Risøy (Arendal Archipelago)
Arendal Skjærgård · Merdø anchorage · Arendal outer islands
58°23.2'N 008°43.9'E
Depth
3–9m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m in 3–8m on excellent mud. Merdø Island creates a natural shelter from W to N. Stern line ashore helps with swing control and keeps the boat stable in thermal night breezes. Eastern side of island is exposed to Skagerrak fetch — use only in westerly conditions.
About This Anchorage
The Arendal archipelago south of the historic town of Arendal (the 'Venice of Scandinavia' for its network of waterways and traditional wooden architecture) contains some of the finest cruising ground on the Norwegian south coast. Merdø island, just south of Arendal, is the jewel — a living museum island with 18th-century pilot station buildings, a farm, guided tours, and one of the most atmospheric overnight anchorages in Sørlandet. The island has been continuously inhabited for 400 years and the museum tells the story of the pilots who guided tall ships in and out of Arendal during its peak as Norway's biggest merchant fleet port.
Protected From
N · NW · W · SW
Exposed To
E · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Allemannsretten applies. Merdø is an open-air museum — respect the cultural heritage buildings. Landing is welcome, camping is restricted near the museum buildings. Fishing gear throughout the approach channel — watch carefully for floats.
Hazards
- !Skagerrak E/SE swell penetrates the eastern anchorage — always check forecast and choose the west-facing cove in any E wind
- !Fishing nets and crab pots around the island approaches — very prevalent; approach slowly and watch carefully
- !Arendal harbour approach has vessel traffic including ferries to the outer islands — maintain good watch when entering
- !Weekend crowding: Arendal archipelago is very popular with local boats on summer weekends — midweek is far quieter
Skipper's Tips
- →Merdø Museum is open summer only (late June–mid August) — time your visit to catch the pilot station museum and guided walks
- →Anchor off the NW cove of Merdø for the most sheltered overnight position; tie a stern line to the rock face to control swing
- →Arendal town is worth a half-day: the wooden Tyholmen quarter with its coloured facades is among Norway's best-preserved coastal townscapes
- →Norwegian Coast Guard forecast: call Arendal Radio on Ch. 26 or download the Norwegian Met Office (yr.no) app for hyperlocal weather
Facilities
Merdø island has a small summer café at the museum (seasonal). Full facilities in Arendal town (4nm): guest harbour with water, fuel, excellent restaurants, supermarkets, chandlery.
Nearest provisions: Arendal town centre / guest harbour (4nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. Arendal's Tall Ships Races and Canal Street music festival (late July/early August) create exceptional crowds in the town harbour — reserve a spot days in advance during these events.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
In Norway's skjærgård archipelago, summer katabatic squalls and tidal streams can drag anchors without warning. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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