Explore Central Germany

Central Germany, also known as Mitteldeutschland, presents a unique freshwater diving landscape that is both exhilarating and historically rich. This region, encompassing the states of Hesse, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, offers divers a chance to explore beyond the usual coastal sites. The German Central Uplands, with their impressive low mountains and rolling hills, host an array of fascinating dive sites, including lakes, riverbeds, and flooded quarries surrounded by forested mountains.

Central Germany is a haven for all kinds of divers. For recreational and technical divers, the quarry lakes offer crystal-clear waters that reveal submerged forests and interesting underwater topography. Cave divers can explore the V-2 Rocket caves and underground tunnels carved from gypsum mines, offering a glimpse into history. Even in the cooler temperatures, typically around 10°C/50°F, the visibility remains remarkably clear, making it a perfect spot for those seeking new adventures. Whether you're a novice experiencing your first dive or a seasoned explorer, the diverse sites of Central Germany promise captivating experiences beneath the surface.

Places to Explore

Lake Bösinghoven

The Bösinghovener See is a freshwater lake located in Meerbusch, near Dusseldorf which used to be a former gravel mine.

Blausteinsee

1 Divesite

Blausteinsee is an artificial lake and a popular leisure and recreation area for both beginners and advanced divers.

Sorpesee

2 Divesites 1 Center

Sorpesee is known as a rather deep reservoir and is suitable for both beginners and advanced divers.

Biggesee

1 Center

Nestled between the rural undulating lands of Central and West Germany, the reservoir presents clean waters, unusually sandy shores, and a large campsite.

Messinghausen

1 Divesite

Messinghausen, also known as See In Berg, or “Lake in the Mountain, is a mass of water for divers of all levels.

Lake Schladitz

1 Divesite 1 Center

Lake Schladitz, or Schladitzer See in German, is an artificial lake, originally an opencast mining hole.

Cospudener See

2 Divesites 1 Center

cospudener See is an artificial lake located on the site of a former open cast mine and popular among locals for swimming, diving and sailing.

Lake Kulkwitz

3 Divesites 1 Center

Kulkwitzer See is considered by some to be one of the most interesting dive sites in Southern Germany.

Diving Lake Horka

1 Divesite

Tauchsee Horka, is situated in an old quarry with unusually high visibility, and a maximum depth of 33m.

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Diver Level Programs / Courses

Tauchsportzentrum Niederrhein

Open Water Diver

22 Nov 2025

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Tauchsportzentrum Niederrhein

Try Scuba

22 Nov 2025

The SSI Try Scuba program is the best way to try scuba diving for the first time. You will be in confined water and well looked after by your instructor, so you can enjoy those first unforgettable breaths underwater and experience the magic of scuba diving. At the end of this short course, you will have earned your SSI Try Scuba recognition card and undoubtedly want to go diving again. Endless scuba diving adventures are waiting for you and this course is where it all begins. Start today!

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Tauchschule Buddycheck

Perfect Buoyancy

22 Nov 2025 + 1 more

The SSI Perfect Buoyancy specialty is the best way to improve your buoyancy and get the most from every dive. Buoyancy is an essential dive skill, but any diver will tell you it takes time to perfect. The Perfect Buoyancy specialty will teach you advanced buoyancy skills and techniques, so you can master your buoyancy more quickly and enjoy more relaxed dive adventures. In this fascinating program, you will also learn new skills that protect the environment and work in every diving situation. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Perfect Buoyancy Specialty certification. With better buoyancy skills, you will soon be able to hover with ease and take the underwater photographs you dream of!

