BARTHOL

Best months: Jul–Aug

Protected Area

Nissum Bredning with Harboore and Agger Tange

Why dive here

With 95+ marine species recorded in the area - including seals & sea lions, sea turtles and jellyfish lake - BARTHOL 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 2m

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.

Typical BARTHOL 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.

Today06:5117:3810h 47m daylightGolden hour 16:46

BARTHOL Wreck History

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.