Hjelm Island
Hjelm · Hjelm Ø · Djursland offshore
56°08.1'N 10°50.9'E
Depth
1–3m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m for this shallow and exposed anchorage in 1–3m sand. The fair holding and total exposure to the west mean this should ONLY be used as a day anchorage in settled conditions with easterly or SE wind. Never overnight here — leave before dusk if weather is not firmly settled from the east.
Setting Your Anchor
- 1.Check eelgrass chart (DKSOS app or Navionics) — anchor only on sandy bottom free of vegetation; fine DKK 10,000
- 2.Use 5:1 scope minimum — the Kattegat is almost tideless (0.3m tidal range); scope is about depth and holding quality
- 3.Remember: anchoring is tolerated for 1 night only in unoccupied natural anchorages — it is not a legal right in Denmark
- 4.Set your anchor alarm to 70m before sleeping — Kattegat weather can deteriorate rapidly; be ready to leave
About This Anchorage
Hjelm is a tiny uninhabited island (area 0.7km²) 8nm northeast of Grenaa — a remnant of the chalk/limestone geology that once connected Jutland and Sweden. The island is a strict nature reserve with ruins of a medieval castle (Hjelmborg, 14th century) and exceptional seabird colonies (razorbill, guillemot, fulmar). The anchorage on the west side is beautiful in easterly conditions but completely exposed to the dominant westerlies — this is strictly a fair-weather day anchorage. The island cannot be visited during the nesting season (April–July 15 on the north side). A genuine wild island experience for sailors who appreciate unspoiled nature.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE
Exposed To
S · SW · W · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Strict nature reserve — no landing on north shore Apr 1–Jul 15 (nesting); no fires; no camping; no dogs; eelgrass fine DKK 10,000; fair weather anchorage only — not suitable for overnight; anchoring tolerated 1 night in settled conditions.
Hazards
- !FAIR WEATHER DAY ANCHORAGE ONLY — fully exposed to west through SW; leave in any westerly above F3
- !Rocky bottom close to shore — anchor carefully in the central sandy patch only
- !Shallow water (1–3m) — keel clearance critical; larger vessels should stay outside 50m
- !Nesting restrictions Apr 1–Jul 15 on north shore — serious fines for landing in restricted zones
- !8nm offshore — genuine Kattegat passage; return before weather deteriorates
Skipper's Tips
- →Hjelm is one of the most remote and wild anchorages in the Danish Kattegat — go in July–August in settled E/SE conditions
- →The medieval castle ruins (Hjelmborg) are remarkable — the island was a pirate stronghold in the 14th century; explore on foot
- →The seabird colonies on the north cliff are extraordinary — razorbills and guillemots breeding on Danish shores is rare
- →Use this as a lunch stop on a passage — do not overnight unless you have a firmly established easterly forecast
Facilities
No facilities. Grenaa (8nm) has full services.
Nearest provisions: Grenaa (8nm) (8nm)
Best Months & Season
July, August
July–August only, settled E/SE conditions only. A day anchorage for the adventurous sailor with the right weather window.
Recommended Anchor Types
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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