Sundsvall outer skerries
Sundsvalls skärgård · Alnösundet approach
62°25.3'N 17°30.1'E
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m for excellent mud/clay in 2–4m. Alnö north bay is one of the better protected anchorages in the Sundsvall approaches. W and NW exposure is the main concern — Gulf of Bothnia can develop significant fetch from these directions. Extra scope in any westerly conditions.
About This Anchorage
Sundsvall is the largest city in the Gulf of Bothnia region — a significant industrial and commercial centre built in stone after the catastrophic fire of 1888. The outer skerries and the large island of Alnö (connected to the mainland by bridge) create a sheltered inner archipelago that contrasts with the city's industrial character. The Alnö island anchorages give quiet, forested surroundings close to full urban provisioning facilities. Sundsvall is the practical gateway to the High Coast region and has the most comprehensive marine services on the northern Gulf — fuel, chandlery, haul-out facilities, and transport connections. The surrounding Sundsvall archipelago is under-explored relative to the southern Gulf, offering genuinely remote skerry sailing.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW
Exposed To
W · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (Allemansrätten)
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Industrial port traffic in the main Sundsvall channel — monitor VHF Ch 16. Bird sanctuary areas on outer skerries Apr 1–Jul 31. Gästhamn at Sundsvall marina: 200–280 SEK/night.
Hazards
- !Industrial port traffic in Sundsvall main channel — monitor VHF Ch 16
- !W and NW exposure to Gulf of Bothnia in outer anchorages
- !Isostatic uplift — 8mm/year means old chart data may be inaccurate near rocks
- !Near-freshwater reduces buoyancy slightly vs salt water
Skipper's Tips
- →Sundsvall is the best-provisioned port in the northern Gulf — stock up for High Coast explorations
- →Alnö church (12th century) is one of the oldest stone buildings in northern Sweden
- →The stone city of Sundsvall (rebuilt after 1888 fire) is worth exploring — Art Nouveau buildings
- →Haul-out facilities at Sundsvall marina — the only reliable haulout north of Härnösand
- →Ferry to Helsinki from nearby Sundsvall terminal (seasonally) — crew change option
- →The outer skerries east of Alnö are excellent dinghy/kayak territory
Facilities
Full restaurant options in Sundsvall city centre, accessible by dinghy/bus from Alnö
Nearest provisions: Sundsvall city centre (8nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
Season June–August primary. Good shoulder-season stop in May and September given city services proximity. Ice risk November–March (Gulf of Bothnia freezes north of Sundsvall most winters).
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
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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