Kaunissaari (Fagerö)
Fagerö · car-free summer island · Kaunissaari
60°20.5'N 26°34.7'E
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m for good holding in sand at 2–4m. Sandy bottom is unusual on this coast — holding is reliable once anchor is set. S/SW exposure — monitor Gulf weather; use inner anchorage near harbour in strong southerlies.
About This Anchorage
Kaunissaari (Swedish: Fagerö, meaning 'beautiful island') is one of the most distinctive islands on the Gulf of Finland coast — a car-free summer resort with an unusual sandy beach for the typically granite-dominated Finnish coast. The island has been a popular summer retreat since the 19th century and retains a traditional wooden villa atmosphere with no motorised vehicles allowed on land (only boats). The car-free policy gives it a tranquil character that contrasts markedly with mainland resorts. The sandy anchorage in the south bay is warm and pleasant for swimming in July–August when the Gulf water reaches 20°C. The island has a small café and guest facilities in summer.
Protected From
N · NW · NE · W
Exposed To
S · SE · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Car-free island — no motorised vehicles on land; respect residents and cottagers; no fires outside designated areas.
Hazards
- !S/SW exposure to open Gulf — southerly gales make anchorage untenable; watch forecast
- !Shallow approach — echo sounder essential; sandy shallows extend further than chart shows due to uplift
- !Popular summer destination — can be busy in peak July; arrive early
Skipper's Tips
- →Kaunissaari's sandy beach is exceptional for a Finnish granite coast island — swimming is excellent in July–August
- →The car-free policy gives the island a wonderfully quiet atmosphere — perfect contrast to the mainland
- →The café serves local fish dishes — book a table if possible; fills quickly at weekends
- →From the island highpoint, excellent views over the outer Gulf — useful for weather assessment before passage
Facilities
Small island café open in summer (Jul–Aug). No fuel or provisions — carry from Loviisa or Kotka.
Nearest provisions: Loviisa (14nm NW) (14nm)
Best Months & Season
Jul, Aug
July–August. Car-free summer island. Unusual sandy anchorage for Finnish coast. Popular with Helsinki sailors. Carry provisions — only café on island.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
In the Gulf of Finland where steep short seas build quickly and the Russian border is close, Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
Download Free for iOS