Three Lakes brings together four distinct freshwater sub-areas: Lake Neuchâtel, Hallwilersee, the Aare River, and Lake Biel. The site mix spans shallow training pools and artificial reefs through to deep walls, canyons, seagrass beds, and wrecks, so the range of experiences is broad. The Aare River adds drift diving to the roster, a type absent from the lakes. Carp, Common Perch, Burbot, Catfish, Pike, and the occasional Wels Catfish are among the most frequently observed species. Skill requirements spread from beginner-friendly shallows to advanced drift sites, making the region accessible to a wide range of divers.
4 areas
22Freshwater wall, canyon and wreck diving in Switzerland, with Burbot, Pike and Wels Catfish regularly encountered across shore-accessible sites.
22A Swiss freshwater lake where shore-entry diving brings you face to face with Pike, Perch and Trout across sites suited to all levels.
20Freshwater river and lake diving in Switzerland's Three Lakes region, where Carp and Common Perch dominate and artificial reefs cater to beginners.
54 operators
Freshwater wall dives, drift sites, and rich fish life including Pike, Perch, and Catfish across a range of skill levels.
Fin maps 81 sites in Three Lakes (76 scuba diving sites and 11 snorkelling spots, with some suited to both), organised into 4 areas.
Across Three Lakes's dive sites, June, July, August and September are most often reported as the best months to visit.
The most commonly observed species across Three Lakes are Carp, Common Perch, Burbot, Catfish, Sun Perch, and Pike. Wels Catfish and Trout are seen occasionally. Less frequent but recorded sightings include Barbel, Tench, Rudd, Bronze Bream, Chub, and Roach, giving freshwater enthusiasts a truly varied list to look forward to.
Yes, several sites in Three Lakes are rated for beginners. Tauchcontainer.ch in Lake Neuchâtel is purpose-built for training in very shallow water, and CTS Biel and Alter Aarelauf also offer gentle, shallow shore dives. Intermediate and advanced divers are equally catered for, with deep walls, canyons, and the current-driven drift dives of the Aare River available as skills develop.
Lake Neuchâtel holds the largest share of sites and includes everything from beginner training spots to deep wall dives such as Seepolizei. Hallwilersee matches it in site count and offers a comparable spread of dive types. The Aare River is the only sub-area with drift diving, and its currents push most sites into the advanced category. Lake Biel rounds out the region with a solid selection of shore-accessible dives.
The vast majority of sites in Three Lakes are accessed directly from shore, so a boat is not required for most dives. Portasub is a notable exception, offering reef and wreck diving reachable by boat. For divers without their own vessel, several local operators including Divezone, Lentic Diving, and Manta Cruz Dive Center are based in the region and can arrange guided access.
