ANTON SCHMIDT (POSSIBLY) - Lofoten Islands

Dropping onto the Anton Schmidt, it’s not just a wreck dive, it’s a dive into a moment of history, cold and dark. This German destroyer went down in the First Battle of Narvik in 1940, and you feel that history in the silence. We love how the visibility in the often-chilly Norwegian waters can really open up the scale of this 117-meter vessel. You’re not just seeing sections; you’re seeing a whole ship, resting upright at 22 meters. As you descend, the sheer size of the hull emerges from the green gloom, often shrouded in schooling saithe. Look for the bow section, still relatively intact, and we’ve found the bridge area particularly atmospheric. It’s been down there a long time, so don't expect pristine ship fittings, but the structural integrity is impressive. The current can be a factor, so time your dive for slack tide. It’s a dive for those who appreciate maritime history and don’t mind a bit of a chill; the reward is a truly imposing wreck.

Location
Lofoten Islands, Norway, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
68.420555, 17.392944
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
22m

Wreck History - ANTON SCHMIDT (POSSIBLY)

Year Sunk
1940
Vessel Type
warship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
3,415 tonnes (deep load)

The Z22 Anton Schmitt was a modern German destroyer that met a violent end during the invasion of Norway in World War II. As part of the task force sent to secure Narvik, she was among ten German destroyers that successfully landed mountain troops on April 9, 1940. The flotilla's sense of security was shattered the very next day when the Royal Navy launched a surprise counter-attack, initiating the fierce First Battle of Narvik.

Caught in the ensuing chaos, the Anton Schmitt was hit by two torpedoes from the British destroyer HMS Hunter. The impacts were catastrophic, breaking the ship's keel and sending her to the bottom of the fjord in minutes. The wreck now lies in two distinct sections, a testament to the explosive force that tore her apart. The loss was a significant blow to the Kriegsmarine's destroyer force during the crucial Norwegian Campaign.

Today, the wreck widely believed to be the Anton Schmitt rests at a depth of 22 meters in the cold, clear waters of the Narvik fjord. Its accessible depth makes it one of the most popular wreck dives in the region. The bow and stern sections lie separated on the seabed, allowing divers to explore the ship's deck guns, torpedo tubes, and twisted superstructure. As a designated war grave, the site must be dived with the utmost respect. The 'Dangerous' classification is a reminder of the potential for unexploded ordnance, demanding caution from all who visit this powerful piece of WWII history.

Marine Protected Area: Dyngeneset

Nearby Dive Sites in Lofoten Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to ANTON SCHMIDT (POSSIBLY)

Marine Life in Lofoten Islands

Home to 17 recorded species including 12 reef fish, 3 sharks & rays, 1 crabs & lobsters, 1 clams & mussels.

Notable Species