HTSV-See Schönbach (Steinbruch Winkel)
The former quarry 'Steinbruch Winkel' at Schönbach near Herborn is the training lake of the Hessian diving federation (HTSV). Its bottom steps down to about 30 m, and visibility ranges from 2–3 m to 7–8 m or more depending on season, rain and traffic. The site has been open all year since the 2005/06 winter season, with reduced winter hours. Access is organised through the federation's duty instructor rather than a commercial base.
Facts
- Region: Germany – Lakes & Quarries (North, West & East)
- Area: Hesse & Rhineland-Palatinate
- Depth: 0–30 m
- Level: beginner
- Current: low
- Type: bay, wall
- Coordinates: 50.656889, 8.224769
- Highlights: former quarry stepping down to ~30 m, training lake of the Hessian diving federation, visibility 2–8 m (federation)
- Permit: Access only via the duty instructor (TLvD) with a VDST pass and medical certificate, under the HTSV lake rules; no fees are published. Check current terms.
- Issuer / contact: Hessischer Tauchsportverband (HTSV) – Seebeauftragter Schönbach
- Phone: +49 157 83086699
- Email: schoenbach@htsv.de
- Website: https://www.htsv.org/ausbildung/ausbildungssee-in-schoenbach/
- Tips: Leave the A45 at Herborn-West, drive about 5 km west and take the second 'Schönbach' exit; the steel gate is about 150 m on the left. The gate code comes from the duty instructor (TLvD, +49 171 1275891), who checks VDST passes including membership stamp and medical certificate and the group composition under VDST rules. The lake rules (Seebenutzungsordnung, April 2025) apply, with extra restrictions in winter.