Stora Karlsö
Stora Karlsö fågelreservat · Great Karlsö
57°17.2'N 17°57.9'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
65m for fair-holding sand/rock bottom in 4–7m. Day anchorage only — the open east exposure and poor holding quality mean overnight stay only in genuinely settled conditions. Rock fouling likely without anchor buoy/trip line.
About This Anchorage
Stora Karlsö is a small island 7km west of Gotland's west coast, managed as a strictly protected nature reserve and home to the largest razorbill colony in the world (approximately 20,000 pairs), along with guillemots, auks, and peregrine falcons nesting on the dramatic limestone cliffs. The island is privately managed by the Karlsö Hunting and Nature Preservation Association (established 1886 — one of the oldest private nature reserves in the world). Guided tours of the island run from Klintehamn in summer. Landing is restricted to the designated landing area (south side) and the tour path. Approaching within 100m of the cliff faces during nesting season (Apr–Aug) disturbs the birds. The anchorage on the east side is spectacular but holding is compromised by limestone bedrock.
Protected From
W · SW · NW · N
Exposed To
E · SE · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (Allemansrätten)
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Landing only permitted at the designated south landing area with a guide (book via Karlsöbolaget, klintehamn.se). No landing on cliff-face shore or north end. Bird reserve rules: 100m minimum distance from nesting cliffs Apr 1–Aug 31. No drones near the colony.
Hazards
- !Rock/limestone bottom throughout — anchor buoy with trip line mandatory
- !Fully open to E and NE Baltic swell — day anchorage only in settled conditions
- !Island sits in open Baltic west of Gotland — western swells in any W or NW wind
- !No facilities — must be self-sufficient
- !Bird reserve rules strictly enforced — maintain 100m from cliffs during nesting
Skipper's Tips
- →Book the island guided tour from Klintehamn in advance — extremely popular in July
- →Razorbill and guillemot cliff display (June–July) is one of Europe's great wildlife spectacles
- →Day anchorage only — sail back to Klintehamn or Visby for overnight
- →An anchor buoy is non-negotiable — limestone bottom is riddled with ledges
- →Bring binoculars — peregrine falcons nest on the south cliff face and are easily seen
- →The island is visible from the Gotland west coast sailing route — adds almost no extra distance
Facilities
No facilities at anchorage. Guided tour includes refreshments
Nearest provisions: Klintehamn (Gotland west coast) (7nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
Day visit May–August during bird nesting season. Tour boats operate June–August from Klintehamn. The west-of-Gotland position makes the island most approachable in E and SE conditions when Gotland's west coast is sheltered.
Recommended Anchor Types
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m
In the open Baltic near Gotland, sudden westerlies can build steep seas quickly. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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