Denmark — Anholt & Kattegat

Anholt — Sønderby Rende

Anholt SE anchorage · Sønderby · Anholt south

56°41.9'N 11°33.7'E

Depth

24m

Bottom

sand

Alarm Radius

70m

Holding

Good

Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius

70m

70m for the open sandy anchorage in 2–4m. FAIR WEATHER ONLY — in any easterly above F3, leave immediately and proceed to Nordby harbour or back to the mainland. The sand holding is good but the exposure is total from east through NE.

Setting Your Anchor

  1. 1.Check eelgrass chart (DKSOS app or Navionics) — anchor only on sandy bottom free of vegetation; fine DKK 10,000
  2. 2.Use 5:1 scope minimum — the Kattegat is almost tideless (0.3m tidal range); scope is about depth and holding quality
  3. 3.Remember: anchoring is tolerated for 1 night only in unoccupied natural anchorages — it is not a legal right in Denmark
  4. 4.Set your anchor alarm to 70m before sleeping — Kattegat weather can deteriorate rapidly; be ready to leave

About This Anchorage

Sønderby Rende is the SE anchorage position off Anholt island — a beautiful clear-water sandy anchorage in settled SW conditions. The island gives shelter from west and the sandy bottom provides good holding. This is an idyllic summer anchorage when conditions are right — crystal clear Kattegat water, white sand, and the remarkable Anholt heathland visible across the beach. It is also entirely exposed to the east and should be vacated immediately if any easterly develops. Experienced sailors who know Anholt choose this anchorage over the harbour in settled SW conditions for its beauty and tranquility.

Protected From

N · NW · W · SW

Exposed To

E · SE · NE

Anchoring Rules

Anchoring fee
Free
Permit required
No

Restrictions: Nature reserve — land only on designated paths; no fires; no camping except designated site; strict nature protection on eastern shore (seals); anchoring tolerated 1 night; fair weather only.

Hazards

  • !FAIR WEATHER ONLY — fully exposed to east through NE; leave immediately if easterly develops
  • !No facilities — completely self-sufficient; Nordby 2nm
  • !Nature reserve — strict landing rules on eastern shore (seal colony)
  • !Remote location — 40km from mainland; weather deterioration can be rapid

Skipper's Tips

  • This is the most beautiful anchorage position at Anholt — in settled SW winds, anchor here and dinghy to the eastern beach for seal watching
  • The water clarity is extraordinary — 5–8m visibility in the sandy Kattegat; excellent for snorkelling
  • Have a departure plan ready at all times — if the sky darkens to the east, leave immediately; do not wait

Facilities

Water Fuel Restaurant Provisions WiFi

No facilities. Nordby harbour (2nm NW) has restaurant and small shop.

Nearest provisions: Anholt Nordby (2nm) (2nm)

Best Months & Season

June, July, August

June–August, settled SW conditions only. Can be magical — can also require emergency departure. Be prepared for both.

Recommended Anchor Types

CQR/plowDeltaRocna/Manson Supreme

Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m

In the Kattegat, rapid weather changes and exposed anchorages make continuous GPS monitoring essential. Safety Anchor Alarm keeps watch so you can rest.

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