Tauchgondel Sellin, Tourist attraction on the Sellin pier, island of Rügen, Germany
The Tauchgondel Sellin is an underwater viewing chamber fixed to the head of the pier in Sellin, on the island of Rügen in Germany. It is lowered along a fixed pillar to about 13 feet (4 meters) below the surface, with large windows looking out toward the sea floor.
The gondola opened in 2008 and is the second of four similar structures built along the German coast. It was developed by designer Andreas Wulff and marine biologist Volker Miske, and assembled in a small workshop near Greifswald.
The Tauchgondel works in partnership with the WWF, which is visible through the informational materials displayed inside the gondola. This connection gives the visit an educational dimension focused on the protection of the Baltic Sea and its marine life.
A visit lasts around 30 to 40 minutes and the attraction is open throughout the year, though rough seas or icy conditions can temporarily stop operations. Groups of up to 30 people are advised to book ahead, while individual visitors can usually join on the day.
Because the gondola slides along a fixed pillar rather than floating freely, it barely moves even when the sea around it is choppy. This design almost entirely eliminates the risk of seasickness, making it accessible even on windier days.
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