissioned by the allies in 1945 to dive in many suspected treasure areas for possible objects of value. At Stockach, 20 m below the surface a tree of almost 15 m in height stands vertically in the water. 3. Fürbergbucht/ Falkensteinwand The area of Falkensteinwand is either accessible over an approx. 300 m long walk on the way from Gasthof Fürberg in the direction of St. Wolfgang or by electric boat from St. Gilgen. It is counted as one of the most beautiful but also highly sought after diving spots (steep sloping rock faces with overhangs). Closed off as a protected area for spawning from 15th March to 10th May! The imposing Falkensteinwand (rock face) is already recognizable from afar and is a visual symbol of the region. One can reach the small wall by car (through Winkl). One shouldn’t take it for granted though, as you have to haul your caboodle a few meters up and down to get there. Diving takes place from the flat cove, out towards the right to a beautiful, fissured rock wall. The large wall can only be reached with a boat. The Boat hire shop (Der Bootsverleih Engel) in St. Gilgen offers a ‘Transfer shuttle’ here. At approx. 30m there is a small plateau, on which the falling undergrowth is granted a short break before it continues into the dark depths. 4. Franzosenschanze Earlier an American tank lay at 42 m below the surface, it has however in the mean time been rescued. The place where it rested can be found relatively quickly, if you follow the track five meters away from the bridge with the two cement barrels. The war vehicle was to be found directly at the launching site. ATTENTION: Diving prohibited from September 15th to April 15th 5. Strobl At Strobl the lake is a relatively shallow water, the flora is mediocre, the fish stocks however are very good. In the area of Bügelsteig Strobl just a few metres below the surface is a motorbike side car from the second world war. 6. Fürberg There are many trees lying in shallow water, the water is crystal clear. ATTENTION: Between September 15th and April 15th every year there is a general ban on diving at Franzosenschanze as well as at the launching sites in the larger car parks. According to information from the Blue Fins diving school remaining areas can be used for diving. |
The lake sometimes freezes over in winter.
The tourist spots are concentrated on the north bank. The south bank is undeveloped, covered in woodland and very steep, falling up to 90m under the water.
Fish:
Carp, trout, tench, char, chub, pollan, barbell, fresh water herring, whitefish
Unusual Features/Hazards:
Pay attention to regular service ships, sailing boats and surfers!
On discovering weapons, never touch them and it is imperative that you report them, otherwise you may be liable for a hefty fine!
In St. Wolfgang itself diving is only allowed with permits, which are only issued to guests with accommodation. The lake does however have other things to offer.
www.tauchstation.at
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