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Tauchsportzentrum Niederrhein

Dry Suit Diving

22 Nov 2025

Drysuit diving opens up a world of opportunities, including diving remote Arctic destinations and exploring cold-water dive sites teeming with life. Dry suit diving also keeps you warm on multi-dive days when you do not want to spend your time getting in and out of a cold wetsuit. The SSI Dry Suit Diving specialty program is the best way to become a dry suit diver and teaches you all the knowledge and techniques you need to dive safely and comfortably in a dry suit. You will learn how to use specialized equipment, like dry suits and BCs, the benefits of dry suits and how to deal with dry suit emergencies – which are unique to this type of diving. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Dry Suit Diving specialty certification.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Aqualand Tauchsport & Reisen Ramstein

Advanced Open Water Diver

22 Nov 2025

If you cannot decide which specialty programs are the best choice for you, join the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver program! You will try Deep Diving and Navigation plus a variety of 3 more specialty areas of choice before committing to full specialty training. It is a great way to experience what advanced diver training is all about and how valuable it can be to your diving adventures. During the Advanced Open Water Diver Program, you will experience 5 different specialties by completing one open water training dive per specialty after a comprehensive briefing with your SSI Instructor. By taking this program you will have total freedom to explore. You can complete the full Specialty trainings any time in the future and credit your Advanced Open Water Diver training towards them.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Tauchen-macht-glücklich.de

Basic Diver

23 Nov 2025

In the SSI Basic Diver program, you will learn the skills and knowledge you need to try diving up to 12 meters deep with an SSI Professional. It is a great way to explore the underwater world more fully as you try diving. The entire Basic Diver program can be credited towards the Scuba Diver or Open Water Dive programs within 6 months, so you can take the next step in your dive adventure.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Action-Sport Salzkotten

Enriched Air Nitrox Level 2 (40%)

29 Nov 2025 + 2 more

As a Nitrox diver, you can increase your bottom times and safety margins, plus shorten your surface intervals - so you can spend more time diving and less time waiting! In this program, you will learn new skills and increase your diving knowledge whilst learning how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen. Upon completion, you will earn an SSI Enriched Air Nitrox 32% or 40% certification.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Action-Sport Salzkotten

Science Of Diving

10 Jan 2026 + 4 more

Join the SSI Science of Diving specialty and you will develop a complete understanding of the underwater world and its effects on the human body. This specialty is required training for most SSI Professional programs, as well as some Extended Range programs, and is an essential way to expand your dive knowledge. Available online, you can earn your SSI Science of Diving specialty certification from home and get ready to begin your dive professional career. Upon completion, you will be halfway to earning the coveted SSI Divemaster rating and earn the SSI Science of Diving specialty certification.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Action-Sport Salzkotten

Dry Suit Diving

05 Dec 2025 + 1 more

Drysuit diving opens up a world of opportunities, including diving remote Arctic destinations and exploring cold-water dive sites teeming with life. Dry suit diving also keeps you warm on multi-dive days when you do not want to spend your time getting in and out of a cold wetsuit. The SSI Dry Suit Diving specialty program is the best way to become a dry suit diver and teaches you all the knowledge and techniques you need to dive safely and comfortably in a dry suit. You will learn how to use specialized equipment, like dry suits and BCs, the benefits of dry suits and how to deal with dry suit emergencies – which are unique to this type of diving. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Dry Suit Diving specialty certification.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Tauchschule Dirk Diehl

Enriched Air Nitrox Level 2 (40%)

05 Dec 2025

As a Nitrox diver, you can increase your bottom times and safety margins, plus shorten your surface intervals - so you can spend more time diving and less time waiting! In this program, you will learn new skills and increase your diving knowledge whilst learning how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen. Upon completion, you will earn an SSI Enriched Air Nitrox 32% or 40% certification.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Tauchschule Buddycheck

Diver Stress & Rescue

07 Dec 2025

The SSI Diver Stress and Rescue specialty program teaches you the skills you need to protect yourself and other divers. You will learn how to identify stress, how to prevent accidents and be taught practical techniques to conduct rescues and provide emergency care. With a combination of pool and open water practice sessions, you will become well prepared and confident at handling emergency and rescue situations. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Diver Stress and Rescue Specialty certification.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Tauchschule Buddycheck

React Right - Course Combination (FA, CPR, AED, O2)

13 Dec 2025 + 1 more

React Right is SSI’s emergency first response course and provides you with the training and knowledge you need to act as a first responder in a medical emergency. In this flexible dive program, you can choose which subjects you want to learn about, including primary assessment, first aid, CPR and primary stabilization techniques. You can also learn about oxygen administration in diving emergencies and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) basics. Using a combination of academic sessions and practical training scenarios, this program will give you the tools and confidence you need for emergency response. By the time you are certified, you will be able to act as an emergency first responder, provide first aid and CPR, administer oxygen and provide AED support in a medical emergency. Earn your SSI React Right specialty certification. Get started today!

