A systematic underwater exploration uncovers paddle steamers, a rare sailing cargo ship and more beneath Lake Constance (Bodensee).
This wreck is likely likely the SD Baden (formerly Kaiser Wilhelm), a paddle steamer capable of carrying up to 600 passengers.
A ground-breaking project launched in 2022 has revealed 31 previously unknown shipwrecks lying on the bed of Lake Constance (Bodensee), offering a rare glimpse into the region’s maritime history. Using advanced mapping and robotic explorations, researchers have begun to uncover centuries of trading, travel and even wartime loss beneath the waters of this Alpine lake.
Mapping the depths
The "Wrecks and Deep Sea" initiative from Baden-Württemberg’s State Office for Monument Preservation began by analysing over 250 potential underwater anomalies using high-resolution bathymetric data and side-scan sonar. Some 186 of these were explored further—and while most proved to be natural formations or modern debris, 31 turned out to be authentic shipwrecks.
Star discoveries
Among the most striking finds are the remains of two paddle steamers—likely the SD Baden (formerly Kaiser Wilhelm) and the SD Friedrichshafen II—both capable of carrying up to 600 passengers in their day.
Even more remarkable is the discovery of a nearly intact wooden cargo sailing ship, complete with its mast and yardarm still in place—a rarity in freshwater archaeology. Its preservation is credited to the lake’s deep, low-growth environment.
Researchers also found a debris field of at least 17 wooden barrels, some still sealed and bearing possible markings. Without an associated wreck, their origin remains a mystery.
Time capsules
“These wrecks are not just lost ships—they are time capsules preserving stories and craftsmanship of days long gone,” says researcher Alexandra Ulisch.
The project, still underway and expected to run until 2027, aims to document the condition and heritage of these submerged relics, favouring preservation and study over recovery.
What divers should know
For the region’s vibrant diving community, this discovery underscores the cultural value hidden beneath Lake Constance’s surface. With an estimated 100,000 annual dives in the lake, these newly revealed sites add depth—not just literally—to diving experiences, although access will remain regulated to protect these delicate historical assets.
Fact file
Lake Constance (Bodensee in German) lies at the northern foot of the Alps, bordering Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Covering 536 sq km, it is Central Europe’s third-largest lake and a vital freshwater reservoir. The lake consists of two main parts—the Upper Lake (Obersee) and the smaller Lower Lake (Untersee)—connected by the Rhine River. It is up to 254 m deep and holds around 48 km³ of water. Known for its scenic beauty, cultural history, and busy shipping lanes, the lake is also an important ecological habitat and supports tourism, fishing, and over 100,000 annual dives.
