NORDEN - Bornholm

When we talk about Bornholm, it’s not always about the big, dramatic drops. Sometimes, it’s the quiet, accessible dives that really get under your skin, and the wreck of the NORDEN is a prime example. Lying in just 9 metres, this is less about penetration and more about exploring history that’s become a living reef. The old freighter, sunk during World War II, is now thoroughly colonised. You’ll find schools of juvenile cod darting through the rusted holds, flatfish camouflaged on the sandy bottom nearby, and sometimes a grumpy scorpionfish tucked into a shadowy corner. The beauty of the NORDEN is its approachability. It’s shallow enough for longer bottom times, perfect for honing those wreck diving skills without the pressure of depth. We love tracing the outline of the hull, picturing the ship in its former life, then focusing on the intricate details of growth. Anemones cling to the metal, sea stars crawl across the deck plates, and if you look closely, you might spot blennies peeking out from crevices. Our favourite part is lingering over the bow section, where the anchor chain still lies, now a home for crabs. It’s a gentle dive, suited to anyone comfortable in temperate waters, and a great way to experience a piece of history that’s been gracefully reclaimed by the sea.

Location: Bornholm, Denmark, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates: 54.783610, 14.358611
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 9m

Marine Protected Area: Adler Grund og Rønne Banke

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)

Nearest Dive Centres to NORDEN

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

Protestant (Clupea harengus) - Reef Fish
Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) - Reef Fish
Fluke (Platichthys flesus) - Reef Fish
whiting (Merlangius merlangus) - Reef Fish
sprat (Sprattus sprattus) - Reef Fish
dab (Limanda limanda) - Reef Fish
Blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) - Clams & Mussels
Pollock (Trachurus trachurus) - Reef Fish
bull rout (Myoxocephalus scorpius) - Reef Fish
Ocean quahog (Arctica islandica) - Clams & Mussels
eel (Anguilla anguilla) - Reef Fish
four-bearded rockling (Enchelyopus cimbrius) - Reef Fish
New Zealand Mudsnail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) - Sea Snails & Nudibranchs
anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) - Reef Fish
Common sea star (Asterias rubens) - Starfish
lumpsucker (Cyclopterus lumpus) - Reef Fish
saithe (Pollachius virens) - Reef Fish
Split (Scomber scombrus) - Reef Fish
Common cockle (Cerastoderma edule) - Clams & Mussels
Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for NORDEN

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