Linnansaari National Park
Linnansaari NP · Linnansaari island
62°05.9'N 28°46.9'E
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m for excellent holding in freshwater mud/sand in 3–7m. The sheltered island position limits fetch even from the open south. In strong southerlies, move to the west side of the island.
About This Anchorage
Linnansaari National Park is the primary habitat of the critically endangered Saimaa ringed seal (norppa) — approximately 450 individuals, evolved from the Baltic ringed seal that became landlocked when Lake Saimaa was isolated from the Baltic 8,000 years ago. The park's large islands and labyrinthine channels are home to about 20% of the entire world population of this unique subspecies. Sailing or boating slowly through Linnansaari waters gives a real chance of seal sightings — the seals haul out on smooth lakeside rocks and are accustomed to quiet boat traffic. The freshwater sailing environment is unique — no tides, calm summer conditions, exceptional swimming (soft, clean lake water), and the remarkable Finnish lake landscape of forested islands and open water.
Protected From
N · NW · NE · W
Exposed To
S · SE · E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free; national park entry free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Saimaa ringed seal protection zones — DO NOT anchor in designated seal areas (marked on charts); speed limit 15 km/h in seal protection zones; no water sports in seal areas; breeding season restrictions Jan 15 – Apr 30; landing only at marked visitor shores; no fires except in designated fire sites.
Hazards
- !Saimaa ringed seal protection zones — anchoring and boating prohibited in designated areas; check charts before any manoeuvre
- !Speed limit 15 km/h in protection zones — strictly enforced; significant fines
- !Open to south and SE across open lake — summer storms on Lake Saimaa can produce 1.5m waves
- !Freshwater lake — no tide but spring water level can be 0.3–0.5m above summer chart datum
- !Remote national park — no facilities; emergency services distant
Skipper's Tips
- →Saimaa ringed seal sightings are best in the morning (06:00–09:00) when the seals haul out on sun-warmed granite rocks — approach engine off, quietly by dinghy
- →The lake water in Linnansaari is exceptionally clean — safe to swim and the visibility underwater is 3–5m; bring a mask
- →Blueberries and lingonberries grow in abundance on the park islands (jokaisenoikeus permits picking) — gather for breakfast from the dinghy
- →The park visitor centre at Oravi has maps showing the current seal protection zones — get updated maps before sailing through
- →Evening in Linnansaari with the sun setting over the lake through pine forest — one of the finest anchored moments in Finnish sailing
Facilities
No facilities. National park visitor centre at Oravi village (approx 5nm). Self-sufficient sailing required. Nearest provisions at Savonlinna (18nm).
Nearest provisions: Savonlinna (18nm) (18nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
June–August (ice usually clears May). Peak seal activity Jun–Aug when seals bask on rocks. Autumn (Sep) has excellent colours but be prepared for early frosts.