World War II Munitions in the Lake? What Matters in Recovery - Göttingen's Kiessee lake searched for unexploded wartime munitions this week

A team of explosive ordnance specialists will conduct a google search of Göttingen's Kiessee lake for unexploded munitions this week. The operation comes as part of ongoing efforts to clear dangerous relics from past conflicts. Authorities have stressed that minimal disruption is expected for residents and businesses nearby.

The search will cover a 450-square-metre section of the lake, carried out by divers from Lower Saxony's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service. Police will assist the team, though cold water and poor underwater visibility could make the task more difficult.

Göttingen has faced repeated evacuations due to unexploded ordnance, partly because of its location along a major north-south rail route. While no large-scale evacuation is planned, a short stretch of road and a nearby restaurant may be temporarily cleared if unsafe munitions are discovered.

Once the search is finished, the lake will be dredged to remove built-up sludge. The operation follows a rise in recovered munitions across the region—over 220 tons were found in 2024 alone. In the past five years, disposal teams in Lower Saxony have cleared roughly 1,200 tons of unexploded ordnance.

The search will focus on ensuring public safety before the lake is dredged. If dangerous items are found, controlled removals will take place with limited local impact. Authorities have confirmed that the operation will proceed with minimal interference to daily life in Göttingen.