Kökar

About This Anchorage

Kökar is the easternmost island of the Åland archipelago — technically Åland territory administered from Mariehamn, but geographically the threshold between the Turku Archipelago and the Åland Islands. The island is Swedish-speaking and has a distinctive cultural identity shaped by centuries of isolation. The highlight is the medieval Franciscan monastery ruin (Sankta Anna's chapel, founded 1472) — one of the oldest monastery ruins in Scandinavia, now partly restored and visible from the anchorage. The island has a small shop, summer café, and regular ferry service to both Turku (Finland) and Mariehamn (Åland). An essential waypoint on the classic Turku–Åland sailing route.

Hazards

• !Remote outer location — 60nm from Turku with open water sections
• !Open to south and SE — southerly conditions expose anchorage
• !Approach rocks and shoals — use Åland chart and Finnish chart; this is a transition area between two chart series
• !Bird sanctuary restrictions on outer islands Apr 1 – Jul 15
• !Ferry traffic between Turku and Mariehamn passes close — monitor AIS

Skipper's Tips

• →The Franciscan monastery ruin is the highlight — a 15-minute walk from the harbour; 13th-century ruins with restored chapel; open year-round
• →Kökar marks the transition between Finnish and Swedish sailing culture — provision here before the Åland crossing if coming from Turku
• →The ferry schedule is useful as a weather forecast benchmark — if the ferry runs, conditions are acceptable
• →The village shop stocks excellent local produce including smoked fish and archipelago bread — stock up for the outer island passage
• →From Kökar, Mariehamn (Åland capital) is 35nm west — an easy day sail across the outer Åland islands

Nearby Anchorages