Diving the U-Boot Eckernförde

Site Overview

U-Boot Eckernförde is a wreck dive site in Baltic Sea – Schleswig-Holstein (Ostsee), Germany, reached from the base town of Eckernförde. The U-Boot Eckernförde is a WWII midget submarine wreck lying at 10-22 m in the sheltered bay of Eckernförde, its small hull intact and surrounded by cod and pollack. It is a compact, history-rich wreck dive ideal for advanced open-water divers. The site reaches a maximum depth of 22 m with an average profile around 16 m and a shallow start near 10 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 Baltic Sea environment: visibility generally runs from 4 to 13 metres, the current is moderate, and the water temperature ranges between 6 and 18 degrees Celsius with low surge exposure. The marine community is centred on Atlantic Cod, Pollock, Conger Eel, Common Cuttlefish, Small-spotted Catshark, Spider Crab, and the full species list is detailed below for divers planning a trip. The combination of wreck topography and sand and steel substrate gives U-Boot Eckernförde its distinctive character within the Baltic Sea – Schleswig-Holstein (Ostsee) region. U-Boot Eckernförde 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 – Schleswig-Holstein (Ostsee) 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.