Lower Saxony dive sites

The Kreidesee, meaning chalk lake, is a former chalk quarry near the town of Hemmoor in Lower Saxony, northern Germany. The quarry operated from the nineteenth century until 1986 when it was abandoned and gradually filled with groundwater. The chalk geology filters the water naturally, producing the exceptional visibility that makes the lake famous in European diving circles. The lake covers approximately 4.5 hectares and reaches a maximum depth of around 60 metres, providing one of the deepest inland dive sites in Germany.

The dive centre has placed numerous objects at various depths to create interest for divers at all levels. These include cars, vans, a helicopter fuselage, small boats, a diving platform, and various sculptures. A underwater post box allows divers to send waterproof postcards. The objects are placed at depths ranging from 5 to 35 metres, ensuring that divers of all certification levels can find something to explore. Natural features include submerged trees, the old quarry walls with their exposed chalk layers, and the remnants of quarry infrastructure.

Open Water divers can access the lake and dive to their certification limits. The shallow areas with placed objects are suitable for newly certified divers and training. Deeper areas beyond 18 metres require appropriate certification. The lake is heavily used for all levels of training from Open Water through to technical diving including deep air, trimix, and sidemount courses. The dive centre on-site offers equipment rental, air and nitrox fills, and a range of courses. Registration at the dive centre is required before entry.