Freediving in Germany
Including Echinger Weiher, Kreidesee Hemmoor, and Kulkwitzer See. On the map.
The vibe
Freediving here is a quiet, disciplined practice that centers on personal endurance in deep, often chilly lakes or coastal waters. The activity is best enjoyed during the height of summer when the thermocline is less of a shock to the system. It is a very localized, club-oriented scene, making it a bit challenging for a casual visitor to jump in without prior connections to the community.
Echinger Weiher
Bavaria
Wasquewhat / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
A popular training spot for Munich-based freedivers, this lake offers excellent visibility and a calm environment perfect for static and dynamic apnea practice. The lake features a consistent depth profile that allows for controlled line training in a sheltered, freshwater setting.
Access. Easily accessible by car from Munich; local freediving clubs and independent instructors frequently organize weekend training sessions here.
Notes. Water temperature can be quite cold; a thick wetsuit is recommended even in summer.
Kreidesee Hemmoor
Lower Saxony
Dr. W. Strickling / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
A former chalk mine turned into a world-class deep-water training site with visibility often exceeding 20 meters. The lake features dramatic underwater cliffs and submerged structures that provide a unique environment for constant-weight and static apnea training.
Access. Located in Lower Saxony, the site is managed by a dedicated diving center that provides infrastructure, training platforms, and buoy systems specifically for freedivers.
Notes. Water temperatures are very low even in summer; a thick wetsuit is mandatory. The site is strictly regulated for safety.
Kulkwitzer See
Saxony
Kondephy / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Renowned for its exceptional water clarity, often exceeding 10 meters, this former open-cast mine is a premier destination for freedivers in eastern Germany. The lake offers diverse underwater topography with steep drop-offs suitable for depth training and a vibrant community of breath-hold enthusiasts.
Access. Located near Leipzig, the site has dedicated entry points and is home to several freediving-focused clubs that offer regular training and workshops.
Notes. Boat traffic is restricted in designated swimming and diving zones, ensuring safety for freedivers.
Lake Starnberg (Starnberger See)
Bavaria
Oleg Flechner / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
One of Germany's deepest lakes, offering vast open water columns for deep-water training. The Alpine backdrop and high water quality attract freedivers looking for significant depth in a controlled, non-oceanic setting.
Access. Access is available via various public entry points along the shore; local freediving schools in Munich organize regular training sessions and boat-supported dives.
Notes. Boat traffic can be heavy in summer; always use a high-visibility buoy and a dive flag.
Lake Walchensee
Bavaria
Bayerische Vermessungsverwaltung – www.geodaten.bayern.de / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Renowned for its incredible turquoise clarity and significant depth, this Alpine lake is a favorite for deep-water freediving. The steep underwater topography allows for rapid progression into deep water near the shore.
Access. Easily accessible from the shore at several designated diving spots; popular with the Munich freediving community for weekend training.
Notes. Cold water temperatures year-round; currents can occasionally occur near the lake's narrows.
Tanzteich, Bad Sachsa
Thuringia
Markus Trienke / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
A clear, spring-fed lake offering a tranquil environment for breath-hold practice and technique refinement. The calm, sheltered waters make it an ideal location for static apnea and shallow-water dynamics.
Access. Accessible via local dive clubs in the Harz region; requires coordination with local authorities or clubs for buoy placement.
Notes. Limited depth; primarily suited for technique and relaxation rather than deep-line training.
Werbellinsee
Brandenburg
Auto1234 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
This deep, clear glacial lake in the Brandenburg region provides a serene environment for freedivers looking to practice depth and equalization. Its calm, protected waters make it an ideal location for long-duration breath-hold sessions away from heavy currents.
Access. Accessible via public transport or car from Berlin; several local diving centers cater specifically to freedivers with buoy rentals and line setups.