Favorites
There will always be some places we visit that stand out more than others. Here is a brief description of some of them.
Norway
FÆRDER
Big and Little Hui
A port we always seek out when we sail past. The port is beautifully situated right out to sea.
Great longside spots on both islands, also for sailboats. Just be aware of where the larger rocks jut out from the shore under water. Can be a bit uncomfortable here in strong winds from the north and south.
It's great to go ashore and walk on the rocky cliffs out to sea, nice swimming opportunities and a fantastic sunset!
W 59°10.9'N 10°32.1'E
VEST AGDER
Børøy
We visited this harbor for the first time in the summer of 2021. The approach is somewhat narrow, but definitely manageable. You must use the approach from the south if you have a sailboat, as the approach from the north has an air gap of 14 meters.
When you enter, a lovely large bay opens up. Here it is possible to anchor in several places with good mud hold, and there are also several piers where you can lie down if you wish. The harbor is also very well protected from virtually all wind directions.
We had a fantastic day and evening here. We went for walks on land during the day and swam in the bay. In the evening there were lots of fish jumping around in the bay, and we also found oysters. A place that is great for young and old.
W 58°03.4'N 07°00.1'E
HOMBORSUND
Ålesøya
We were here for the first time in the summer of 2020. The weather was magnificent, and there was not much wind. When approaching, you have to pay close attention, as there are a couple of shoals of about 2 meters. Once inside, you can lie on the sway, or anchor with mooring against the shore.
The surrounding islands lie out to sea and are quite low, so you can feel the wind here, but in good weather the harbor is absolutely fantastic! You can move out onto the rocks all the way out to sea, there are small narrow straits between the islands with crystal clear water, and of course the perfect place for sunset!
W 58°15.0'N 08°29.5'E
KRAGERØ
Skrata
Some fantastic islands on the inside of Jomfruland. There are many reasons to be careful when sailing in, and inside the wedge there is not a lot of room to maneuver. The wind can be felt, but there is no sea here. In the outer part you can also lay longside with sailboats. The first time we were here, we took the boat at the very end of the channel. The boat we had then only stuck out 170 cm.
There are lots of small straits to explore by small dinghy or with a mask and snorkel. There are few places as idyllic as Skratta when the moon rises in the evening.
W 58°51.0'N 09°32.5'E
MANDAL
Langvika, Indre Odd
Norway's southernmost harbor. On Odd you will find nice rocky shores and several good anchorages. Here you really have the feeling of being at sea. You have the Skagerrak on "all sides". Even from the toilet by the cairn on the island's highest point you have a good view. Locally this is referred to as the world's best "toilet view".
You should try this harbor when the weather and wind allow it. It is exposed to both wind and sea currents. You can moor at a small pier just inside the inlet, or towards the mountain. It may be a good idea to use Langvika as a day harbor, and then pull in further for the night.
W 57°57.8'N 07°34.2'E
HYDRA
Kirkehamn
An incredibly lovely harbor to arrive at after sailing across Lista. A long and cozy wedge in from the sea, before a bay opens up with a church as a decoration. Idyllic is the best word we can think of.
W 58°13.9'N 06°31.8'E
Sweden
HAMBURG
Stora Håskär
Our most spectacular outing ever!
Located just inside the Väderöane. A narrow lien wedge, where it is not possible to turn the boat. That is, you have to back out. This means that you do not want swells when you are going out, as it is very narrow. You can lie longside when you are through the narrowest part.
But what a feeling when you lie there. Right out to sea, a seal colony right nearby swimming around. And if you go to the top of the island, you see the sun set into the sea.
W 58°32.7'N 11°10.4'E
TANUMSTRAND
Morö
Another one of those harbors, where there is only an islet separating you from the sea!
Decent approach, and you can lie longside almost at the very end of the bay. It is somewhat exposed to winds from the east, but otherwise a very good and sheltered harbor.
Here you can go ashore, walk out to sea and watch the waves crash over the rocky cliffs, and of course - the sunset through the gap between the islets!
W 58°39.8'N 11°09.2'E
MARSTRAND
Marstrand Harbour
We always want to visit Marstrand when we have the chance. Whether it's just to go and look at all the boats in the guest harbor, browse the shops or get something good to eat.
But the best thing about Marstrand is walking around the prepared paths on the island, standing and looking out over the sea where the waves crash against the shore.
If you need to buy food or need some equipment for the boat, there is a free ferry that runs continuously to the mainland. Only a five-minute trip.
W 57°53.0'N 11°35.3'E
FJALLBACKA
Vassholmarna
Just outside the entrance to Fjällbacka and a little north of Gluppö, lies this perfect longside spot. Vassholmarna is a series of islands that are not connected, but which you can take a dinghy to visit. On one of them there is also a small sandy beach.
