Måseskär
Maaseskar · Måseskärs fyr
58°04.9'N 11°25.7'E
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m for 3–5m depth on sand/rock. Rock fouling is the main risk — use an anchor buoy and trip line as standard. The outer position means wind can shift quickly — keep 360° watch radius even in settled conditions.
About This Anchorage
Måseskär is a remote lighthouse island sitting on the outer edge of the Bohuslän coast, fully exposed to the North Sea swell in westerly conditions but offering a dramatic and peaceful lee anchorage in summer. The octagonal 1882 lighthouse has been automated since 1978, and the keeper's cottages are now rented as holiday accommodation. Landing is possible under Allemansrätten on the rocky shore. The island is a classic Bohuslän outer skerry — bare pink granite, a few wind-bent pines, and extraordinary sunsets over the open Kattegat. Only for experienced sailors who are comfortable with an exposed outer anchorage and careful rock navigation on approach.
Protected From
W · NW · N · NE
Exposed To
S · SE · E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (Allemansrätten)
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Bird sanctuary area on the small islets north of Måseskär closed Apr 1–Jul 31. No landing on the lighthouse building itself.
Hazards
- !Fully exposed to North Sea swell from W and SW — only tenable in settled conditions
- !Rock bottom — anchor buoy with trip line essential
- !Outer coast position means weather can deteriorate rapidly
- !No facilities — must be fully self-sufficient
- !Lobster pots on approach from all directions
- !Shallow ledges extend 50–100m from the island — approach with echo sounder running
Skipper's Tips
- →Only attempt in settled high-pressure conditions with W/SW forecast for 24+ hours
- →The sunset from the east anchorage over the open Kattegat is extraordinary — worth the effort
- →Lighthouse cottages can be rented by groups through Bohuslän county tourism
- →Bring all water and provisions — nothing available on the island
- →An anchor buoy is not optional here — rock bottom means you will need to trip the anchor
- →The approach from Smögen via the outer leads (yttre leden) is well marked but requires care
Facilities
Nearest provisions: Smögen (10nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
Suitable June–August in settled weather only. Not a harbour — it is an outer exposed anchorage for experienced crews. September onwards: North Sea depressions become more frequent and severe — not recommended.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m
On the Bohuslän coast, tidal streams and crab pot lines can complicate anchoring. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — alerting you the moment your anchor starts to drag.
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