Schleswig-Holstein's diving is concentrated on the island of Fehmarn, where artificial reefs, natural reef formations, seagrass beds and wreck sites sit within easy reach of shore. The Fehmarnsund Bridge offers one of the region's most distinctive drift dives, while shallower sites such as Flügge Strand and Campingplatz Wallnau suit beginners looking for gentle introductions. The water runs cold outside summer, shaping a temperate marine community that includes the Harbor Seal, Lumpfish, Cod, Righteye Flounder and the very commonly sighted Common Sea Star and European Green Crab. Most sites are beginner-friendly, with a handful of intermediate drift dives adding variety.
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Monthly water temperature across Schleswig-Holstein's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Water temperatures reach their warmest from mid-summer through early autumn, making June to September the most comfortable months for diving without heavy exposure protection. Spring and autumn remain diveable but cool, and winter temperatures drop sharply, demanding a dry suit and experience in cold water. Visibility is moderate year-round, and some sites carry noticeable currents that vary with tidal conditions.
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Water temperature around Schleswig-Holstein ranges from about 4°C in February to 18°C in August, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
In the warm season (about 18°C) a 5mm suit is comfortable in Schleswig-Holstein; in the coldest months (about 4°C) step up to a drysuit.
Fin maps 90 sites in Schleswig-Holstein (90 scuba diving sites and 5 snorkelling spots, with some suited to both).
Across Schleswig-Holstein's dive sites, June, July, August and September are most often reported as the best months to visit.
The region has a distinctive cold-water community. The Harbor Seal is the signature species and is regularly observed at sites around Fehmarn. Divers also commonly see Lumpfish, Cod, Righteye Flounder, Gurnard, Needlefish, Plumose Anemone and European Green Crab, with Pipefish and Common Moon Jellyfish appearing occasionally.
The majority of sites in the region are rated for beginners, including many shallow shore entries around Fehmarn such as Flügge Strand, Strande and Campingplatz Wallnau. Intermediate-level drift dives like Fehmarnsund Bridge and Staberhuk add challenge for those with more experience. Cold water conditions mean that new divers should be comfortable in full exposure suits before visiting outside summer.
Fehmarn holds the full range of site types found in Schleswig-Holstein. Shore entries like Flügge Strand offer seagrass and shallow reef in very gentle conditions, while Fehmarnsund Bridge provides a current-driven drift alongside an artificial reef structure. Wreck sites such as Görslow and Straßenbagger add variety, and freshwater options including Kosie's Dive Basis offer a different character again.
Shore entry is available at a large number of sites, making independent diving practical for those with their own equipment. Some sites, including Pferdekoppel, Straßenbagger and Riff Nienhagen, are accessible only by boat. Several sites such as Görslow and Kosie's Dive Basis offer both entry options, giving divers flexibility depending on conditions and preference.
