Sandhamn
Sandhamnsviken · Sandhamn Anchorage
59°17.3'N 18°54.9'E
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m radius appropriate for 2–4m depth on sand/mud. Shorten to 45m if winds are light and holding confirmed. The harbour becomes very crowded July–August — check swing radius against neighbours carefully. Ferry wakes create short sharp chop — ensure anchor is well set before leaving the boat.
About This Anchorage
Sandhamn is the classic outer archipelago destination, sitting at the edge of the open Baltic 50km east of Stockholm. A sailing mecca since the 1800s, it is home to the Royal Swedish Yacht Club (KSSS) and hosts the famous Round Gotland Race finish. The village itself has restaurants, a bakery, boutique hotel, and a sandy beach popular with Stockholm day-trippers. The outer position means wind and swell from the south and east can reach the anchorage — Sandhamn is a fair-weather stop rather than a storm hole. In July the gästhamn fills completely before noon; arrive early or anchor off. The outer archipelago position offers spectacular sunsets over the inner skerries and excellent swimming from the boat in clear water.
Protected From
N · NW · W · SW
Exposed To
S · SE · E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (Allemansrätten)
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Bird sanctuary areas on nearby islets closed to landing Apr 1–Jul 31. No wash speed limits within 300m of shore. Gästhamn berths: 200–280 SEK/night separately.
Hazards
- !Heavy ferry and commuter boat traffic creating wash
- !Open to southerly and easterly Baltic swell
- !Very crowded anchorage in July–August — arrive before noon
- !Rocky shoals throughout outer approaches — use current charts
- !Isostatic uplift makes old chart depths unreliable near rocks
Skipper's Tips
- →Arrive before 10:00 in July–August to secure an anchorage spot with swinging room
- →KSSS gästhamn offers fuel and water but is reservation-only for members in peak season
- →Walk the marked trail across the island to the outer Baltic shore — spectacular scenery
- →Sandhamn bakery (Sandhamns Värdshus) opens early — worth the dinghy trip for fresh cinnamon rolls
- →Best anchorage is south of the main pier — less ferry wash than inside the harbour
- →The Round Gotland Race (late June) makes the harbour completely inaccessible — plan around it
Facilities
Several restaurants and cafes in the village, 5-min dinghy ride from anchorage
Nearest provisions: Sandhamn village (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
Season: June–August primary. Water temperature reaches 18–22°C in July–August, exceptional for swimming. September is quieter with settled conditions but cooling water. Avoid October–May: strong Baltic storms, ice risk November–March, limited services.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m
In the Stockholm Archipelago's tight granite coves, wind shifts from overnight thunderstorms can drag anchors rapidly. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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