Utö
Utö harbour · Gruvbyn
58°58.3'N 17°59.0'E
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
65m accounts for soft mud/clay bottom where anchors set deeply but drag risk increases in southerly swells. Give extra scope (at least 5:1) if south or SW wind is forecast — the outer archipelago position means open Baltic fetch.
About This Anchorage
Utö is the southernmost inhabited island of the Stockholm Archipelago, sitting at the outer edge of the skerry garden where the Baltic opens up. The island has a fascinating history — iron ore was mined here from the 12th century until 1879, and the abandoned mine shafts and workers' village (Gruvbyn) are preserved as heritage. Today Utö is famous for its bike trails, bakery (one of Sweden's best), and windswept outer beauty. The anchorage in the harbour is adequate in settled weather but the exposed position means Utö is a destination anchorage rather than an all-weather harbour. The outer skerries provide dramatic sailing and the southern approach from Nynäshamn passes spectacular rock formations.
Protected From
N · NE · E · W · NW
Exposed To
S · SE · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (Allemansrätten)
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Bird sanctuary areas around outer skerries closed Apr 1–Jul 31. Gästhamn fee: 200–280 SEK/night at the main pier.
Hazards
- !Open southerly and SW Baltic exposure — uncomfortable in any southerly wind
- !Strong tidal-equivalent flows through outer passages during pressure changes
- !Rocky outer approach with shallow ledges — approach via marked fairway only
- !Island bikes and day-trippers from Stockholm ferries make the village very busy in July
Skipper's Tips
- →Utö Bakery: cinnamon rolls and sourdough fresh from 08:00 — worth anchoring just for breakfast
- →Rent bikes at the harbour to explore the island's 8km of forest trails
- →The abandoned iron mine is open for guided tours in summer — fascinating history
- →Approach from NE via Huvudfarleden — the southern approach has unlit rocks
- →Leave the anchorage before southerly frontal systems — no shelter once wind goes south
- →Waxholmbolaget ferry connection allows crew changes from Stockholm Strömkajen
Facilities
Utö Värdshus hotel restaurant and Utö Bakery in the village
Nearest provisions: Utö village (Gruvbyn) (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
Season June–August. Bakery operates year-round but ferry service reduces greatly October–May. The windswept outer position makes it unattractive outside summer.
Recommended Anchor Types
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m
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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