ALTONA
Protected Area
Dyngeneset
Why dive here
ALTONA is a wreck dive in Lofoten Islands, Norway.
The Altona is a personal favourite of ours in the Lofoten Islands, a real beauty. This old steamship, sunk back in April 1940, sits upright at 25 metres. You drop down, and it just materialises out of the green, surprisingly intact. We love how the bow points north, almost like it’s still trying to sail, and you can see the cargo holds quite clearly. It’s not a huge wreck, but it has so much character, covered in those feathery white and orange anemones that just glow in your torch beam. We’d suggest bringing a good light, not just for penetration, but to really make those colours pop. Look for the wolf fish lurking in the deeper crevices; they’re often quite chilled out around the wreck. The visibility here can be decent, but it’s always got that atmospheric, slightly silty Norwegian feel, which just adds to the dive. It’s a site that tells a story, perfect for divers who appreciate a wreck with some history and don’t mind a bit of a chill in the water. We think it’s one of the best for just enjoying the peaceful, almost ghostly presence of a ship long at rest.
Typical ALTONA Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 25m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
ALTONA Wreck History
Year Sunk
1940
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown
Tonnage
5,892 GRT
The SS Altona was a German steamship whose fate was sealed during the opening days of the Nazi invasion of Norway in World War II. As part of Operation Weserübung, the Altona was tasked with transporting supplies for the German mountain troops intended to take the strategic iron ore port of Narvik. On April 10, 1940, just one day after the invasion began, the British Royal Navy's 2nd Destroyer Flotilla surprised the German naval forces in Ofotfjord in what became known as the First Battle of Narvik.
Caught in the crossfire, the Altona was engaged by British destroyers and sunk by gunfire. She came to rest in the cold, clear waters of the fjord, where she has remained for over 80 years. Today, the Altona lies at a very manageable depth of 25 meters, making her one of the most popular and accessible wrecks in the Lofoten Islands. Divers can explore a large, relatively intact vessel, witnessing a tangible piece of WWII history preserved by the frigid Norwegian sea. The holds, superstructure, and deck features offer a compelling dive through a dramatic moment in history.
Reviews for ALTONA
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ALTONA
ALTONA Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ALTONA, sourced from NOAA buoy data - nearest station: Open-Meteo grid (60.66, 8.44) (0km away)
August Averages
Air Temperature
9.82°C
50°F
Wind Speed
3.87 m/s
7.5 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1011.9 hPa
Based on 5 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC
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