Kreidesee: The Former Quarry Turned Into a Divers’ Paradise With All the Equipment Still Visible

kleidesee diving truck plane mine 1
A mining truck in Kreidesee, Germany. Photo: Dr. W. Strickling

Diving in Kreidesee, Germany, offers an extraordinary experience for those looking to explore a unique underwater landscape filled with remnants from a bygone industrial era. Located in Hemmoor, this former chalk quarry was flooded in the 1970s after years of being mined for cement production. Today, it’s a diver’s paradise, attracting enthusiasts from all over Europe who are eager to explore its submerged relics.

The most striking feature of Kreidesee is the variety of industrial equipment left behind when the quarry was abandoned. Diving through the clear waters, you’ll come across a wide range of machinery that seems frozen in time, now preserved beneath the surface.

kleidesee diving truck plane mine 5
Entering the former quarry. Photo: Dr. W. Strickling

One of the lake’s most famous attractions is the sunken truck, which sits eerily on the lakebed as though it was just parked there and forgotten. This truck, along with several other pieces of equipment like cranes and conveyor belts, gives divers a glimpse into the quarry’s past, offering a surreal sense of exploring an underwater ghost town.

For those seeking more than just machinery, the lake also holds an old sunken aircraft. Intentionally placed at the bottom of Kreidesee as an artificial reef, this plane has become one of the most popular dive sites in the lake. Divers can swim around and even through the aircraft, making it a thrilling and somewhat haunting experience.

kleidesee diving truck plane mine 2
The plane is a later addition to please even the pickiest of divers. Photo: Dr. W. Strickling

Oh, and there’s even somebody sitting in that plane. And there’s even a submachine gun and a suitcase full of money on the back seat.

kleidesee diving truck plane mine 3
Out of a James Bond movie? No, inside Kreidesee, Germany. Photo: Maritime Archaeology @ University of Southern DK

While the industrial remnants are the primary draw for divers, Kreidesee also offers an artificial underwater parcours. This course includes a variety of objects that simulate cave and wreck diving, designed to challenge divers and provide a unique training environment. Whether you’re navigating through submerged platforms or exploring sunken tunnels, the parcours is perfect for divers looking to test their skills.

kleidesee diving truck plane mine 6
There are even buildings down there. Photo: Dr. W. Strickling

    Stay part of the Mission! Get our latest articles to your inbox!

    The lake’s clear waters, which often boast visibility of up to 20 meters, allow divers to fully appreciate these underwater sights. In addition to the man-made attractions, Kreidesee also hosts a variety of aquatic life, including pike and perch, which have made the lake their home. This abundance of fish adds a natural element to the experience, creating an interesting contrast to the industrial remains scattered throughout the lake.

    Diving in Kreidesee is unlike any other dive site. Its blend of industrial history, clear waters, and carefully placed attractions make it a must-visit for anyone looking to explore a submerged world filled with relics of the past.

    Earthly Mission is done by two guys driven by the love for what we are doing. Please kindly consider keeping us going – every bit helps!

    DonateDonate
    Written by Tamás Varga
    Photo of author
    A sociologist and English major by degree, I've worked in the area of civil society & human rights and have been blogging in the fields of travel, nature & science for over 20 years.

    Check out my other project (especially if you're planning to visit Budapest soon) 👇

    Day Trips from Budapest
    Earthly Mission
    error: