Björkön
Björkö · Bjorkon island · Replotbron approach
63°13.7'N 21°20.7'E
Depth
3–6m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m for good holding in sand/mud in 3–6m. CRITICAL: Verify current depth on arrival — seabed rises 9mm/year; chart soundings may be outdated. In southerly conditions, the bay is exposed to Kvarken Strait — seek shelter.
About This Anchorage
Björkön (Björkö) is the primary demonstration island of the Kvarken Archipelago UNESCO World Heritage Site — the most accessible place to witness the world's fastest land uplift (9mm/year). The island shows the geological process in real time: new rocks and skerries appear within years; the coastline changes measurably decade by decade. The Fladan nature reserve on the island's east side is a UNESCO-protected mosaic of wetlands, new skerries, and old meadows that exemplifies the dynamic landscape. The island is connected by road via the Replot Bridge to Vaasa on the mainland. The anchorage is functional and the island is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding UNESCO archipelago.
Protected From
N · NW · W · NE
Exposed To
S · SE · E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: UNESCO World Heritage Site — respect all nature reserve areas; Fladan nature reserve — designated paths only; no motor vessels in certain shallow bays during breeding season May–Jul; bird sanctuary restrictions on some islands.
Hazards
- !CRITICAL: Land uplift means chart soundings may be outdated — verify current depths on arrival; new shoals appear regularly
- !UNESCO World Heritage Site — nature reserve regulations strictly enforced; no disturbance of wildlife
- !Open to south and SE across Kvarken Strait — southerly conditions produce significant waves
- !Strong currents in Kvarken Strait during wind events
- !No facilities — self-sufficient sailing required
Skipper's Tips
- →The Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage visitor centre on Björkön (Terranova) explains the land uplift process with excellent exhibits — essential context for the visit
- →The best demonstration of land uplift: look at the old boat mooring posts on shore — many are now 50m inland as the land has risen; photographs taken here 30 years ago show the change dramatically
- →The archipelago around Björkön is a maze of small skerries and rocks that barely break the surface — dinghy exploration reveals the UNESCO landscape up close
- →Birdwatching from the anchorage is exceptional — the Fladan wetlands are home to rare breeding waders and waterfowl
- →Vaasa (20nm SE) is the best resupply point for the entire Kvarken area — stock up before venturing into the outer islands
Facilities
No facilities at anchorage. Nature reserve. Nearest provisions at Replot village (road accessible from island, 8km). Vaasa (20nm) for full provisions.
Nearest provisions: Replot village (8km by road) or Vaasa (20nm) (8nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
June–August (ice clears May–Jun). Land uplift means this area changes year to year — always use the most recent chart edition. UNESCO heritage status means regulations are enforced.