Mickelsörarna
Mickelsor · Mickelsörarna skerries
63°24.7'N 20°53.8'E
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
90m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m
90m for fair holding on sand/gravel in 3–7m. Sand and gravel bottom requires careful anchor setting — check firmly with engine test. In westerly conditions the outer islands provide no shelter from the Kvarken. Always have an escape plan.
About This Anchorage
Mickelsörarna is an outer skerry group in the northern Kvarken Archipelago — flat, low skerries of characteristic Kvarken moraine type with thin birch and willow scrub. The skerries are at the edge of the navigable outer archipelago, facing the open Kvarken Strait. The birdlife here is exceptional — the flat skerries host large colonies of breeding seabirds including eider ducks, common terns, arctic terns, and Caspian terns. The land uplift is evident everywhere — raised beach ridges showing old shorelines, new rocks appearing above water, and the characteristic De Geer moraines that make the Kvarken landscape unique in the world. A remote and atmospheric anchorage for experienced sailors.
Protected From
E · SE · NE · N
Exposed To
W · NW · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Bird sanctuary on outer skerries May 1 – Jul 15 — no landing on designated islands; UNESCO World Heritage — respect all nature reserve rules; no fires; motor vessel speed restrictions near breeding areas.
Hazards
- !CRITICAL: Land uplift — chart soundings unreliable; new shoals appear annually; navigate at very slow speed in all shallow areas
- !Bird sanctuary restrictions May 1 – Jul 15 on outer skerries — significant fines for violations
- !Open to west across the open Kvarken Strait — westerly conditions produce large waves from Sweden (60nm across)
- !Fair holding only on sand/gravel — anchor drag risk in stronger conditions
- !Very remote — 35nm from nearest harbour; emergency services response would take hours
Skipper's Tips
- →Mickelsörarna is for experienced offshore sailors comfortable with remote, exposed anchoring — the reward is extraordinary bird life and the feeling of being at the edge of the world
- →After Jul 15 the bird sanctuary restrictions lift — approach the outer skerries by dinghy for close-up birdwatching; thousands of seabirds in residence
- →The De Geer moraines visible through the clear water around the skerries are the best underwater view of the UNESCO World Heritage landscape
- →The crossing from Björkön (15nm west) is manageable in calm summer conditions — leave early before the afternoon sea breeze builds
- →On a clear day, Sweden's High Coast (UNESCO partner site) is visible 60nm west across the Kvarken Strait
Facilities
No facilities. Remote outer skerries. Completely self-sufficient. Nearest provisions at Vaasa (35nm).
Nearest provisions: Vaasa (35nm SE) (35nm)
Best Months & Season
Jul, Aug
July–August only after bird sanctuary season ends Jul 15. Outer location and changing seabed require experienced seamanship. Not suitable for inexperienced crews.