Bomarsund
Bomarsund fortress · Bomarsund ruins
60°12.1'N 20°23.3'E
Depth
4–8m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m for excellent holding in deep mud/clay in 4–8m. Very reliable holding — set firmly once and this anchorage holds in strong northerlies. Keep clear of navigation channel. In southerly conditions above F4, move to sheltered inner cove.
About This Anchorage
Bomarsund is one of the most historically dramatic anchorages in the Baltic — the ruins of Russia's largest fortress in the western Baltic, begun in 1830 under Tsar Nicholas I and destroyed in 1854 during the Crimean War by a Franco-British naval bombardment. The fortress was intended to be the most powerful fortification in the Baltic but was only partially complete when the allied fleet arrived. The red granite ruins of the round towers, barracks, and defensive walls are remarkably well-preserved and freely accessible — a walk through them is one of the most atmospheric experiences in Åland. The museum at Prästö (adjacent) covers the 1854 campaign in detail. The anchorage in the deep channel south of the ruins is excellent — thick mud and clay holding, good shelter from north and east.
Protected From
N · NW · NE · E
Exposed To
S · SW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring; museum parking at Prästö (for dinghy landing)
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Active navigation channel — anchor clear; fortress ruins are protected heritage site — no digging or removal of stones; museum area has designated paths.
Hazards
- !Active navigation channel — anchor well clear of the marked channel; local ferry and boat traffic
- !Open to south and SW — southerly conditions expose the anchorage
- !Historical site — no interference with ruins or excavation
- !No fuel or major provisions at anchorage
- !Inner Åland channel traffic — monitor AIS in the sound
Skipper's Tips
- →The Bomarsund fortress ruins are among the most atmospheric in the Baltic — walk through them at sunset when the light is on the red granite; remarkable preservation
- →The museum at Prästö (30 min walk from anchorage) covers the 1854 allied bombardment in exceptional detail — the scale of the unfinished fortress is astonishing
- →Bomarsund's deep mud holding means it is an excellent anchorage in northerly conditions — the mud grips immediately and does not let go
- →The cycling route along the Åland mainland (Sund municipality) from Bomarsund passes several other historic sites — hire bikes from Mariehamn before arriving
- →Dawn at Bomarsund with the fortress ruins reflected in calm water is one of the finest morning sights in the Åland archipelago
Facilities
Bomarsund museum café (seasonal Jun–Aug). Museum at Prästö. No fuel. Nearest provisions at Sund village (5nm).
Nearest provisions: Sund village (5nm) (5nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
June–August. Museum open Jun–Aug. The fortress ruins are accessible year-round as an outdoor site. Best visited in combination with a Mariehamn stop (28nm, 4.5 hours).