Diving the Fraueninsel

Site Overview

Fraueninsel (Chiemsee) is a training and reef dive site in Alpine & Pre-Alpine Lakes (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg), Germany, reached from the base town of Prien. The Fraueninsel in the Chiemsee hides a sunken forest and the wrecks of small boats in shallow, clear water, a gentle dive beside the famous monastery island. It is good for training and relaxed exploration. The site reaches a maximum depth of 20 m with an average profile around 12 m and a shallow start near 3 m, which places it firmly in the intermediate category and means divers should hold at least an Open Water certification. Conditions are typical of the alpine lake environment: visibility generally runs from 6 to 18 metres, the current is weak, and the water temperature ranges between 5 and 20 degrees Celsius with low surge exposure. The marine community is centred on European Perch, Northern Pike, Common Roach, Common Rudd, Signal Crayfish, Tench, and the full species list is detailed below for divers planning a trip. The combination of forest, slope topography and sand and wood substrate gives Fraueninsel (Chiemsee) its distinctive character within the Alpine & Pre-Alpine Lakes (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg) region. Fraueninsel (Chiemsee) 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.