Alpentherme Gastein Opens “Swim-in” Aquarium

(eap) The Austrian Alpentherme Gastein in the State of Salzburg has opened its newest highlight attraction: a “swim-in” seawater aquarium. With a capacity of 300,000 litters of water that is enriched with a salt content required by marine life, and around 800 fish from 14 different species, the aquarium offers guests the opportunity to experience the underwater world up close. This is made possible by a nine-metre-long tunnel construction through which bathers can swim into the aquarium.

“All the animals living in the aquarium come from certified breeding,” explains Klaus Lemmerer, Managing Director of Alpentherme Gastein. “We have mainly selected Mediterranean fish, including many schooling fish. The largest of them grow to a maximum size of 60 cm to provide enough space for all our sea creatures.” A 200 square meter technical room was set up for the operation of the aquarium, in which there are two large quarantine tanks in which the fish are temporarily housed after transport, as well as eight smaller tanks that can be used as a bay for sick fish in the future. There are also three large water tanks in which the seawater is treated. “The next step is an intensive training phase for our entire team. Murathan Özdemir, a marine biologist from our aquarium construction company Polin, will be on site for the next four months to pass on his specialist knowledge to us,” says Lemmerer.

© AlpenthermeMarktl Photography

Furthermore, content relating to animals, their habitats and the effects of pollution on the world’s oceans is now to be prepared. “The protection of the marine environment, the effects of climate change and pollution of the oceans – all topics that are of global relevance and that we want to raise awareness of among our guests,” emphasizes Managing Director Lemmerer. The thermal spa also plans on working together with Christian Redl, multiple world record holder in apnoea diving and founder of the “Save the 7 Oceans” association.

The new swim-in aquarium is part of the renovation of the “Family World” area, in which a total of four million euros is being invested. Besides the now open naquarium, a new restaurant, a family textile sauna and a family relaxation room are being built. The family sauna and relaxation room are also due to open to visitors this month. ■