Scuba diving on Bornholm

The Danish island of Bornholm is associated by divers mainly with wrecks, which are scattered in its closer and slightly more distant vicinity. The wrecks around Bornholm are a real treat for wreck divers from all over Scandinavia and beyond. The dive sites in the close vicinity of the island are quite easily accessible for the recreational diver, as the wrecks are located at depths of approximately 40 metres. The deepest units in the area are the Koronowo at a depth of 52 metres and the largest wreck in the area - Fu Shan Hai at 70 metres. The Evi Antonatos - a Cypriot freighter, whose remains rest at a depth of only 6 metres is also an interesting proposition for divers.

In general, it can be said that the Bornholm coast is strewn with the remains of wooden wrecks, including sailing ships. Unidentified vessels can be found at places like Svenskehavn and Hullehavn on the west of the island. This amount of remains of wooden wrecks is a natural consequence of the island's history, which is inextricably linked to the sea. For centuries there have been fishing villages on Bornholm that prospered from fishing for herring, cod and salmon. From the Middle Ages onwards Bornholm's towns and villages flourished thanks to the sea trade with the Hanseatic League. This meant that every town on the coast of Bornholm had its own harbour. It is also important to note that none of the sunken ships around Bornholm is the result of warfare. The most common causes were disasters caused by human error or accidents.

Interesting alternatives to the already cult wrecks of Bornholm are the Greek steamer Katherina Peppa, lying at only 20 metres, and the Danish cutter Mikkel Nielsen R154 - probably the most axed wreck in the whole Baltic Sea.