Among the finds are two suspected paddle steamers and an exceptionally well-preserved sailing ship, shedding new light on the region’s maritime history.
“It’s like opening a time capsule,” enthuses project leader Julia Goldhammer. Since 2022, researchers have been scouring the lake’s depths with cutting-edge technology as part of the “Wrecks and Deep Sea” project—unearthing spectacular relics from centuries past.
One of the most revealing discoveries is a sprawling debris field containing at least 17 historic wooden barrels. “Some are so well-preserved that we can even make out the original barrel markings,” reports researcher Alexandra Ulisch. These barrels could provide crucial clues about historical trade routes and economic ties.
Even more exciting are two large metal shipwrecks, believed to belong to the legendary paddle steamers SD Baden (formerly Kaiser Wilhelm) and SD Friedrichshafen II. Using underwater drones, researchers documented the imposing remains—silent witnesses to a bygone era resting on the lakebed.
But perhaps the most moving find lies in the deep: a nearly intact sailing ship, its mast and yards still evoking memories of voyages across the lake. “Finds like this are extremely rare,” explains Goldhammer. “Every wreck tells its own story—about shipbuilding techniques, trade goods, and the lives of those on board.”
The discoveries prove that Lake Constance has not yet revealed all its secrets. Researchers plan to continue their search for sunken history until 2027. “Every dive could bring new surprises,” says Goldhammer. “Lake Constance is a unique archive—and we’ve only just begun reading its pages.”
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