Christiansø (Ertholmene)
Christiansoe · Ertholmene · The Fortress Islands
55°19.1'N 15°11.6'E
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
50m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
50m
50m covers the small harbour space. NO ANCHORING in harbour — lie alongside the visitors' quay with lines to the quay rings. In emergency, anchoring is permitted in the outer approach — 80m on sand/rock in 4–6m.
About This Anchorage
Christiansø and Frederiksø (together: Ertholmene) are the most remote inhabited outposts of Danish territory — 18nm northeast of Bornholm in open Baltic waters, with approximately 100 year-round residents. The fortress islands were built in 1684 by Christian V as a naval base against Sweden. The entire island group is a functioning fortress, now preserved as a nature reserve and historic site. There are no roads, no cars, no hotel — only the permanent residents' cottages, a few summer cottages, the lighthouse, and the remarkable granite battlements. Visiting by yacht (the only private way to arrive) is one of the most memorable experiences in Danish sailing. Register with the harbour master on arrival (small harbour fee). Day visitors only — no overnight stays except in genuine emergency.
Protected From
N · NE · E · S · SE · W · SW · NW
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Harbour fee approx DKK 200/night (emergency overnight only; day visits free)
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: NO overnight anchoring — day visits only (except genuine emergency); use visitors' quay only, NO anchoring in harbour; register with harbour master on arrival; no camping; nature reserve — designated paths only; military administration — Forsvarsministeriet.
Hazards
- !18nm open Baltic passage from Bornholm — plan weather window carefully; Baltic swell 2–4m in SW gales
- !Granite rocks and ledges throughout the approach — use chart DA 182 (Ertholmene); buoyed channel is narrow
- !Limited space in harbour — radio harbour master on VHF 16 before approaching
- !No overnight stay permitted (except emergency) — plan to return to Bornholm same day or have genuine emergency
- !Ferry traffic (Gudhjem–Christiansø, seasonal) — monitor AIS
Skipper's Tips
- →Christiansø is the highlight of any Bornholm sailing trip — the most remote and atmospheric location in Danish waters; do not miss it
- →Depart Svaneke by 08:00 in settled conditions — the 18nm passage takes 3–4 hours; allows 4–5 hours on the island before the return
- →Fresh local lobster (homard) available from the island fishermen when in season — buy direct from the dock
- →The Christiansø Fuglestation (bird observatory) has rung millions of migratory birds since 1967 — Europe's most important bird ringing station
- →The fortress tour (self-guided with leaflet from harbour master) covers 350 years of Baltic naval history — remarkable preservation
Facilities
Christiansø Kro (island inn) — serves meals and local beer in summer. Small shop with basics. Fresh lobster and fish from island fishermen.
Nearest provisions: Christiansø island shop (0.1nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August only — isolated Baltic location; open Baltic passage required. Weather-dependent: the crossing should only be made in settled conditions with a good weather window.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 50m
At Bornholm, exposed to open Baltic swell, anchor drag is a real overnight risk. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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