Diving the Schwarzenbachtalsperre

Site Overview

Schwarzenbachtalsperre is a training and reef dive site in Central German Quarries & Lakes, Germany, reached from the base town of Black Forest. The Schwarzenbachtalsperre is a clear Black Forest reservoir at altitude, with steep wooded shores and trout in the cool water. It is a scenic dive that combines mountain scenery with relaxed freshwater diving. The site reaches a maximum depth of 30 m with an average profile around 16 m and a shallow start near 3 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 freshwater lake environment: visibility generally runs from 4 to 14 metres, the current is weak, and the water temperature ranges between 5 and 19 degrees Celsius with low surge exposure. The marine community is centred on Brown Trout, European Perch, Common Roach, Common Rudd, Signal Crayfish, European Eel, and the full species list is detailed below for divers planning a trip. The combination of wall, slope topography and rock and sand substrate gives Schwarzenbachtalsperre its distinctive character within the Central German Quarries & Lakes region. Schwarzenbachtalsperre 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 Central German Quarries & Lakes 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.