Ulvöhamn
Ulvö harbour · Ulvön island · Ulvöhamns fiskeläge
63°00.4'N 18°39.4'E
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
45m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
45m
45m is conservative but appropriate for the narrow enclosed harbour. The protection is so complete that even a 30m radius would be adequate in calm conditions. Prioritise not swinging into the gästhamn pontoons or the channel rather than maximising scope.
About This Anchorage
Ulvöhamn is one of the most extraordinary natural harbours in Sweden — a completely enclosed sound between two islands within the High Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fishing village on Norra Ulvön has been inhabited continuously since the 17th century and retains perfectly preserved red-painted fishing cottages, smokehouses, and the famous Ulvö Chapel (the oldest chapel in the Gulf of Bothnia, 1622). The island is also famous as the origin of Surströmming — the fermented Baltic herring that is a contentious Swedish delicacy. The UNESCO High Coast landscape surrounding Ulvöhamn is dramatic — cliffs rising 200m directly from the water, formed by the world's highest rate of post-glacial isostatic uplift. This is one of the finest anchorages in the entire Baltic region.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW · W · NW
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (Allemansrätten)
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: High Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site — respect all nature reserve rules. No fires on granite rock. Gästhamn fee: 180–260 SEK/night.
Hazards
- !Narrow entrance channel requires precise navigation — rocks on both sides
- !The harbour depth is 2–4m — enter slowly with echo sounder running
- !Remote location (30nm from Härnösand) — be self-sufficient with fuel and supplies
- !Isostatic uplift means entrance channel depths may vary from chart — use current Navionics
Skipper's Tips
- →Ulvö Chapel (1622) — oldest chapel in Gulf of Bothnia, remarkable painted folk-art interior
- →Surströmming experience: the island's famous smoked and fermented herring can be sampled at the restaurant
- →The cliff walk above the harbour to Högom (2 hours) gives jaw-dropping views over the High Coast
- →UNESCO World Heritage visitor centre on the island explains the isostatic uplift geology
- →Arrive before 16:00 — the entrance channel is narrow and the harbour small; first come, first served
- →Summer ferry from Kramfors/Bollstabruk connects the island to the mainland — crew change option
Facilities
Ulvöhamns Wärdshus — excellent restaurant in historic fishing village building
Nearest provisions: Ulvöhamns village shop (0.1nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
Season June–August. The island's remoteness and the High Coast landscape make this one of the best cruising destinations in northern Sweden. Very quiet — rarely more than 8–10 boats in the harbour even in peak season.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 45m
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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