JAN HEWELIUSZ - Bornholm

The Jan Heweliusz wreck off Bornholm is a serious piece of history. We’ve been down to her a few times, and the sheer scale of the capsized ferry is always a bit humbling. You drop onto the starboard side, which is now the uppermost, lying at 24 metres. It’s dark down there, even on a sunny day, with the water often feeling thick with suspended particles, giving it that classic Baltic green hue. The Heweliusz went down in a brutal storm in ‘93, carrying trains and lorries, and that chaos is still evident. We love nosing around the exposed parts – the railings, the sheer bulk of the hull, and the huge props at the stern. Look for the massive anchor chain still spilling out of the hawsepipe. It’s an eerie experience, imagining the force of the waves that flipped her. Visibility can be tricky, so we always suggest a good primary light and a backup. It’s a site for experienced wreck divers who appreciate a sombre, dramatic dive over a vibrant coral garden. No bright colours here, just the stark beauty of a ship reclaimed by the sea.

Location
Bornholm, Denmark, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
54.607820, 14.219067
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
24m

Marine Protected Area: K - Strict

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 JAN HEWELIUSZ

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 JAN HEWELIUSZ

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