Diving the Wreck of the Diessen

Site Overview

Wreck of the Diessen is a wreck dive site in Alpine & Pre-Alpine Lakes (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg), Germany, reached from the base town of Herrsching. The Diessen is a paddle-steamer wreck in the Ammersee, lying in deep, clear water with its structure intact. It is a popular advanced wreck dive west of Munich, with whitefish streaming past the hull. The site reaches a maximum depth of 30 m with an average profile around 22 m and a shallow start near 16 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 alpine lake environment: visibility generally runs from 8 to 25 metres, the current is weak, and the water temperature ranges between 4 and 19 degrees Celsius with low surge exposure. The marine community is centred on European Perch, Common Whitefish, Brown Trout, Northern Pike, Common Roach, Arctic Char, and the full species list is detailed below for divers planning a trip. The combination of wreck topography and sand and wood substrate gives Wreck of the Diessen its distinctive character within the Alpine & Pre-Alpine Lakes (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg) region. Wreck of the Diessen 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.