Kökar (Åland)
Kokar Åland · Kökar harbour
59°55.2'N 20°54.3'E
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
85m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m
85m for good holding on sand/mud in 3–7m. Reliable in northerly and westerly conditions. In southerly above F4, the harbour basin gives better protection.
About This Anchorage
Kökar is the easternmost municipality of the Åland Islands — an isolated island community of about 270 permanent residents that feels distinctly different from the more accessible parts of Åland. The island's greatest historical treasure is the Franciscan monastery ruin of Sankta Anna's chapel (founded 1472 on the site of an earlier grey friar monastery, one of the oldest in Scandinavia). The ruins are partially restored and visible from the harbour. The island is connected by ferry to both mainland Finland (Turku) and Åland (Mariehamn), making it a natural waypoint on the archipelago route. The Swedish-speaking community maintains traditional island ways — fishing, small-scale farming, and summer tourism.
Protected From
N · NW · W · NE
Exposed To
S · SE · E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring; harbour fee approx €15/night at quay
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Åland territory — Åland regulations apply; nature reserves on outer rocks (check current maps); monastery ruins are protected heritage site — no excavation or disturbance.
Hazards
- !Remote outer Åland location — 35nm from Mariehamn with open water sections
- !Open to south and SE — southerly conditions expose anchorage
- !Red granite rocks throughout approach — use Åland chart; numerous shoals
- !Ferry traffic between Turku and Mariehamn passes nearby — monitor AIS
- !Limited facilities — no fuel on island
Skipper's Tips
- →Walk to the monastery ruin immediately on arrival — 15 minutes from the harbour; the restored chapel and ruined walls are remarkably atmospheric
- →Kökar is less visited than other Åland stops — the relaxed, authentic island atmosphere is the attraction
- →The island shop stocks smoked fish and local products — stock up for the outer passage
- →From Kökar, the passage west to Sottunga and Föglö reveals the classic Åland granite archipelago at its best
- →Early morning light on the monastery ruins is exceptional — worth setting alarm for 06:00 with a camera
Facilities
Kökar café (seasonal Jun–Aug). Village shop with basic provisions. Ferry connections to Turku and Mariehamn.
Nearest provisions: Kökar village shop (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
June–August. Ferry schedule provides regular weather assessment benchmark. Remote location — plan as a waypoint with weather consideration.