Rönnskär
Ronnskar · Rönnskär island
63°09.4'N 21°07.4'E
Depth
4–8m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m for good holding in mud/sand in 4–8m. Middle archipelago position gives reasonable all-round shelter in calm summer conditions. In southerly above F4, seek inner shelter.
About This Anchorage
Rönnskär is a mid-archipelago island in the Kvarken UNESCO World Heritage zone — positioned between the accessible inner islands near Vaasa and the remote outer skerries. The island demonstrates the characteristic Kvarken landscape of flat moraine rock, sparse forest, and rocky shoreline with the constantly rising land evident in the raised beach terraces above the current shoreline. The surrounding waters are clear enough to see the De Geer moraine bottom — a remarkable geological sight unique to the Kvarken. The anchorage in the south cove gives reasonable shelter and good holding. The island is a practical overnight stop on the Kvarken circuit and a good base for dinghy exploration of the surrounding skerries.
Protected From
N · NW · NE · E
Exposed To
S · SW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: UNESCO World Heritage Site — nature reserve rules apply; bird sanctuary restrictions on outer rocks May–Jul; no fires; respect the geological heritage.
Hazards
- !CRITICAL: Land uplift — chart soundings may be outdated; new shoals and rocks; navigate at reduced speed
- !Open to south and SW — southerly conditions produce waves from the Kvarken
- !UNESCO regulations — nature reserve rules strictly applied
- !Bird sanctuary on outer rocks May–Jul
- !No facilities — completely self-sufficient
Skipper's Tips
- →The clear water around Rönnskär allows excellent observation of the De Geer moraine bottom — low-speed motor cruising or dinghy paddling over the moraine fields is extraordinary
- →Rönnskär is a good overnight stop between Vaasa (18nm) and the outer islands — shelter is reasonable and the setting is genuine UNESCO landscape
- →The raised beach ridges on the island show previous sea levels — the land has risen 2–3m since the oldest visible ridges formed; walk the island to count the terraces
- →Sea eagle sightings are frequent around the middle archipelago islands — evening fishing by the eagles is a regular sight
- →Combine Rönnskär with Björkön (8nm NW) for a good 2-day Kvarken introduction circuit from Vaasa
Facilities
No facilities. Self-sufficient sailing. Nearest provisions at Vaasa (18nm) or Replot (15nm).
Nearest provisions: Vaasa (18nm) or Replot (15nm) (15nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
June–August. Middle archipelago position gives better access than the outer islands. Good introductory Kvarken anchorage for first-time visitors to the area.