This dive site is the historical wreck of the Z12 Erich Giese, a German WWII destroyer. It was famously sunk on April 9, 1940, off Narvik by British and Norwegian troops during the invasion of Norway. The wreck lies at considerable depth, offering a poignant journey into a significant wartime event and presenting a large, intact structure that provides ample opportunities for exploration by experienced wreck divers. Navigation typically involves following the wreck's contours and penetrating its accessible sections.
While not a vibrant coral reef, the cold waters surrounding the Erich Giese wreck support various hardy cold-water marine life. Divers can expect to encounter species such as cod, pollock, and various crab species. Anemones and soft corals often adorn the wreck's metal surfaces, and divers might spot other bottom-dwelling fish or small schooling fish adapted to the Nordic environment.
The best time to visit this dive site is typically during the summer months (June-August) when surface conditions are generally calmer and water temperatures are at their highest, though still requiring proper thermal protection. Divers should be advanced, experienced in deep and cold-water wreck diving, and equipped with dry suits, redundant air sources, and powerful dive lights to safely and fully appreciate the wreck's historical details and ambient marine life.
