ALTE WESER

Best months: Jul–Aug

Protected Area

Nakskov Fjord

Why dive here

With 95+ marine species recorded in the area - including seals & sea lions, sea turtles and jellyfish lake - ALTE WESER offers some of North Sea Coast's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 3-19°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeJul–Aug

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeSeals & Sea Lions, Sea Turtles and Jellyfish Lake · 95+ species recorded

Water3-19°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 9m

The Alte Weser isn't about deep dives or big pelagics; it's a slice of maritime history, easy to get to and genuinely enjoyable. This old carrier vessel, a decent 60 metres long, sits upright in just 9 metres of water, making it perfect for a relaxed dive, even if you’re newer to wreck diving. We love that you can spend a full bottom time exploring her decks and holds without feeling rushed. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the sheer scale, especially for such a shallow wreck. Her superstructure is still largely intact, and swimming through the cargo holds feels like stepping back in time. Light shafts pierce the openings, illuminating schools of cod that drift lazily through the interior, alongside blennies peeking from every crevice. Out on the deck, large spider crabs are often scuttling about, completely unbothered by divers. We’d suggest going at slack tide; the North Sea can get a bit pushy, and you want to be able to poke around without fighting the current. If you're into photography, the ambient light inside the wreck on a sunny day can be fantastic, giving those ghostly, atmospheric shots. It’s a proper wreck experience without the usual depth or current challenges.

Typical ALTE WESER Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Cold water this month (avg 13°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.

Today06:3817:3010h 52m daylightGolden hour 16:40

ALTE WESER Wreck History

Year Sunk

1944

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

grounding

Tonnage

979 GRT

The German cargo ship 'Alte Weser' met her end not in a dramatic battle, but at the hands of the notoriously treacherous North Sea. In 1944, during World War II, the vessel was transporting a cargo of stone when she ran aground in a storm off the Danish coast near Esbjerg. The relentless power of the waves proved too much for the stranded ship; it broke in two and settled onto the sandy seabed, becoming a permanent feature of the coastline.

Lying at a very accessible depth of 9 meters, the 'Alte Weser' is a fantastic dive for all skill levels. Its classification as a wreck with parts of the hull and superstructure visible means that on a clear day, you can see the wreck from the surface before you even descend. The shallow depth allows for long, relaxed bottom times and provides plenty of light for photographers. The wreckage is scattered but substantial, creating an ideal habitat for crabs, lobsters, and various species of North Sea fish. It serves as a fascinating and easy-to-explore piece of WWII maritime history.