Steinberger See
PH ( acidic) / former lignite mining
The Steinberger lake is part of the Upper Palatinate Lake District, and covers an area of 1.84 km ², the largest lake in the Upper Palatinate. It was named after the nearby municipality of Steinberg am See. Once in the mid- 1980s the Bavarian lignite industry (BBI ) ceased mining, open pit " Steinberger See " was flooded by the retraction of the drainage. Still present mining equipment has been blown up and is still on the bottom of the lake. Also left behind are two small wooded islands, which today divide the lake into a northern and a southern part.
The flooding lasted several years in which the BBI still required recultivation measures brought forward. Meanwhile, a lake has evolved from the former industrial desert that fits not only in the landscape, but one of the attractions of the Upper Palatinate.
In recent years, the Steinberger See also tourism has set what the region has experienced some economic growth. This is also a sailing school ( west bank ), a water ski, boat rentals ( North Shore ), a fun park, a diving school and an environmental station have settled there in addition to the set up in 1987 Steinberger Yacht Club (SYS ). To make the guests a lifeguard station was set up. Because of the increasing improvement of water quality and visibility in recent years, the Steinberger lake has become one of the most popular dive sites in the Upper Palatinate.
Water quality
All lakes of the Upper Palatinate lakes country, have emerged from lignite mines, the water due to leaching is acidic. Metals are decomposed within a short time; this is the construction of bridge and slipways of concern. Due to the continued improvement of water quality take fish populations steadily. Were observed mainly perch and the occasional pike. The water is very clean, calm day a view to a depth of at least 10 meters is possible. Chance the tops of dead trees can be observed here on the base.
Dive Sites
Basically, the entire Steinberger lake is according to Regulation of the district office Schwandorf of 8 August 2002 (published in the Official Journal for the county Schwandorf, No. 12 of 9 August 2002 ) released for diving on. Dive restrictions and prohibitions are explicitly stated herein. In some dive sites to reaching the shore, however, is difficult due to lack of infrastructure.
Mentioned are four dive sites: In the northwest there is the so-called " run-out ". Because of the gently sloping shore and two exercise platforms it is mainly used by diving schools from the surrounding area Sulzbach -Rosenberg, Schwandorf, pastures and Regensburg to training.
If you follow the shore to the south you reach the dive site " Rutsch'n ". From the entry a concrete channel leads uniformly sloping to a depth up to 36 meters. In addition, the lake drops to its lowest point at 52 meters. Due to extreme cold and poor visibility at these depths, however, these sites should be visited only by experienced divers.
Located on the southwestern edge of the lake of the dive site " beach / forest ". Contrary to the topography on land, the shore falls very flat. Maximum depths can be reached about 15 meters here. However, due to the irregular topography of the terrain, the orientation is difficult.
On the opposite bank lies to the east of the dive site "Moving Round / water rescue ." In Funpark also a diving school Steinbergersee is located. At depths up to 21 meters here to offer a sunken boat, statue, as well as various training platforms. The lush plant growth and the numerous fish stock, usually with good visibility are the special features here. At this bank of the diving ban zones are to be observed (in water) as well as the general ban on diving from the beach. An entry here is only possible from the non-public sites Dive School / fun park or water rescue.
All places have in common is the very muddy ground. Therefore, grounding should be avoided, to stir up any unnecessary mud. Also kick strokes one to two meters above the ground cause strong swirl-ups.
Especially in the summer and winter, in recent years very good visibility (up to 20m ). Are striking next to a dense vegetation by grass -like aquatic plants in the shallow area to ten meters remains of trees that date from the time of the lignite mine.
Gallery
Left ( bank): Movin'G'round eV and BRK - District Association Schwandorf ( water rescue ) local group Steinberg, right: Town Steinberg am See
Figure: dam between Steinberger and Knappensee with the terrain and the jetties of Seetreff Müller GmbH, more: Steinberger Yacht - Club eV, sailing school Steinberg
Steinberger lake with water skiing facilities
Panorama
Steinberger lake in winter at sunset