Ålesund Outer Skerries
Giske archipelago · Vigra island approach · Valderøy anchorages
62°27.5'N 006°09.9'E
Depth
4–18m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
85m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m
85m in 4–15m on sand and mud. Good holding. The outer skerries provide shelter from the Atlantic but the E/SE side of each island is exposed to the inner fjord channel. Tidal streams up to 2 knots in the sounds — allow for set when anchoring near channel edges.
About This Anchorage
The Giske archipelago of islands west of Ålesund — Giske, Godøy, Vigra and Valderøy — forms the outer coastal barrier protecting Norway's most beautiful city. Ålesund itself was rebuilt entirely in the Art Nouveau style after a fire in 1904 (aided by Kaiser Wilhelm II who had a personal connection to the town) and is one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau urban design anywhere in the world. The outer skerries provide anchorages for boats arriving from or departing to the North Sea, or transiting to and from Geirangerfjord and Nordfjord. Giske island has a 12th-century marble church — one of the oldest stone churches in western Norway.
Protected From
W · NW · N · NE
Exposed To
E · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Allemannsretten applies. Ålesund Airport (Vigra) is on one of the outer islands — aircraft approach paths pass overhead; not a maritime restriction but notable. Military exercise areas exist in some outer skerry sections — check NAVTEX. Maintain 150m from inhabited dwellings.
Hazards
- !North Sea weather: the outer skerries are the first land to receive North Sea weather systems — conditions can deteriorate very rapidly; monitor yr.no and NAVTEX carefully
- !Borgundfjord shipping lane: the main coastal traffic route between Bergen and Ålesund passes through this area — large vessel traffic at all hours; maintain AIS and radar watch
- !Strong tidal streams in sounds between islands: 1–2 knots at springs; plan transits with fair tide
- !Seabird nesting: many outer skerries have restricted landing during bird nesting season (April–July 15) — respect posted signs
Skipper's Tips
- →Ålesund Art Nouveau: the city's Art Nouveau architecture (1904–1907 rebuild) is unique in Norway — the tourist walk map from the harbour covers all key buildings; extraordinary urban design
- →Aksla viewpoint: 418 steps up the hillside above Ålesund give a panoramic view of the fjord system, islands and Sunnmøre Alps — a must-do at sunset
- →Giske marble church: the 12th-century church built from marble quarried on the island is a remarkable historical site — dinghy landing and short walk
- →Ålesund fish market (Torget): the morning fish market on the inner harbour quay is one of Norway's finest — fresh cod, halibut and shrimp direct from the fishing boats
Facilities
Limited facilities on the outer skerries. Ålesund city (12nm E) has outstanding facilities: a renowned restaurant scene, several good supermarkets, chandlery and fuel. Guest harbour at Brosundet in the city centre.
Nearest provisions: Ålesund city centre (Brosundet guest harbour) (12nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. The outer skerries of Ålesund are a transit anchorage as much as a destination — useful for weather waiting for a North Sea departure or arrival. The city itself is a destination worth a 2-day stopover.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 85m
In Geirangerfjord, cruise ship wash and katabatic gusts can displace anchors rapidly. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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