JULIUS MADSEN - Bornholm

Diving the *Julius Madsen* off Bornholm, you’re not just exploring a wreck, you're stepping into a moment of wartime history. This old steamer, a victim of a mine in 1944, sits upright at 16 metres, relatively intact, which we love. You can still make out the bow, the stern, and parts of her superstructure, providing plenty to explore without needing to penetrate. We've found the visibility can be a bit of a lottery here, but on a good day, the atmosphere is incredible – the dark Baltic water adds a real sense of gravitas. Look for the schools of cod hovering in the holds and the crabs scuttling over the rusting plates. Our favourite detail has to be the way the light filters down, creating an almost painterly effect on the deck. It’s a site for those who appreciate history and don't mind a slightly cooler dive, perfect for experienced wreck enthusiasts looking for something beyond the usual tropical fare. Come prepared for the chill, and you’ll be richly rewarded.

Location
Bornholm, Denmark, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
54.766834, 12.667167
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
16m

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 JULIUS MADSEN

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 JULIUS MADSEN

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