This dive site, TCI Parcours at Achensee, Austria, is a unique freshwater destination known for its artificial underwater trail. The site is "completely gutted" and features numerous man-made objects placed along a guiding line, making navigation relatively straightforward. Upon entering, divers will immediately encounter an inverted boat and a bathtub repurposed as a diving bell. Further along the line, which spans depths from 12 to 30 meters, divers can explore a variety of interesting items, including a lift gondola and many smaller curiosities.
While Achensee is generally characterized by rather low fish density, the TCI Parcours site still offers opportunities to observe some local freshwater species. Divers might encounter small perch congregating around the artificial structures, and with a bit of luck, the occasional pike can be spotted lurking in the deeper areas or near the objects. The primary draw, however, is the collection of artificial artifacts rather than a vibrant natural ecosystem.
The best time to visit Achensee for diving is typically during the warmer months, though drysuit diving is recommended year-round due to the cold alpine lake temperatures. Divers should be prepared for cold water conditions, even in summer. The site is well-suited for both scuba divers and freedivers looking to explore the unique underwater parcours. The varied depths and array of objects provide interesting challenges and photo opportunities for all levels, particularly those interested in object diving and colder water environments.
