Diving the Königsstuhl

Site Overview

Königsstuhl is a wall dive site in Baltic Sea – Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, reached from the base town of Sassnitz. The Königsstuhl is the most famous chalk formation on Rügen, and beneath the towering cliff the white wall drops away into the Baltic. The stark contrast of chalk and dark water, with cod weaving through, makes it one of the most photogenic dives in the region. The site reaches a maximum depth of 28 m with an average profile around 18 m and a shallow start near 6 m, which places it firmly in the advanced category and means divers should hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification. Conditions are typical of the Baltic Sea environment: visibility generally runs from 4 to 14 metres, the current is moderate, and the water temperature ranges between 6 and 18 degrees Celsius with moderate surge exposure. The marine community is centred on Atlantic Cod, Pollock, European Plaice, Common Cuttlefish, Nudibranchs (Flabellina spp.), Spider Crab, and the full species list is detailed below for divers planning a trip. The combination of wall, drop-off topography and chalk and rock substrate gives Königsstuhl its distinctive character within the Baltic Sea – Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region. Königsstuhl 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 Baltic Sea – Mecklenburg-Vorpommern 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.