Tvärminne
Tvarminne · Tvärminne Zoological Station
59°50.6'N 23°13.9'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. Research vessels use the station pier — anchor well clear. In southerly conditions above F4, seek shelter on north side of peninsula.
About This Anchorage
Tvärminne Zoological Station (founded 1902, University of Helsinki) is one of the oldest and most prestigious marine biological research stations in the Baltic Sea. The station occupies a dramatic granite peninsula on the outer coast between Hanko and Helsinki, surrounded by protected waters that have been continuously monitored for over 120 years. The surrounding archipelago is used for long-term ecological studies. Visiting yachts are welcome to anchor in the adjacent waters — the mud and clay bottom of the outer channel gives excellent holding. The landscape here is classic outer Finnish coast — granite islands, pine forests, and the openness of the western Gulf of Finland. Research vessels and scientists are a regular sight.
Protected From
N · NW · NE · E
Exposed To
S · SW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Research station operations — anchor clear of station pier and research vessel movements; nature reserve surrounding waters — no disturbance of wildlife; some islands adjacent are protected from landing Apr 1 – Jul 15.
Hazards
- !Research station operations — maintain clear distance from station pier and research vessels
- !Open to south and SW across outer Gulf of Finland — southerly conditions expose the anchorage
- !Nature reserve waters — wildlife disturbance restrictions; bird sanctuary Apr 1 – Jul 15 on protected islands
- !Rocky outer coast — use Finnish chart carefully in approach
- !No facilities — completely self-sufficient
Skipper's Tips
- →Tvärminne is one of the most peaceful anchorages on the Helsinki coast — the research station atmosphere and protected waters create a unique environment
- →The surrounding islands are excellent for dinghy exploration — 120 years of ecological data have preserved the wildlife
- →Sea trout fishing around the outer rocks is exceptional — this is protected water with minimal fishing pressure
- →The research station occasionally offers public lectures in summer — check the University of Helsinki website before visiting
- →12nm from Hanko (full provisions and fuel) — use Tvärminne as a peaceful overnight after Hanko resupply
Facilities
No public facilities at research station. Self-sufficient sailing required. Nearest provisions at Hanko (12nm).
Nearest provisions: Hanko (12nm) (12nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
June–August. Research station active year-round but visiting yacht season Jun–Aug. Exceptional birdlife in spring and autumn migration but anchoring then is weather-dependent.