Fischbalmen

Fish Balm is a renowned dive site in Switzerland, popular for its impressive steep wall that exceeds 100 meters in depth. With its partly overhanging formations, this site offers an exciting and thrilling experience for advanced divers. While the focus is primarily on the steep wall, divers can also encounter a variety of marine life including eels, pike, bullheads, and burbot.

Located in the Seestrasse area near Beatenbucht, Sigriswil, in the Thun administrative district of Bern, Fish Balm is easily identifiable. The vicinity is characterized by a long park area, distinguished by a blue park zone. Visitors are encouraged to refer to a park map for orientation, as notable landmarks such as poplars, large square stones along the gravel path, and a wooden shelter are present. Additionally, there is a spacious barbecue area adjacent to the shelter, providing an ideal spot for relaxation after a dive.

Divers will find convenient equipment preparation facilities, including square stones, a stone bench, and a wooden bench situated in close proximity to the entrance. To ensure safety, a diving flag hanging device is available near the shelter. It is important to exercise caution during entry and exit, as scheduled boats, including the paddle steamer Blüemlisalp, operate nearby. Please refrain from setting buoys, unless in case of an emergency, as it is prohibited due to the boat traffic.

Access to the dive site is via a sturdy staircase with a railing, leading to a plateau with a gravel floor, approximately 5 meters wide. Here, divers can easily don their fins before venturing further into the lake. Upon reaching the edge of the plateau, the steep wall begins at a depth of 5 meters. Divers can then descend along the wall to their desired depth while following the path towards Thun, emphasizing the right shoulder.

The steep wall presents divers with a fascinating underwater landscape, featuring smooth surfaces, overhanging formations, niches, and protrusions. After approximately 15-20 minutes, a cross wall emerges, intersecting the main wall at a 90° angle, opening up to the middle of the lake. This section of the wall boasts a completely smoothed surface, providing an interesting area to explore. Divers can circumnavigate the cross wall and, after approximately 25 minutes, start their return journey.

As divers turn around and ascend to a depth of 10 meters, the latter part of the dive offers a mesmerizing display of light and the possibility of encountering eglis, accompanied by good weather conditions. Visibility in the area is typically around 7 meters, allowing divers to appreciate the underwater scenery.

Fish Balm, with a maximum depth of 31 meters, is an ideal dive site for advanced divers seeking an exhilarating dive adventure in Switzerland. Whether it's the imposing steep wall or the diverse marine life, this dive site promises an unforgettable experience for diving enthusiasts.