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ Steinbruch Horka

The quarry’s main building has a toilet, shower, changing rooms, and a hotel nearby. It is possible to put up a tent for camping. A steep descent down the metal stairs leads to the water with one entrance and one exit. At the stairs, it is possible to descend to 5m at buoy no. 1.

4,764
Logs
791
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
7.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Hunsfels

Where lime was mined 6 years ago, today a dreamlike lake stretches out. On an area of about five hectares and with depths of up to 54 meters, it currently offers five dive sites everything that makes the diver's heart beat faster. With fantastic visibility, mostly over 10 meters.

5,393
Logs
842
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth
11.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★☆☆ Waldsee

The entrance is on the camping site "Am Waldsee". The entrance is at a small sandy beach. From 7 m depth you will find gravel walls.

2,208
Logs
562
Divers
11.0 m
⌀ Depth
6.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Fühlinger See

A lake to fall in love with! There is a large parking lot, WC, and snack bar. The vegetation and many different fish are a pleasure! Suitable for beginners to advanced divers and night diving with the appropriate certification every Friday.

10,430
Logs
1,550
Divers
7.0 m
⌀ Depth
4.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Schladitzer See

Besides diving Schladitzer See, there are many activities on the water plus an overnight stay area, restaurant, and beach club. Dive site access is only allowed at the diving center. Please register in advance.

6,804
Logs
536
Divers
8.0 m
⌀ Depth
6.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Tauchbasis Florian, Kulkwitzer See

The maximum depth in the southern basin is 26 meters. The Kulki, as divers affectionately call the lake, owes its formation to the mining of lignite. The Kulki is one of the oldest opencast mining lakes in the Leipzig area and by far the most attractive. There are 2 practice platforms available for dive training.

5,056
Logs
673
Divers
10.0 m
⌀ Depth
6.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ TS-Buder Wildschütz

The quarry in Wildschütz has a nice shallow water zone for recreational divers, many fish. The deep pump house at about 70m depth only for technical divers. In addition to many artificially sunk attractions, you can still see a lot from the active time of the quarry.

160
Logs
39
Divers
32.0 m
⌀ Depth
9.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Steinbruch Riesenstein

The Riesenstein quarry lake in Meissen with a diving center. With a maximum water depth of 18 meters, the quarry lake is perfect diving water for all scuba divers. The body of water is idyllically situated in the middle of Meissen. Underwater you can expect visibility between 4 and 15 meters all year round.

1,390
Logs
237
Divers
12.0 m
⌀ Depth
5.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Strandbad Tenderingssee Voerde

Entrance at Strandbad Tenderingsee with toilet and restaurant facilities. The dive site has partial visibility of 8 - 10 mtr with beautiful plants. Furthermore, there is a platform to conduct training.

777
Logs
97
Divers
7.0 m
⌀ Depth
5.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Blausteinsee, Eschweiler

One of the most famous deep dive sites in NRW. The maximum depth is around 42 meters. There are many training platforms at different depths. The local diving regulations must be observed. There is a detailed diving map on the website.

1,891
Logs
454
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
4.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Wintertauchplatz Sorpesee

A shallow entry directly from the campsite after a short dive time in the direction of the middle of the lake you reach a wonderful steep wall which drops to about 34m at full water. Dive site subject to registration

2,070
Logs
320
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
9.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ TauchRevier Gasometer

The TauchRevierGasometer is the largest indoor diving training center in Europe, so almost all courses can be taught on site here. The diameter of the gasometer is 45 meters in diameter, with a water depth of 13 meters. Temperature depending on the season 6 to 26 degrees C. Visibility up to 25 meters. ​

10,151
Logs
1,606
Divers
12.0 m
⌀ Depth
7.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Sundhäuser See, Nordhausen

There is a dive center on the lake with everything you need for diving. Four nice entrances spread around the lake. Several training platforms at different depths. Four wrecks spread around the lake and a sunken village with houses, church, chapel, and cemetery can be dived through.

