ASTERIX - Bornholm

Bornholm's Baltic wrecks have a particular allure, and Asterix is a prime example. This isn't some vast, intact freighter, but a fishing vessel, 13.5 metres long, sitting upright at 25 metres. We love it because it’s surprisingly characterful for its size. You can descend onto the deck, usually spotting a curious cod or two lurking in the shadows of the wheelhouse. The wood has long since disintegrated, leaving a skeletal hull of metal frames, which means light filters through in fascinating ways, particularly on a sunny day. We'd suggest getting there early; the visibility tends to be at its best before any boat traffic stirs up the sediment. Keep an eye out for flatfish camouflaged on the sand nearby, and sometimes you’ll catch a glimpse of schools of sprats swirling around the mast stump. It's a dive that rewards slow exploration, peering into every nook and cranny, rather than rushing through. Asterix suits divers who appreciate the subtle beauty of a well-aged wreck and the quieter life it now supports.

Location
Bornholm, Denmark, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
56.124900, 12.465983
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
25m

Wreck History - ASTERIX

Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown

Lying at a depth of 25 meters in the chilly waters of the Baltic Sea off Bornholm, the wreck of the Asterix is a compact and intriguing dive. Little is known about the history of this 13.5-meter fishing vessel or the circumstances that led to its sinking. Its official classification as a 'Dangerous Wreck' suggests that divers should exercise caution, as nets, lines, or degrading structural elements may pose entanglement hazards. For experienced divers exploring Denmark's maritime graveyard, the Asterix offers a glimpse into the life of a small working boat, now silent and slowly being reclaimed by the sea. Its small size allows for a thorough exploration on a single dive, focusing on the details of its deck equipment and the marine life that has made it a home.

Marine Protected Area: Gilleleje Flak og Tragten

Best Time to Dive in Bornholm

The warmest water temperatures in Bornholm occur in January, averaging 3.3°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 3.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 3.3°C (air: 3.1°C)
  • February: 3.3°C (air: 3.2°C)
  • March: 3.3°C (air: 3.9°C)
  • April: 3.3°C (air: 6.0°C)
  • May: 3.3°C (air: 10.9°C)
  • June: 3.3°C (air: 16.1°C)
  • July: 3.3°C (air: 17.4°C)
  • August: 3.3°C (air: 18.0°C)
  • September: 3.3°C (air: 15.7°C)
  • October: 3.3°C (air: 11.5°C)
  • November: 3.3°C (air: 7.1°C)
  • December: 3.3°C (air: 3.5°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Bornholm

Nearest Dive Centres to ASTERIX

Marine Life in Bornholm

Home to 67 recorded species including 43 reef fish, 7 clams & mussels, 5 sea snails & nudibranchs, 4 crabs & lobsters, 2 starfish, 2 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ASTERIX

Based on average water temperature of 3.3°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 3°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories