As divers, we enjoy the privilege of seeing things that those who never venture under the water will never have the opportunity to see. Some sights are beautiful, some are thrilling, and many are surprising. Here, we’ll take a look at some incredible dive sites near Stockholm. Don your drysuit, and let’s get going!
The Brothel
No, it’s not a typo! The Brothel is located right in Stockholm, and is named after a boat that was used for gambling and other questionable activities. The large boat was lost under questionable circumstances sometime during the 1980s; today, she lies at a depth of just 10 meters. The site is right in the harbor, so it’s necessary to obtain permission before you dive. Once you’ve finished at the Brothel, take a look around the rest of the area – you’ll find all kinds of interesting artifacts people have either tossed overboard intentionally or lost by accident.
Vardshusvraket: The Tavern Wreck
Once you’ve completed your tour of the Brothel, consider taking a trip to the Tavern. The Vardshusvraket, or Tavern Wreck, is a very well preserved ship located between Grondal and Stora Essingen. Located at a depth of just 16 meters, the Tavern Wreck is easy to access from shore – just park at Vardshusbryggan, gear up, and follow the line attached to the bridge. Use caution while exploring this site – it is located along a shipping route and the current can be challenging at times.
Vagnharad Limestone Quarry
From the surface, Vagnharad Limestone Quarry looks like nothing much – just a deep, smallish pond. Dive in though, and you’ll find that there are quite a few things to get excited about. As you descend, you’ll pass a series of ledges where people have placed interesting artifacts including an entire bathroom setup. Be sure to have your photo taken on the “throne” you find there! In addition, there’s an enormous mirror. It is an extremely odd sensation to see yourself floating in pitch black space! Last but not least, the quarry contains long tunnels. Do not enter them unless you are a properly trained and equipped cave diver.
Needless to say, the Vagnharad Limestone Quarry is a very popular dive site. It can be quite crowded on weekends, but it’s definitely worth a look. If you like ice diving, this is a great place to enjoy it during the winter months. Easy to find and featuring plenty of parking, this multi-level site has something for everyone.
Stockholm’s local divers enjoy drifting down the rivers, easing their way through nearby lakes, and taking plenty of exploratory shore dives. There are well-equipped dive shops in the region as well as dive clubs and guides who are typically more than happy to reveal their “secret” spots! Topside, you’ll find Stockholm is a world-class city with no shortage of entertainment, excellent cuisine, and many fantastic attractions including museums, art galleries, and much more. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself wishing you had more time to spend in this city – it is truly fantastic, both above and below the water.