Hanko (Tulliniemi)

About This Anchorage

Tulliniemi is the southernmost point of mainland Finland — a low granite peninsula projecting into the Baltic where the Gulf of Finland officially begins. The Finnish customs and border control station was historically located here (hence 'Tulli' — customs). The point is marked by a lighthouse and is the first (or last) Finnish landfall for Baltic passages. The anchorage off the north side of the peninsula gives some shelter in westerly or northerly conditions, but is thoroughly exposed to the open Baltic from south and east. For most sailors, Tulliniemi is a waypoint and pilotage challenge rather than an overnight stop — the excellent facilities of Hanko's south harbour are only 2.5nm away.

Hazards

• !Fully exposed to S and SW — Baltic swell makes anchorage dangerous in any southerly; abandon at F3+ from S
• !Rocky bottom — trip line essential; holding is fair on sand patches only
• !Shipping lanes — commercial traffic rounding Tulliniemi; maintain radar and VHF watch
• !Tulliniemi nature reserve — observe boundaries; nesting seabirds Apr–Jul
• !Wind-driven water level changes 0.3–0.5m on SW coast

Skipper's Tips

• →Tulliniemi's lighthouse and customs house are historically significant — a dinghy landing lets you explore the peninsula (stay on paths)
• →This is a superb photography position for ships rounding the southernmost Finnish headland
• →Day anchorage only — proceed to Hanko south harbour for the night
• →The Baltic horizon is completely open south from here — test weather conditions before any offshore passage from Hanko

Nearby Anchorages