Barsta (Skuleskogen approach)
Barsta bay · Skuleskogen National Park anchorage
62°56.2'N 18°21.9'E
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m for mud/sand in 2–4m. SW and W exposure to Gulf of Bothnia fetch is the main concern. In settled high-pressure conditions the anchorage is excellent — the dramatic cliff setting makes it one of the most visually spectacular in Sweden. If SW winds develop, move to Ulvöhamn (15nm north) for shelter.
About This Anchorage
Barsta cove sits at the foot of Skuleskogen National Park — a UNESCO-listed High Coast landscape of dramatic granite cliffs rising vertically from the sea to over 295m (the highest coastal cliffs in Sweden south of the Arctic). The national park is one of the finest examples of isostatic rebound landscape in the world: boulder fields, raised beaches, and cliffs sculpted by glaciers that retreated 9,000 years ago. Landing from the anchorage gives direct access to the park's trail network, including the famous Slåttdalsskrevan — a narrow canyon formed by a rock fault. The anchorage itself is functional rather than perfect, but the combination of dramatic High Coast scenery and direct national park access makes it one of the most memorable stops in the Gulf of Bothnia.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE
Exposed To
S · SW · W · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (Allemansrätten / National Park)
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Skuleskogen National Park: stay on marked trails, no picking plants, no fires outside designated fire sites. UNESCO World Heritage Site rules apply. Bird nesting areas Apr 1–Jul 31 closed to approach.
Hazards
- !SW and W exposure to Gulf of Bothnia fetch — leave in SW winds above F4
- !Remote location — nearest fuel and provisions at Härnösand (28nm)
- !Isostatic uplift: approach rocks may differ from charts — use echo sounder
- !No facilities — fully self-sufficient operation
- !Cliff-top trails can be slippery after rain — appropriate footwear essential
Skipper's Tips
- →Slåttdalsskrevan canyon trail (3 hours return) is the highlight of Skuleskogen NP — extraordinary geological formation
- →The climb to Skuleberget summit (283m, with cable car from the road) gives 360° views over the Gulf
- →Only attempt as a day stop or overnight in settled high-pressure conditions
- →Bring hiking boots — the national park trails are rocky and steep
- →The 8mm/year isostatic uplift is visible in raised beach terraces at various heights — a living geology lesson
- →Dawn and dusk light on the cliffs from the anchorage is exceptional — stay for the full day
Facilities
Nearest provisions: Härnösand (mainland) (28nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
Best July–August in settled conditions. June can have late spring storms on the Gulf. September offers beautiful autumn colours on the cliff vegetation but increasing SW storms.
Recommended Anchor Types
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m
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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