Visby
Visby Hamn · Visby Yttre Redd · Gamla Stan Gotland
57°38.5'N 18°17.5'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m for outer roadstead in 4–7m. The Gotland west coast is exposed to the full Baltic westerly fetch — any wind shift to W or NW makes the outer anchorage untenable quickly. Keep an anchor watch and be prepared to move immediately if westerlies develop. Always use an anchor buoy — rock ledges beneath sand are common.
About This Anchorage
Visby is one of the most extraordinary medieval cities in northern Europe — a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995 for its exceptionally preserved Hanseatic merchant city walls (3.4km intact circuit), Gothic churches, and cobbled streets. The city was the most powerful Hanseatic trading city in the Baltic during the 12th–14th centuries. Today Visby is Gotland's capital and the main arrival port for the island. The medieval week festival in August attracts 40,000 visitors and makes the harbour extremely congested. The outer anchorage is viable in E and SE conditions but Gotland's west coast is ruthlessly exposed to westerly Baltic swell — this is a destination anchorage requiring the right weather window, not a refuge. The ferry terminal handles multiple daily services to/from mainland Sweden.
Protected From
E · SE · S
Exposed To
N · NW · W · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (Allemansrätten) for outer roadstead
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Give way to Destination Gotland ferries at all times — they operate on fixed schedules and cannot manoeuvre easily. Inner gästhamn berths: 300–400 SEK/night.
Hazards
- !Fully exposed to W and NW Baltic fetch — outer anchorage untenable in any westerly
- !Large ferry wash from Destination Gotland ferries (multiple daily)
- !Rock ledges beneath sand — anchor buoy with trip line essential
- !Medieval week (August) makes entire Visby area extremely congested
- !Approach from west: open Baltic crossing 90nm from Nynäshamn — plan passage carefully
Skipper's Tips
- →Only anchor in outer roadstead with E or SE forecast for at least 24 hours — monitor carefully
- →The medieval city walls and 13 ruined church towers are unmissable — plan at least one full day ashore
- →Almedalen Week (political event, early July) and Medieval Week (August) — gästhamn books out months ahead
- →Best approach from Stockholm: sail Nynäshamn → Visby (90nm, overnight passage) in settled conditions
- →Gotland lamb, saffron pancakes, and Gotlandsdricka (traditional beer) are the island's culinary specialities
- →Gotland is bicycle-friendly — rent bikes from the harbour for countryside day trips
Facilities
Extensive restaurants and cafes throughout the medieval city
Nearest provisions: Visby city centre (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
Season June–August. Medieval Week (second week of August) is the island's biggest event — extraordinary experience but harbour and town are at maximum capacity. May and September offer the island with fewer tourists and often settled E conditions.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
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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