Diving the Eibsee

Site Overview

Eibsee is a training and reef dive site in Alpine & Pre-Alpine Lakes (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg), Germany, reached from the base town of Garmisch. The Eibsee is a stunning high-altitude lake beneath the Zugspitze, with crystal-clear water and submerged tree stumps that make for magical, photogenic dives. Its shallow-to-moderate depth and beauty make it a favourite for altitude divers. The site reaches a maximum depth of 35 m with an average profile around 18 m and a shallow start near 2 m, which places it firmly in the intermediate category and means divers should hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification. Conditions are typical of the alpine lake environment: visibility generally runs from 12 to 30 metres, the current is weak, and the water temperature ranges between 4 and 18 degrees Celsius with low surge exposure. The marine community is centred on Brown Trout, Arctic Char, Common Whitefish, European Perch, Common Roach, Signal Crayfish, and the full species list is detailed below for divers planning a trip. The combination of slope, forest topography and rock and sand substrate gives Eibsee its distinctive character within the Alpine & Pre-Alpine Lakes (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg) region. Eibsee is a strong representative of why German diving is so highly regarded, blending the geology, history and biodiversity that define the country's underwater exploration. It pairs naturally with the other sites of the Alpine & Pre-Alpine Lakes (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg) region for a varied holiday, and with the right thermal protection and, where relevant, the correct specialist training, it offers a memorable dive for photographers, naturalists and wreck, reef or freshwater enthusiasts alike. As with every German dive, a drysuit and a careful respect for cold-water limits turn a good day into a great one.