BARTHOL - North Sea Coast

Barthol is a bit of an enigma, and that's precisely why we love it. Forget deep blue ocean dives; this is a true North Sea experience, a shallow dive at just 2 metres, right on the coast. It's listed as a "dangerous wreck," which immediately tells you it's got character. We're talking about a wreck from the 1800s, so don't expect an intact ship, but rather a scattered archaeological site. What you'll find are the bones of a past era, timber frames and ironwork strewn across the sandy seabed, all heavily colonised by local marine life. It's a fantastic spot for macro photography, or just slowly poking around, imagining the history. Crabs scuttle between barnacle-encrusted timbers, and small schools of fish dart in and out of the crevices. Visibility can vary wildly here, typical of coastal North Sea dives, so pick your day carefully – we always aim for a calm morning after a few days of settled weather. It's a dive for those who appreciate history and the rugged beauty of a truly wild coastline, rather than colourful corals. Bring a good torch, even in two metres of water, to peer into the shadows under the wreck pieces.

Location
North Sea Coast, Denmark, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
56.666668, 8.250000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Wreck History - BARTHOL

Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
unknown

The wreck known as the Barthol is a mysterious site located off the North Sea coast of Denmark. Lying in the shallows at a mere 2 metres, its history and identity are lost to time. With no records of its sinking or original name, it remains an enigma for local divers and maritime historians. Its classification as a 'dangerous wreck' serves as a crucial warning; despite the shallow depth, the site may contain sharp, unstable structures or be subject to strong coastal currents, demanding caution from anyone who approaches.

For divers and even snorkelers, the Barthol offers a unique and accessible, yet potentially hazardous, exploration. The shallow water allows for long bottom times and excellent light penetration on clear days, illuminating the wreckage and the marine life that has claimed it. Exploring this site is less about historical context and more about the raw experience of a submerged structure, its form slowly being reclaimed by the North Sea.

Marine Protected Area: Nissum Bredning with Harboore and Agger Tange

Best Time to Dive in North Sea Coast

The warmest water temperatures in North Sea Coast occur in January, averaging 4.6°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 4.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 4.6°C (air: 3.3°C)
  • February: 4.6°C (air: 3.6°C)
  • March: 4.6°C (air: 4.1°C)
  • April: 4.6°C (air: 6.7°C)
  • May: 4.6°C (air: 11.2°C)
  • June: 4.6°C (air: 15.4°C)
  • July: 4.6°C (air: 16.2°C)
  • August: 4.6°C (air: 16.7°C)
  • September: 4.6°C (air: 14.7°C)
  • October: 4.6°C (air: 10.8°C)
  • November: 4.6°C (air: 6.9°C)
  • December: 4.6°C (air: 3.3°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in North Sea Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to BARTHOL

Marine Life in North Sea Coast

Home to 105 recorded species including 55 reef fish, 9 crabs & lobsters, 8 other, 7 clams & mussels, 6 sea snails & nudibranchs, 5 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for BARTHOL

Based on average water temperature of 4.6°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 5°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