Sweden — Gulf of Bothnia

Härnön

Härnön nature reserve · Härnön island anchorage

62°34.6'N 18°05.6'E

Depth

25m

Bottom

mud

Alarm Radius

55m

Holding

Good

Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius

55m

55m for mud/sand in 2–4m. The bay is adequately enclosed with good holding. Härnön's proximity to Härnösand (5nm) makes this an easy day sail with retreat option if weather deteriorates.

About This Anchorage

Härnön is the large island south of Härnösand city — a nature reserve with old-growth mixed forest, rocky coves, and a quiet atmosphere that contrasts with the city just 5nm away. The island was historically used for summer grazing and fishing, and the maintained meadows and old red-painted fishermen's cottages give it a timeless character. Being so close to the provisioning centre of Härnösand while still offering genuine wilderness anchorage makes Härnön an ideal first or last night stop in the Gulf of Bothnia. The island's trails reach the high ground for views over the Gulf and the outer skerries. Seals and osprey are common in the surrounding waters.

Protected From

N · NE · E · W · NW

Exposed To

S · SE · SW

Anchoring Rules

Anchoring fee
Free (Allemansrätten / Nature Reserve)
Permit required
No

Restrictions: Nature reserve: no fires on bare rock, stay on marked trails. Bird sanctuary areas closed Apr 1–Jul 31. No motor vehicles on the island.

Hazards

  • !S and SW Gulf of Bothnia exposure — moderate fetch in southerly conditions
  • !Rocky approach channels require current chart navigation
  • !No facilities — provision at Härnösand before visiting
  • !Isostatic uplift: rocky ledges may extend further than old charts show

Skipper's Tips

  • Perfect first night in the Gulf of Bothnia — anchor here after arriving at Härnösand to provision
  • Osprey nest on the island annually — visible from the anchorage in summer
  • The meadow trail through the island's maintained old farmland takes 90 minutes
  • Very few visiting boats — often entirely alone despite proximity to Härnösand
  • Good dinghy exploration of the outer skerries south of the island

Facilities

Water Fuel Restaurant Provisions WiFi

Nearest provisions: Härnösand city (5nm)

Best Months & Season

June, July, August

Season June–August. The proximity to Härnösand makes this viable as a shoulder-season stop in May and September if weather allows.

Recommended Anchor Types

RocnaMantusDelta

Set Your Anchor Alarm to 55m

In the remote Gulf of Bothnia, wind-driven water level changes and isostatic shoals require constant vigilance. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.

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