Falsterbo
Falsterbo Huk · Skanör/Falsterbo · Öresund approach
55°23.2'N 12°49.1'E
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
65m for sand/mud in 2–3.5m. The Falsterbo peninsula juts into the Öresund — tidal currents from the strait can affect swing behaviour even in the anchorage. Allow extra scope. The busy Öresund shipping lane (one of the world's busiest) passes nearby — keep AIS on, maintain radar watch.
About This Anchorage
Falsterbo is at the southernmost tip of Sweden — the narrow sandy peninsula marking the western entrance to the Baltic Sea where the Öresund (between Sweden and Denmark/Copenhagen) meets the western Baltic. This is a strategic waypoint for all vessels transiting between the North Sea/Skagerrak and the Baltic. The Falsterbo peninsula is internationally famous for its autumn raptor migration (September–October) — one of Europe's largest bird migration concentration points. The medieval twin towns of Skanör and Falsterbo have medieval town halls and a network of beach holiday houses. The anchorage is a passage stop rather than a destination anchorage — Öresund currents and busy shipping make it demanding but essential for route planning.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE
Exposed To
S · SW · W · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (Allemansrätten)
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Öresund TSS (Traffic Separation Scheme) applies in the main channel — yachts must cross perpendicular to the traffic flow. VHF monitoring of Ch 16 and Ch 73 (VTS Malmö) mandatory when in the TSS area. Falsterbokanalen: transit fee approximately 120 SEK for yachts.
Hazards
- !Öresund TSS shipping lanes — among the world's busiest — cross perpendicular only
- !Tidal current up to 3kts through Öresund in strong N or S pressure gradient
- !Shallow sandbars throughout Falsterbo approaches — strictly follow buoyed channel
- !Falsterbokanalen entry sill: verify current depth before attempting (approx 2.8m)
- !Large Baltic ferry traffic (Trelleborg-Rostock/Lübeck, Malmö-Copenhagen) crosses the area
Skipper's Tips
- →Tide times (current) through Öresund: time your transit for the favourable current direction
- →Falsterbo Canal is the easier alternative to rounding Falsterbo Huk in strong SW conditions
- →Öresund Bridge (Malmö-Copenhagen) is visible from the anchorage — impressive engineering landmark
- →Autumn migration: September-October raptor counts at Falsterbo are extraordinary (150,000+ birds of prey daily in peak week)
- →Malmö Limhamn marina (5nm north) is an excellent provisioning stop with full marine facilities
- →VTS Malmö: monitor Ch 73 when in the TSS — they can advise on crossing windows
Facilities
Restaurants in Skanör/Falsterbo towns, 2nm from anchorage
Nearest provisions: Skanör town (2nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
Passage stop year-round but anchoring comfortable only June–August. Autumn (September–October) is compelling for bird migration watching but Baltic depressions become frequent. The Öresund is navigable year-round — no ice in the strait.
Recommended Anchor Types
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m
In Blekinge's shallow anchorages, Baltic storm surges can change water levels by 0.5m overnight. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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