Diving the Nordostwrack

Site Overview

Nordostwrack is a wreck and reef dive site in North Sea – Heligoland & East Frisian Islands, Germany, reached from the base town of Heligoland. The Nordostwrack is an old steel wreck off the north-east of Heligoland, its hull broken but teeming with cod, lobsters and anemones. It is a classic Heligoland mix of history and marine life on a manageable profile. The site reaches a maximum depth of 22 m with an average profile around 14 m and a shallow start near 6 m, which places it firmly in the intermediate category and means divers should hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification. Conditions are typical of the North Sea environment: visibility generally runs from 10 to 22 metres, the current is moderate, and the water temperature ranges between 7 and 17 degrees Celsius with low surge exposure. The marine community is centred on Atlantic Cod, European Lobster, Pollock, Conger Eel, Nudibranchs (Flabellina spp.), Small-spotted Catshark, and the full species list is detailed below for divers planning a trip. The combination of wreck topography and rock and steel substrate gives Nordostwrack its distinctive character within the North Sea – Heligoland & East Frisian Islands region. Nordostwrack is a strong representative of why German diving is so highly regarded, blending the geology, history and biodiversity that define the country's underwater exploration. It pairs naturally with the other sites of the North Sea – Heligoland & East Frisian Islands region for a varied holiday, and with the right thermal protection and, where relevant, the correct specialist training, it offers a memorable dive for photographers, naturalists and wreck, reef or freshwater enthusiasts alike. As with every German dive, a drysuit and a careful respect for cold-water limits turn a good day into a great one.