Bjørnø Island
Bjørnø · Bjornoe
55°01.6'N 10°27.2'E
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
65m for typical overnight. The bay is small — in busy summer weekends there may be 8–10 yachts anchored; reduce scope accordingly and ensure adequate clearance from neighbours. In easterly weather, leave.
About This Anchorage
Bjørnø is the most unspoilt inhabited island in the South Funen Archipelago — only 10 permanent residents, no cars, no ferry service, and a strict nature reserve status. The island is accessed only by private boat, making it a genuine escape from the crowds of Ærøskøbing and Svendborg. The east-facing sandy bay offers good holding in westerlies over sand and mud in 2–4m. The nature reserve rules are strict: land only on designated paths, no fires, no camping. The island's coastal heathland and ancient oak trees are remarkable. Despite its tiny size, Bjørnø has a small chapel (open in summer) and a summer cafe run by the island residents. Popular with Danish sailors who know about it.
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; no dogs on beach Apr–Sep; no anchoring on eelgrass beds; speed limit 5kt within 300m of shore. The island is private property — respect resident privacy.
Hazards
- !Open to east — in easterly winds above F4, leave immediately; the bay offers no protection from E/SE
- !Eelgrass fringe close inshore — anchor in centre of sandy bay only; fine DKK 10,000
- !No facilities — self-sufficient; bring water, food, and fuel for the entire stay
- !Rocks extend 100m off the north headland — approach only from east or southeast
- !Popular with local Danish sailors on summer weekends — can be crowded in July
Skipper's Tips
- →Approach from the southeast — give the north headland a 150m berth (rocky shoal)
- →The island walk circuit (3km) takes 45 minutes — the heathland is beautiful in June when the heather is in bloom
- →Arrive on a weekday for the best chance of solitude — summer weekends see 10+ yachts
- →The island chapel is occasionally open — check with residents if you wish to visit
- →Combine with Lyø island (7nm SW) for a perfect 2-night archipelago cruise
Facilities
Small summer cafe run by island residents (open July–August, irregular hours). No provisions available — bring everything you need.
Nearest provisions: Faaborg (4nm) (4nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August ideal. May and September possible in settled weather. The island is only accessible by private boat year-round — no ferry.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m
In the South Funen Archipelago, eelgrass bed proximity and overnight wind shifts require constant vigilance. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
Download Free for iOS