Easy approach, but there may be some current in the strait when you are going to berth. There is enough depth to berth with a sailboat. Somewhat exposed to wind and sea from the southwest.
A lovely place to lie all to yourself, and you can walk straight onto the rocky cliffs from the boat to set up the barbecue or sunbathe!
W 58°15.0'N 08°29.5'E
ORUST
Käringöen Guest Harbour
Nowhere is like Käringön!
Often full in the guest harbor, but it is possible to anchor out in the bay. On land, you just need to reserve a table in advance at Peterson Krog, which must be one of the coziest restaurants there is, and not least good food!
After visiting the few shops along the guest harbor, take a walk on the island through small narrow walkways between the houses. Take a trip out to the rocky cliffs for a swim, and stop by Bedehuset for more good food or have a GT with homemade Tonic on the terrace.
W 58°06.9'N 11°22.2'E
KARLSKRONA
Utklippan
Utklippän is located as an outpost in the sea and consists of two islands, Norraskär and Södraskär. The first lighthouse on the island was built during the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century. The lighthouse that stands here now was completed in 1870. The harbor was originally built as a refuge for fishermen. This is a harbor where it should preferably be quiet when you enter, as there are both many shoals and a relatively narrow entrance. There are entrances from two sides, which makes it possible to enter in different wind directions.
Once inside the harbor, you are safe in all weather conditions. A wonderfully idyllic place, where you can row between the two islands to explore.
W 55°57.29'N 15°41.95'E
GOTLAND
Visby
Visby is located on the northwest side of Gotland and is the island's "capital" with approximately 22,000 inhabitants. Visby is one of Sweden's most popular tourist destinations and has a rich history.
The town is very cozy with small narrow streets and old houses. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants to visit. In Visby's inner harbor is Gotland's most popular guest harbor with space for about 250 boats.
Visby is also a very good starting point for exploring Gotland, something you should definitely do.
W 57°38.04'N 18°16.21'E
Denmark
ATTENDED
Anholt Harbour
A somewhat complicated approach is that there are sandbanks all around the island, which extend very far out. Once inside there is room for over 250 boats, but it can quickly become full in the summer months.
The harbor area itself is incredibly cozy with all the amenities you need. In addition to the usual, there is a barbecue area, exercise equipment, and more. And of course, plenty of places to eat with good food and drinks.
The island is also very nice to take a walk on, and there are definitely plenty of sandy beaches to settle down on.
WP 56° 42.88' N 11° 30.74' E
France
LA ROCHELLE
Vieux Port de La Rochelle - Port Des Minimes
La Rochelle is a city you MUST visit.
There are several alternative ports. A couple in the center where you have to enter at the right tide, and Port Des Minimes, which you can enter regardless of the tide, but which is located a little outside the city. Minimes is Europe's largest marina, and has everything you need for your boat right next to you.
WP 46° 09.25' N 1° 09.11' W
ÎL DE RÉ
St. Martin de Re
Saint Martin de Ré is an attractive and popular holiday destination with a bustling atmosphere, especially in the region around the port, which has many restaurants and shops.
Many of the houses around the port of Saint Martin de Ré have that old, faded beauty that makes a place particularly attractive: many of the buildings date from the 17th and 18th centuries and appear to have changed little over the past three centuries.
The harbor is only accessible at high tide, so you have to adjust when you get there based on when they open the locks. A very cozy little village with narrow streets, great seafood and bustling life.
WP 46° 12.40' N 1° 22.09' W
GROIX ISLAND
Port Tudy
Ile de Groix has a port called Port Tudy in the north of the island. There are visitor pontoons, but it gets very busy in the summer. Ferries enter the port throughout the day bringing visitors to the island.
Ideally located, the port is 800 metres from the village where you will find all the necessary shops and services. With 350 moorings, including around fifty for visitors on pontoons, the port is a lively place and a must for all visitors. The port quickly fills up in the summer.
The best thing about this port is the island. Rent a bike at the port and take a ride around the island - you won't regret it.
WP 47° 38.66' N 3° 26.88' W
FINISTÈRE
Camaret-sur-Mer
On the way into the fjord to Brest, Camaret is on the starboard side. Nice guest harbor at the very end of the harbor (Port Vauban). Also possible to anchor out in the bay. Here are old fishing boats pulled up on the land, boats lying on the bottom, only supported by poles at low tide, and a cozy little village with lots of artists in the small narrow streets. Also a nice starting point for a walk out to the sea to watch the weather.