NORDLYSET - West Coast (Gothenburg)

The *Nordlyset* wreck, off the coast near Gothenburg, isn't some ancient galleon, but that's precisely its charm. This old cargo ship, sunk in 1916 after a collision, sits upright and largely intact at a manageable 16 metres. It’s perfect for divers who want to spend time exploring rather than rushing a deep bounce dive. We love how accessible the wreck is, even for newer wreck divers. You can swim around the entire structure, peer into hatches, and imagine the last moments of its working life. The bow is particularly striking, often draped in long strands of kelp that sway with the gentle surge, giving it a ghost-ship feel. Schools of juvenile cod often dart through the holds, and we've spotted some impressively large crabs tucked into crevices. Visibility can be a bit variable in the colder months, but visit in late summer or early autumn, and you'll often get 10-15 metres, clear enough to appreciate the scale. Our favourite tip? Bring a good torch. Even at 16 metres, the Swedish light can be muted, and a beam really brings out the colours of the rust and the anemones clinging to the metal. It’s a genuinely atmospheric dive, a real piece of local history you can touch.

Location
West Coast (Gothenburg), Sweden, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.642470, 10.014985
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
16m

Best Time to Dive in West Coast (Gothenburg)

The warmest water temperatures in West Coast (Gothenburg) occur in January, averaging 1.9°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 1.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 1.9°C (air: 1.7°C)
  • February: 1.9°C (air: 1.9°C)
  • March: 1.9°C (air: 3.2°C)
  • April: 1.9°C (air: 6.3°C)
  • May: 1.9°C (air: 11.7°C)
  • June: 1.9°C (air: 16.3°C)
  • July: 1.9°C (air: 16.8°C)
  • August: 1.9°C (air: 16.8°C)
  • September: 1.9°C (air: 14.3°C)
  • October: 1.9°C (air: 10.0°C)
  • November: 1.9°C (air: 5.6°C)
  • December: 1.9°C (air: 1.3°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in West Coast (Gothenburg)

Nearest Dive Centres to NORDLYSET

Marine Life in West Coast (Gothenburg)

Home to 134 recorded species including 70 reef fish, 10 other, 9 whales & dolphins, 8 seagrass & algae, 8 clams & mussels, 7 sharks & rays.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for NORDLYSET

Based on average water temperature of 1.9°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 2°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