Denmark — East Jutland Fjords

Ebeltoft

Ebeltoft Havn · Ebeltoft Vig · Djursland west

56°11.8'N 10°40.8'E

Depth

24m

Bottom

sand

Alarm Radius

65m

Holding

Good

Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius

65m

65m for Ebeltoft Bay anchorage in 2–4m. Kattegat exposure to the east means swell can build rapidly in strong easterlies — it is shallow sea (avg 23m) that creates steep short waves. In easterly above F4, move into the harbour.

Setting Your Anchor

  1. 1.Check eelgrass chart (DKSOS app or Navionics) — anchor only in central channel, away from fjord shore vegetation
  2. 2.Use 5:1 scope minimum — East Jutland fjords are almost tideless (0.2m tidal range); scope is about depth and holding
  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 65m before sleeping — check bridge clearances if proceeding upstream

About This Anchorage

Ebeltoft is one of Denmark's most charming and well-preserved small towns — a medieval town centre with cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and the old Town Hall (Gamle Rådhus, 1789, the smallest in Denmark). The Fregatten Jylland, a restored 1860 naval frigate, is one of the most impressive maritime museums in Scandinavia. Ebeltoft Bay is the gateway to the Kattegat from East Jutland — the anchorage is comfortable in westerly conditions but the Kattegat exposure means swell can build quickly in easterlies. A major summer destination for Danish sailors.

Protected From

N · NW · W · SW

Exposed To

E · SE · NE

Anchoring Rules

Anchoring fee
Free (anchoring); harbour fee approx DKK 150–190/night
Permit required
No

Restrictions: Kattegat exposure — monitor weather carefully; eelgrass on inshore shallows; anchoring tolerated 1 night; speed limit 5kt; ferry traffic to Sjællands Odde.

Hazards

  • !Kattegat Exposure to east — steep short seas build rapidly in easterlies; anchorage uncomfortable above F4
  • !Very busy anchorage in July–August — arrive before 14:00 for best position
  • !Eelgrass on inshore shallows — anchor in central sandy area
  • !Ferry traffic (Ebeltoft–Sjællands Odde) — maintain clear passage

Skipper's Tips

  • Fregatten Jylland is extraordinary — a completely restored 1860 naval frigate, the longest wooden warship ever built in Denmark, now on permanent display; do not miss it
  • Ebeltoft Glasmuseum is world-class contemporary glass art — an unexpected treasure in a small town
  • The medieval town centre is best explored on foot at dawn before the day-trippers arrive
  • Ebeltoft Bay is an excellent base for day sails to Tunø island (14nm west) in settled conditions

Facilities

Water Fuel Restaurant Provisions WiFi

Ebeltoft has excellent restaurants including the harbour-front cafes and the town centre restaurants. Good provisioning.

Nearest provisions: Ebeltoft town centre (0.4nm)

Best Months & Season

May, June, July, August, September

May–September. Very popular — June and September are better than July–August for quieter anchorage conditions.

Recommended Anchor Types

CQR/plowDeltaRocna/Manson Supreme

Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m

In East Jutland's narrow fjords, powerboat wash and eelgrass proximity require constant vigilance. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.

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