Diving in the Harz

The numerous ponds, lakes, and reservoirs of the Harz attract not only sailors and paddlers – divers also discover fascinating underwater worlds here. Beneath the surface, impressive landscapes are waiting, making the Harz a very special diving area.

In particular, the clear gravel ponds in the foothills of the Harz are among the most popular diving spots. Visibility of up to 15 metres offers above-average conditions. Dense aquatic plants, schools of fish, and sunken wrecks make every dive a varied adventure.

In the Harz, you’ll find everything from trial dives and guided tours to full diving certifications. Professional diving schools ensure safety and explain everything important about techniques, equipment, and diving practice – for beginners and experienced divers alike.

Lake Sundhäuser near Nordhausen is one of the most exciting diving spots in the Harz region. Among the seagrass meadows, you’ll encounter perch, pike, eels, zander, and trout. A special experience awaits with the sunken fishing boat wrecks that can be explored during dives. Another highlight is the monthly underwater treasure hunt, where you have to find a hidden “cache treasure”.

Right next to it lies Lake Möwensee, the deepest body of water in the lake district, reaching up to 46 metres – ideal for experienced divers. In the middle of the lake, there’s a small island around which large schools of perch gather. On the eastern shore, you can watch thousands of crayfish.

The Nordhausen Diving Centre offers courses ranging from trial dives to instructor training. Special courses such as night diving, wreck or deep diving, and underwater photography expand the range of options. For beginners, there is an indoor diving pool with depths from 1.5 to 4 metres.

The Okertalsperre is considered one of the most challenging diving areas in the Harz and is one of the few lakes in Lower Saxony that have been approved for diving by the Harzwasserwerke. As a typical blackwater lake, there is complete darkness from a depth of 20 metres – a strong diving torch is essential. The diving rules of the Lower Saxony Diving Association (TLN) are available at www.tln-ev.de
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Interesting diving spots are usually below 20 metres, and with the reservoir full, sometimes as deep as 40 metres. Particularly impressive are the underwater trees that rise out of the darkness, creating a unique atmosphere. In addition to recreational divers, the Scientific Diving Group Clausthal e. V. of Clausthal University of Technology also uses the area for research and training.

For diving in the Harz, having complete gear is important. In the cool waters, cold-water equipment with two regulators per diver and a powerful torch is recommended. Before every dive, you need to register at one of the diving centres. For certified divers, the daily fee is between €6.50 and €8. The diving clubs in Halberstadt and Wernigerode organise the permits for the gravel lakes in the northern Harz.