Lyssna
Information on sailing conditions in Swedish archipelagos
Weather
Under stable summer weather conditions, the prevailing daytime wind is normally an easterly to southerly sea breeze of 8-9 m/s.
During conditions of instability, the most common low-pressure systems create first a southerly wind that shifts to westerly or northwesterly, which can be very strong, sometimes reaching 12-13 m/s.
Harbours
Guest harbours often provide very good sheltered moorings at buoys or between booms, with access to electricity, laundry, shower, WC, etc. Shops are usually located near the harbours.
When anchoring in natural harbours, leisure craft either swing at anchor or are anchored with the stem post facing shore. Particularly along Sweden´s southern coasts, there are many sheltered and attractive natural harbours with tranquil and unpopulated surroundings.
Bottom conditions vary, and it is advisable to be equipped with various types of anchors that can be cast from the stern for both soft and stony bottom conditions.
Other essential items are so-called pitons, wedges or ringed rock bolts that can be hammered into cracks in the rock. These enable secure mooring in natural harbours, as do plenty of extra long holding ropes.
Well-frequented harbours often have a simple cabin with waste disposal and a WC for the use of visitors. Boat toilets with direct evacuation must not be used in natural harbours.
Water quality in natural harbours is always sufficiently good for bathing. Water temperatures may vary quickly, but are normally between 17 and 21ºC during summer. Salinity is low. Seawater is clean and can be used for washing and even cooking, to a degree, though not for drinking. Drinking water is available at guest harbours and marinas.
Water levels in the Bay of Bothnia
There are no tides in the Bay of Bothnia. However, water level may vary according to wind direction. With northerly winds, water level falls and with southerly winds, water level rises.
Under hard wind conditions, water level can change quickly. It is not uncommon for water level to rise or fall as much as 0.5 metres during the course of an hour. Under extreme conditions, water level can be as much as 1.5 metres above or below normal level.
The normal range of variation is 0.5 to 0.8 metres. When anchoring in a shallow bay, bear in mind that the water level can fall quickly under northerly wind conditions.
Restricted or unrestricted?
Within the Swedish archipelagos, there are very few areas to which visitors are denied access for reasons of military security. In most archipelagos, EU citizens may move freely, anchor and moor where they wish, as long as they do not disturb local residents. Fishing with handheld equipment is also permissible in most areas.
This “right of common" also implies an obligation to treat nature with respect. Never light fires other than in designated fire-pits. Do not allow dogs to run free or disturb birds and wildlife. Regulations are listed in brochures.
Large sections of the archipelagos of southern Sweden are nature reserves. Access is generally permitted, but bird-nesting areas are always absolutely off limits, in some case for most of the summer. These areas are marked by red/yellow signs and are indicated on the Swedish leisure-boating charts.
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