Explore Walchensee

Lake Walchen, or Walchensee, stands as a beacon for freshwater diving enthusiasts seeking a unique and thrilling experience in the heart of the Bavarian Prealps. Situated just 75 kilometers (47 miles) south of Munich, this alpine lake is not only one of Germany's largest but also one of its deepest, plunging to an impressive 192 meters (630 feet). Such depth makes it an ideal site for divers of all levels, from recreational to technical, and even opens up opportunities for those interested in altitude diving, given its elevation of 802 meters (2,631 feet) above sea level.

The lake's pristine waters provide exceptional visibility ranging from 5 to 20 meters (16 to 66 feet), allowing divers to fully appreciate a vibrant ecosystem teeming with eels, perch, barbel, rainbow trout, and zander. The crystal-clear conditions and varied marine life make every dive a captivating adventure. Whether you're exploring its submerged secrets or simply admiring the serene underwater landscapes, Walchensee offers a distinct diving experience that beautifully combines natural beauty with a hint of alpine challenge.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★☆☆ Walchensee, Einsiedlbucht

Ever wonder what it would be like to work on your computer underwater? This site comes equipped with a full work table among other debris such as smaller wrecks and other rubbish. Access is easy via a footbridge, the depth ranges to a maximum of 20m.

104
Logs
62
Divers
16.0 m
⌀ Depth
5.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Walchensee, Steinbruch

The entrance to this site is located on the southern shore of Lake Walchensee, off the toll road to Jachenau, and can be reached via a small staircase from the parking lot. Underwater you will find rugged rock faces and large underwater rocks (20 to 40 m deep). In the crevices of the rocks you can find large eel rods.

475
Logs
193
Divers
27.0 m
⌀ Depth
8.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Walchensee, Am Hackl (VW Käfer)

On the south side of the lake, about 2 km after the toll station in the direction of Jachenau, you will find the entrance “Am Hackl“ at a large parking lot. At a depth of 10 m you will find the wreck of a VW Beetle to the left, in front and behind it trees and rocks.

78
Logs
54
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
5.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro

★★★★☆ Walchensee, Walchenseebucht / Radlbucht

Directly south of the village of Walchensee there is a parking lot from which a trail leads to the site entrance. Several underwater springs usually provide good visibility here. You can see a lot of sunken scraps, a small wreck, and beautiful trees on the other side of the bay.

92
Logs
52
Divers
14.0 m
⌀ Depth
5.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Walchensee

The Walchensee is 800m long and 130m deep. One hour south of Munich, it is a beautiful day trip. The lake is rich in fish and has good visibility. From the car wreck to the steep face there is something for everyone - local dive centers will be happy to help you choose a suitable entry point!

170
Logs
91
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
7.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

★★★★☆ Walchensee, Galerie

Slightly hidden, next to the first roofing of the road south of Urfeld there is a small parking lot. This is the entrance to the Walchensee. On the right, from 5-10 m (depending on the season), a steel strip leads to an old car wreck at ~35 m, on the left it goes directly into a steep face.

332
Logs
138
Divers
36.0 m
⌀ Depth
10.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★★ Urfeld - Desselwand

With the pedal boat we go from Urfeld to the buoy at the edge of the Urfeld Bay. After the descent to approx. 20m at the buoy line there is a wonderful steep face to the south, which drops down to great depths.

13
Logs
9
Divers
37.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Urfeld

The entrance to Urfeld can be found at the boat rental. The maximum depth here is between 25 and 30m. There are a few tree trunks, a lot of rubbish on the sediment, and two sunken rowboats. Attention: keep to the right - there is danger on the left due to strong currents of the Walchensee power plant!

145
Logs
52
Divers
27.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Walchensee

Walchensee, one of Germany's largest Alpine lakes, offers divers a spectacular freshwater experience. Notable dive sites include the "Gallery" and "Hirteninsel," renowned for their clear waters and unique underwater features like steep walls and submerged forests. These sites are popular for shore diving, providing easy access directly from the shorelines with shallow entry points ideal for both beginners and advanced divers.

Divers can explore the lake's intriguing underwater topography, including mysterious caves and sunken trees, creating an adventurous environment. The lake is home to a variety of aquatic life, including perch, pike, and eels, offering exciting encounters for wildlife enthusiasts. Special experiences include night dives, where divers can witness the lake's nocturnal creatures and mesmerizing underwater landscapes illuminated by dive lights.

The best Months to dive in Walchensee

Walchensee is a pristine freshwater lake in Germany offering diverse diving conditions throughout the year. In winter, temperatures can drop to 4°C/39°F, potentially leading to ice cover, which restricts diving activities. Visibility during this season can be excellent, reaching up to 40 meters/131 feet, making it ideal for experienced divers.

Spring and autumn present moderate conditions with water temperatures around 10°C–15°C/50°F–59°F. These seasons offer good visibility and fewer crowds, providing a peaceful diving experience. Summer is the most popular time for diving, with temperatures rising to 20°C/68°F, but increased tourist activity can reduce visibility and space. The best months for diving are May, June, and September, balancing pleasant temperatures with optimal conditions and fewer limitations.

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