13,997
Logs
2,055
Divers
14.0 m
⌀ Depth
8.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Versunkener Wald, Cospudener See

This is a demanding dive site, only accessible by boat. Navigation, perfect buoyancy, and buoy shooting should be mastered. You should be comfortable with cold water diving.

97
Logs
55
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Landeinstieg, Cospudener See

Easy entry from land within the marked out area (suitable for beginners). There are 2 training platforms (5m and 10m). Registration and briefing about the diving school are required. You will receive a waterproof orientation map.

5,234
Logs
696
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
8.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Central Germany

Central Germany offers several intriguing freshwater dive sites, each with unique features. A popular spot is the Geiseltalsee, a large lake formed from a former coal mine, known for its clear waters and submerged forests. Divers can explore the remnants of the mining equipment, making it an exciting shore dive experience.

Another notable site is the Kulkwitzer See, a quarry lake offering both shore and deep diving opportunities. It's home to various freshwater fish and submerged trees, providing a compelling dive backdrop. For cave diving enthusiasts, the Höhlenberg cave system presents challenging conditions with its labyrinthine passages. These sites promise diverse aquatic life and memorable diving adventures in Central Germany.

The best Months to dive in Central Germany

In Central Germany, freshwater diving conditions vary with the seasons. During spring, water temperatures range from 8°C–15°C/46°F–59°F, with visibility improving as the season progresses. Spring blooms can reduce visibility temporarily. Summer offers the best diving conditions with temperatures reaching 18°C–24°C/64°F–75°F, and clearer waters, making it ideal for divers. Autumn sees cooling temperatures, 10°C–18°C/50°F–64°F, and falling leaves can affect visibility. Winter diving is challenging due to ice cover, with temperatures dropping to 0°C–4°C/32°F–39°F, making specialized equipment and experience necessary. The best months for diving are June to September when conditions are most favorable. Always check local conditions before planning a dive.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

Toms Tauchschule

Horkaer Straße 10, 02923 Biehain, DEU

Tauchschule Biggesee

Am Sonderner Kopf 3, 57462 Olpe, DEU

Tauchschule Dirk Diehl

Gartenstrasse 6, 66879 Kollweiler, DEU

Gerusa Sport GmbH

Bliesweg 4 a, 66113 Saarbrücken, DEU

tauchbar

Helenenstrasse 9, 51377 Leverkusen, DEU

Planet Diving

Provinzialstr. 252, 66806 Ensdorf, DEU

Tauchsport Wetzel

Annaberger Str. 479, 09125 Chemnitz, DEU

Sport-SPEZIAL GmbH

Zwickauer Str. 6, 08112 Wilkau-Haßlau, DEU

TGU Tauchsport GmbH

Seestrasse 39, 08523 Plauen, DEU

wet

in der Kumme 60, 53175 Bonn, DEU

Tauchpartner Gera

Zeitzer Str. 45, 07552 Gera-Langenberg, DEU

TauchRevierGasometer

Emscherstr. 71 Auf dem Besucherparkplatz, 47137 Duisburg, DEU

Yellow Submarine

Meienbergstr. 24, 99084 Erfurt, DEU

Wassersport Kohl

Anger 1, 37339 OT Bernterode, DEU

Seediver Tauchsport GmbH

Altenberger-Dom-Str. 127, 51467 Bergisch Gladbach, DEU

Tauchschule Leipzig GmbH & Co. KG

Floraweg 6, 04279 Leipzig, DEU

Divestore Essen

Heisinger Str. 484, 45259 Essen, DEU

ALL ON SEA CAMP & SPORT RESORT

Schladitzer Bucht, 04519 Rackwitz, DEU

www.rogerdivers.de

Erbacher Str. 9, 55494 Rheinböllen, DEU

Tauchschule Just Leave Bubbles

Heinrich-Heine-Str. 48, 04178 Leipzig, DEU