Hammershus / Sandvig
Sandvig Havn · Hammershus anchorage · Allinge-Sandvig
55°17.8'N 14°46.5'E
Depth
3–6m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m for fair holding on sandy granite bottom in 3–6m. Set the anchor firmly — granite means the CQR or Delta may skate before finding a sandy patch. Check with engine test. Increase to 100m in any N wind or Kattegat swell.
About This Anchorage
Hammershus Castle (Hammershus Slot) is the most dramatic sight in Denmark — the largest medieval castle ruin in northern Europe, built in the 13th century on a 74m granite cliff at the northwestern tip of Bornholm. The ruined towers and walls are visible from 10nm at sea. Below the castle, the small village of Sandvig has a tiny harbour and a beautiful rocky bay with crystal Kattegat water. The northwest coast is granite — carved by waves into extraordinary formations. The anchorage east of Sandvig harbour is spectacular in calm or southerly conditions. The castle is a 30-minute walk from the harbour. The UNESCO candidacy for Hammershus is long-standing.
Protected From
S · SW · W · SE
Exposed To
N · NE · E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (anchoring); harbour fee approx DKK 140/night
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Open to north and NE — leave in any northerly conditions; granite rocks extend 200m off headlands; Hammershus site — access by path from Sandvig; speed limit in harbour.
Hazards
- !Open to N and NE — Kattegat swell from north; leave immediately in northerly above F3
- !Granite rocks 200m off all headlands — use chart DA 180 carefully; no shortcuts
- !Fair holding only — granite bottom with sandy patches; anchor may drag if not set on sand
- !Hammershus cliff (74m) creates wind shadows and accelerations — gusts possible close to cliff
- !Tourist helicopters and drone flights over castle in summer — noise nuisance
Skipper's Tips
- →The approach from south along the west coast at sunrise — Hammershus golden in the morning light above the granite cliffs — is one of the great sailing sights in the Baltic
- →Walk to Hammershus (30 minutes from harbour) — arrive early to avoid tourist buses; the castle grounds are open sunrise to sunset
- →The Visitor Centre beneath the castle (Hammershus Besøgscenter) has a remarkable exhibition on the castle's history and Bornholm geology
- →The rocky coastline north of Sandvig (Hammeren peninsula) has extraordinary granite formations — explore by dinghy in calm conditions
- →Combine with Gudhjem (east coast, 15nm): leave early morning, round the NE cape staying 300m off the headland, arrive Gudhjem for breakfast
Facilities
Hammershus Visitor Centre café (seasonal). Restaurant Sandvig Havn at small harbour. Nearest full provisions: Allinge (3nm east).
Nearest provisions: Allinge town (3nm east) (3nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. The most weather-dependent anchorage on Bornholm — only use in settled SW or S conditions. Hammershus is best visited early morning (07:00–09:00) before tourist crowds arrive.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
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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