Kärdla Harbour
Kärdla sadam · Kardla
58°59.8'N 22°44.9'E
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
65m for good holding on mud/clay in 2–4m. Harbour is protected in most conditions. In W or NW gales, some surge possible — lines need to be checked.
About This Anchorage
Kärdla is the capital of Hiiumaa, Estonia's second-largest island and a place of remarkable tranquility — the entire island has fewer than 10,000 inhabitants. Hiiumaa is known for its lighthouse heritage (the Kõpu lighthouse, built 1531, is one of the oldest still-operating lighthouses in the world), its unspoiled boreal forest, juniper heaths, and the distinctive Hiiumaa dialect. The island has a strong maritime identity — the original Estonian navigators, the Hiiumaa sailors, were renowned throughout the Baltic in the 18th–19th centuries. Kärdla harbour is the main visitor landing point, with good access to the island's modest town facilities.
Protected From
N · NE · E · S
Exposed To
W · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Harbour fee approximately €10–15/night at visitor berths; free anchoring in outer approaches
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Speed limit in harbour. Hiiumaa Biosphere Reserve rules apply across the island. Check bird sanctuary areas in surrounding coast.
Hazards
- !Shallow approach channel — follow marked route carefully; chart depths to be respected
- !W and NW exposure — in westerly gales the harbour can be uncomfortable
- !Väinameri to the south is extremely shallow — do not attempt without verified channel pilotage
- !Limited fuel at harbour — plan fuel carefully if continuing in archipelago
Skipper's Tips
- →The Kõpu lighthouse (1531) is a 30-minute drive from Kärdla — one of Europe's oldest working lighthouses, extraordinary history
- →Hire a bicycle or car to explore the island — 1,023 km² with minimal traffic
- →The Hiiumaa nature trails through juniper heath are exceptional — UNESCO Biosphere Reserve protection means the landscape is pristine
- →Tahkuna lighthouse at the northern tip has a WWII bell monument — deeply moving memorial
- →Local smoked fish from the harbour area is excellent — ask at the harbour
Facilities
Small restaurants and cafés in Kärdla town. Basic supermarket within 500m. Fuel available by can from petrol station 1km away.
Nearest provisions: Kärdla town (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
June–August. Ice-free April–November. Best July–August. The island is quiet even in peak summer — genuine off-the-beaten-path destination.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m
In the shallow bays of the West Estonian Archipelago, anchor drag in an unfamiliar cove can put you aground before you wake. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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