Samsø — Ballen & Langør
Samsø · Ballen Havn · Langør · Samsø island
55°52.6'N 10°38.6'E
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
65m for the Samsø east coast anchorage in 2–4m. Open to east across the Great Belt/Kattegat junction — in easterly above F4 the anchorage is uncomfortable. Use Ballen harbour in easterly conditions.
Setting Your Anchor
- 1.Check eelgrass chart (DKSOS app or Navionics) — anchor only on sandy bottom free of vegetation; fine DKK 10,000
- 2.Use 5:1 scope minimum — the Kattegat is almost tideless (0.3m tidal range); scope is about depth and holding quality
- 3.Remember: anchoring is tolerated for 1 night only in unoccupied natural anchorages — it is not a legal right in Denmark
- 4.Set your anchor alarm to 65m before sleeping — Kattegat weather can deteriorate rapidly; be ready to leave
About This Anchorage
Samsø is the largest island in the Danish Kattegat (area 114km²) and Denmark's 'energy island' — famously the first energy-self-sufficient community in Denmark, running entirely on wind and solar power since 2007. The island is the geographic centre of Denmark and is reached by ferries from Kalundborg (Zealand) and Juelsminde (Jutland). The island is famous for its early potatoes (the finest in Denmark), strawberries, and a surprisingly vibrant arts community. The anchorages on the east coast at Ballen and Langør give shelter from the prevailing westerlies. The island is excellent for cycling — the terrain is gentle and the routes are well-marked.
Protected From
N · NW · W · SW
Exposed To
E · SE · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (anchoring); harbour fee approx DKK 140–175/night
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Eelgrass on inshore shallows — anchor in central sandy area; ferry traffic from Kalundborg and Juelsminde; anchoring tolerated 1 night; speed limit 5kt.
Hazards
- !Open to east across the Great Belt/Kattegat — uncomfortable in easterly above F4
- !Ferry traffic from Kalundborg and Juelsminde — maintain clear passage
- !Eelgrass on inshore shallows — anchor in central sandy area
- !Busy in July–August — arrive before 15:00
Skipper's Tips
- →Samsø new potatoes (Samsø kartofler) are the finest in Denmark — buy a bag at the roadside stalls in June/July; they are extraordinary
- →The 'energy island' visitor centre explains how Samsø became 100% renewable energy — fascinating community initiative
- →Cycle from Ballen to Tranebjerg (8km) then north to Langør (15km total) — gentle terrain, excellent marked routes
- →The Samsø strawberry season (June–July) means roadside stalls everywhere — stop and sample
Facilities
Ballen and Tranebjerg (main village) have restaurants and cafes. Excellent local produce including early potatoes, strawberries, and Samsø cheese. Full provisioning.
Nearest provisions: Tranebjerg town / Ballen harbour (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. Denmark's central island is an excellent all-round destination — good facilities, beautiful landscape, and remarkable local produce.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m
In the Kattegat, rapid weather changes and exposed anchorages make continuous GPS monitoring essential. Safety Anchor Alarm keeps watch so you can rest.
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