Fühlinger See (Köln)
The Fühlinger See in northern Cologne is a chain of former gravel pits turned into a municipal sport and leisure park. Diving is allowed only in lakes 4, 5 and 6, outside the swimming area, and only with a dive card issued by the city's partner association. The city gives a maximum depth of about 18 m and visibility of up to 15 m. With an easy entry and modest depth it is a typical training and after-work lake for the Rhineland.
Facts
- Region: Germany – Lakes & Quarries (North, West & East)
- Area: North Rhine-Westphalia
- Depth: 0–18 m
- Level: beginner
- Current: low
- Type: bay
- Coordinates: 51.0265, 6.9227 (approximate)
- Highlights: former gravel-pit lake chain, dive zones in lakes 4, 5 and 6, visibility up to 15 m (city figure)
- Permit: Dive card required (City of Cologne). Day card €7.50, annual card €90 (reduced €3.75/€45), from 1 April 2025. Requirements: at least Bronze/Open Water certification and proof of insurance covering rescue costs or VDST membership. Diving without a card is an administrative offence and can lead to a ban. Check current terms.
- Issuer / contact: City of Cologne – Sport- und Erholungsanlage Fühlinger See (cards via Förderverein Fühlinger See Köln e.V.)
- Phone: +49 221 221-31258
- Website: https://www.stadt-koeln.de/leben-in-koeln/freizeit-natur-sport/sportstadt/tauchen-im-fuehlinger-see
- phone is given by the city for lake-use questions; no e-mail published on the page; cards are sold online only
- Tips: Buy the day or annual dive card online in the shop of Förderverein Fühlinger See Köln e. V. and carry it (printed or on your phone) together with the confirmed documents; security staff check. Enter only at the marked entry area. Car parks P1/P2 charge a fee on summer weekends and holidays. Events can restrict use – see the notices at the lake.