HELENA MENZEL - Bornholm

The Helena Menzel is a standout for a reason, and not just because it's a genuine piece of history on the seabed. We love this wreck, resting upright in 20 metres, because it feels like a proper dive into a forgotten time. You descend onto the deck, and you can still make out the outline of the bridge, the cargo holds, even a mast lying across the seabed. It’s got that eerie, silent quality you only find in wrecks that haven't been picked apart. The real magic here is how the wreck has become a habitat. It’s a riot of colour against the steel – anemones clinging to every surface, nudibranchs crawling along the railings. We've seen some surprisingly large cod tucked into the cargo holds, just watching you glide past. Penetration isn't really an option given its age and integrity, but you can swim right through the main deck structure, feeling the cool water swirl around you as you pass through open doorways. This site really suits divers who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a chill; the visibility can be excellent, though we'd suggest hitting it on a calm day for the best experience. It's a proper wreck dive, no frills, just history and marine life making a home.

Location
Bornholm, Denmark, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
54.991417, 12.939233
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
20m

Marine Protected Area: Klinteskov kalkgrund

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 HELENA MENZEL

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 HELENA MENZEL

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